#FIRSTLOOK: 2025 PTP PINK AWARDS HIGHLIGHTS

The PTP Pink Awards 2025 sparkled tonight at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel with a vibrant celebration of 2SLGBTQIA+ excellence, bringing together Changemakers, advocates, and allies from across the country.

The room buzzed with a veritable who’s who from the queer community including the five Pink Awards Champions Bilal Baig, Carole Pope, Devery Jacobs, Douglas Elliott, and Harper Steele; Pink Carpet host Shannon Burns, style expert and presenter Myles Sexton; Canada’s Drag Race Season 6 participants Eboni La’Belle, Star Doll, and Van Goth; Daniel MacIvor: Vanessa Dunn of Vag Halen; actors Kathleen Munroe, Qasim Khan and Sergio Di Zio; producer Julie Bristow and actor Wendy Crewson; and musical icon Sam Smith and Legacy Award winner Beverly Glenn-Copeland.

The evening of solidarity was punctuated with several powerful moments, culminating to the presentation of the Legacy Award in which Sam Smith declared Beverly Glenn-Copeland “a true statesman of the queer community, a calming force for our times, a singer and songwriter whose voice is capable of taking me to places I have always dreamt of being transported to.” Beverly Glenn-Copeland and his wife Elizabeth Copeland in turn provided one of the most touching performances of the evening with their song Harbour (Song for Elizabeth).

Guests were also treated to captivating performances by Canada’s premier male choral ensembles Forte Gay Men’s Chorus, singer-songwriter and CTV’s The Launch winner T. Thomason, the legendary pop/country/fierce femme band Shania Twink, with an explosive special appearance by agent provocateur and Pink Award Champion, Carole Pope.

PTP’s Executive Director and CEO, David Walberg best expressed the sentiment of the evening when he stated, “Our origins insist that we must tell our own stories, that we must celebrate our wins and lift up our own everyday heroes. That’s what we’ve been doing since 1971 – for more than 50 years – and that’s what we are doing here, with all of you, tonight. The very fact that we are here tonight, at this event, coming from different facets across our community and our allies, represents a meaningful expression of solidarity.”

Co-hosted by Emily Hampshire and Hollywood Jade, the gala honoured this year’s Champions for their extraordinary contributions to queer visibility and progress. Each champion selected an organization to be recognized as a 2025 Changemaker, with every recipient receiving a minimum $5,000 donation plus proceeds from ticket sales and the event’s Silent Auction, which featured exclusive items such as a Taylor Swift–autographed acoustic guitar, a Tuscany retreat, a boudoir session by Jie Su Studios, signed Raptors merch, and a glam experience from P1M.

The 2025 Changemakers recognized were:

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

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

CANFAR (Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research), championed by Carole Pope – Advancing HIV/AIDS research, education, and awareness.

Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance (W2SA), championed by Douglas Elliott – Advocating for the well-being, visibility, and rights of Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQQIA+ people across the Wabanaki Territories.

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

Following the ceremony, attendees continued the celebration at 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. Proceeds from both the gala and after-party support the charities championed by the honourees.

The Pink Awards 2025 were proudly presented with the support of DECIEM: The Abnormal Beauty Company, BMO, and The Fairmont Royal York, whose shared commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and community empowerment embodies 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.”

(Photo credit: Lilac Media Group)

#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.”

#FIRSTLOOK: 2025 PINK AWARDS TO TAKE PLACE IN TORONTO NOVEMBER 6

Pink Triangle Press (PTP), one of the world’s longest-running 2SLGBTQIA+ media organizations today announced groundbreaking actor Bilal Baig, lawyer and human rights advocate Douglas Elliott, award-winning actor/filmmaker/activist Devery Jacobs, agent provocateur/musician Carole Pope, and comedy writer Harper Steele as the Pink Awards 2025 Champions. The incomparable Beverly Glenn-Copeland, Canadian singer-songwriter and actor receives the 2025 Legacy Award presented by music icon, Sam Smith. The Pink Awards take place on November 6 at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto directly followed by the official Pink Awards After Party produced in association with Precious Cargo by Common Froot at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre.

Co-hosted by the previously announced award-winning actor Emily Hampshire and Canada’s Drag Race resident choreographer Hollywood Jade, with Virgin Radio personality Shannon Burns hosting the pink carpet, the evening will boast some of the community’s brightest stars and allies including style expert and HIV activist, Myles Sexton as well as one of Canada’s finest filmmakers, Patricia Rozema.

“I catch my breath when I look at the impact our champions have on the world and for our community,” said David Walberg, Executive Director and CEO. “The Pink Awards are an evening of celebrating this, in Queer Joy, but it is also a night of solidarity, especially in the current climate where 2SLGBTQIA+ voices are challenged or silenced. We are proud to stand together and honour those who are creating change and building a more inclusive future. Our champions embody that spirit by sharing their time, talent, and platform to lift up charities whose work strengthens us all.”

To keep the celebration going after the Pink Awards festivities, guests are invited to the official Pink Awards After Party produced in association with Precious Cargo by Common Froot at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. The after party, running from 10:30 PM to 3 AM, will keep the energy of the gala alive with beats from favourites DJ Levi and DJ Crochana. Bringing together champions, presenters, and guests, it’s a night of music, dancing, and community connection. Designed to celebrate queer joy and creativity, the party will showcase Common Froot’s signature inclusive vibe and keep the spotlight on 2SLGBTQIA+ excellence well into the night.

The 2025 Pink Awards gala is proudly presented with the support of Deciem and BMO whose commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and community impact reflects the spirit of the event. The official Pink Awards After Party, hosted by Common Froot, is sponsored by Durex, a brand long associated with celebrating sex-positivity and authentic self-expression. Together, these partners help make possible a Canadian first — a national celebration dedicated entirely to recognizing 2SLGBTQIA+ excellence and impact.

For information on sponsorship opportunities, table sales, After Party tickets, or ways to get involved, please visit www.pinktrianglepress.com/ptp-pink-awards/.

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.”

#FIRSTLOOK: 2025 PINK AWARDS TO TAKE PLACE NOVEMBER 6, 2025

Pink Triangle Press (PTP), one of the world’s longest-running 2SLGBTQIA+ media organizations, announced the return of the Pink Awards taking place on November 6, 2025 at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto. The celebratory evening is co-hosted by award-winning actor Emily Hampshire, a longtime supporter of Pink Triangle Press, alongside Canada’s Drag Race resident Choreographer Hollywood Jade. The pre-awards pink carpet is hosted by Bell Media’s popular radio personality Shannon Burns. The 2025 Pink Awards celebrates the immeasurable commitment and contribution of prominent 2SLGBTQIA+ leaders, creatives, and activists from the past year who in turn pay-it-forward to support front line charities serving the community. Award recipients and champions will be announced in September.

In building the second edition of the Pink Awards, PTP is also proud to announce the newly formed Gala Advisory Committee bringing together some of North America’s strongest industry leaders who have tirelessly advocated for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community throughout their careers. Working as ambassadors for the Gala are Julie Bristow, Founder of Catalyst, Mark S. Bonham, Executive Director of The Veritas Foundation, Heaton Dyer, Media Executive, Mark Skallerud, President of Pink Media, and Justin Stockman, Vice-President, Content Development & Programming at Bell Media.

“Bringing back the Pink Awards for a second year is a joyful celebration of queer creativity, resilience, and brilliance. Our community is facing a cruel backlash right now, and in light of these challenges, it’s more important than ever to create a space where we can celebrate and lift up one another,” said David Walberg, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer at Pink Triangle Press. “We are incredibly grateful to welcome our hosts Emily, Hollywood and Shannon whose energy and passion are unwavering. None of this would be possible without the dedicated support of our sponsors, and community champions whose belief in queer advocacy helps make this celebration a reality. The Pink Awards are more than an event—they’re a vibrant reminder of the power of visibility, pride, and solidarity.”

Last year’s inaugural event was hosted by Queen Priyanka, drag pop superstar and Canada’s Drag Race winner. Participants included actor/writer/producer Elliot Page, professional hockey player Marie-Philip Poulin, activist Latoya Nugent, with performances by Rufus Wainwright, Jeremy Dutcher and Katie Tupper. Longtime philanthropist and activist Salah Bachir was honoured with the Legacy Award.

The Pink Awards are presented by return partner DECIEM: The Abnormal Beauty Company, and sponsored by The Fairmont Royal York Hotel, BMO, and Durex. The Globe and Mail and iHeartRadio join the Pink Awards as media partners. Additional sponsors to be announced shortly.

Early bird tickets are now available by visiting PTP Pink Awards.

About Pink Triangle Press:

Pink Triangle Press (PTP) is Canada’s leading 2SLGBTQIA+ media and content organization. Founded in 1971, Pink Triangle Press 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.”