#FIRSTLOOK: PINK TRIANGLE PRESS PINK AWARDS CELEBRATE 2025 CHANGEMAKERS

The Pink Triangle Press (PTP) Pink Awards, a national celebration dedicated entirely to recognizing 2SLGBTQIA+ excellence and impact, is turning the spotlight on the Changemakers shaping queer communities across the country. This year’s previously announced Champions, Bilal Baig, Devery Jacobs, Carole Pope, Douglas Elliott, and Harper Steele will be recognized for their outstanding contributions, and will take part in honouring organizations making a significant impact within 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. From advocacy and health initiatives to arts and culture, these Changemakers are building a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient future for 2SLGBTQIA+ people. The PTP Pink Awards will take place at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel on Nov. 6, 2025.

The 2025 Changemakers are:

Bilal Baig champions Paprika Festival – Amplifying queer voices through paid training and mentorship in the performing arts.

Devery Jacobs champions the Native Youth Sexual Health Network – Empowering Indigenous youth to lead initiatives on sexual health and cultural reclamation.

Carole Pope champions CANFAR (Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research) – Driving HIV/AIDS research, education, and awareness.

Douglas Elliott champions Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance (W2SA) – Dedicated to advocating for the well-being, visibility, and needs of Two-Spirits and Indigenous LGBTQQIA+ across the Wabanaki Territories.

Harper Steele champions Friends of Ruby – Supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ youth through free counselling, housing, and social services.

Each Changemaker will receive a donation of a minimum of $5,000 plus proceeds from the evening’s ticket sales and Silent Auction which include Taylor Swift Autographed-Acoustic Guitar, a Boudoir Photo Session by Jie Su Studios, a Tuscany retreat, signed Raptors merch, Glam session from P1M, among several others.

The evening of celebration will feature musical performances by one of Canada’s premier male choral ensembles Forte Gay Men’s Chorus, singer-songwriter and CTV’s The Launch winner T. Thomason, and the legendary pop/country/fierce femme band Shania Twink, with a special appearance by Carole Pope. Beverly Glenn-Copeland who receives the 2025 Legacy Award will also perform.

Previously announced guests also include co-hosts Hollywood Jade, Emily Hampshire, Shannon Burns, style expert and health advocate Myles Sexton, award-winning filmmaker Patricia Rozema, and Sam Smith who will present the 2025 Legacy Award to Beverly Glenn-Copeland.

Tickets to the Pink Awards can be purchased here. Tickets to the official Pink Awards After Party at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre produced in association with Precious Cargo by Common Froot and sponsored by Durex can be purchased here. Proceeds from the evening support the charities being recognized.

The 2025 Pink Awards gala is proudly presented with the support of DECIEM: The Abnormal Beauty Company, BMO and The Fairmont Royal York whose commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and community impact reflects the spirit of the event.

About Pink Triangle Press:

Pink Triangle Press (PTP) is Canada’s leading not-for-profit 2SLGBTQIA+ media and content organization. Founded in 1971, PTP produces 2SLGBTQIA+ journalism at Xtra Magazine and through a variety of content distribution channels in Canada and abroad. The Press also operates travel site Pink Ticket Travel, a gay adult dating website, and has produced a number of television projects. The organization began as a gay liberation newspaper, The Body Politic, named by Masthead Magazine as one of “Canada’s 20 most influential magazines of all time.”