The PTP Pink Awards saw Champions like Elliot Page and Rufus Wainwright honour trailblazing changemakers paving the way for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities
TORONTO, ON – On November 07, Pink Triangle Press (PTP) celebrated the inaugural Pink Awards — a star-studded evening of celebration honouring Canada’s 2SLGBTQIA+ changemakers. Hosted by Canada’s Drag Race winner Queen Priyanka and Etalk Reporter and iHeartRadio Correspondent Shannon Burns, the Pink Awards took place at the Globe and Mail Centre in Toronto with portions of the night live streamed by Xtra Magazine.
The evening featured 5 iconic Canadians (Champions) on stage with each recognizing an outstanding charity for its contributions to 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Each champion also took part in a video series highlighting the achievements of their respective charity, which debuted onscreen at the event.
“The world got a lot more difficult for 2SLGBTQIA+ people this week.” says David Walberg, Executive Director and CEO at PTP. “As we brace ourselves to fight more backlash, we recognize the need and the importance of creating a space where we celebrate our own as we truly are. The Pink Awards honours the real people doing the real work of uplifting our communities.”
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow addressed the audience, reflecting on decades of progress made by 2SLGBTQIA+ communities while acknowledging the work that remains to be done. She closed her remarks with a promise of continued allyship to come from the mayor’s office.
Actor, writer, and producer Elliot Page took to the stage to present the first Pink Award to Skipping Stone, an Alberta based charity supporting trans and gender diverse individuals.
Activist Latoya Nugent awarded Among Friends, a program supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ refugee claimants.
Musician Jeremy Dutcher was onstage to present a Pink Award to 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations, an organization celebrating 2-Spirit peoples and providing physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual advocacy.
Musician Rufus Wainwright presented a Pink Award to pflag Canada, an organization dedicated to helping 2SLGBTQIA+ people and loved ones connect with resources and find community.
Actress Emily Hampshire (Schitt’s Creek) made a surprise appearance on-stage to recognize The You Can Play Project with a Pink Award on behalf of PWHL superstar and fellow-Montrealer, Marie-Philip Poulin, who was out of town representing Team Canada at the Rivalry Series.
The evening featured musical performances from iconic Canadian artists. Katie Tupper gave a powerful performance of her song, Little Love followed by Rufus Wainwright who amazed the crowd with an emotional rendition of his song, Going to a Town — performing it for the first time since the 2024 American election. And Polaris Prize winner Jeremy Dutcher closed out the evening’s entertainment with a performance of his song, The People Are Rising.
At the end of the night, longtime philanthropist and activist Salah Bachir was recognized with a Legacy Award, presented by Canada Media Fund’s Mathieu Chantelois, for his continued championing of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
DECIEM: The Abnormal Beauty Company, presenting partner of the 2024 Pink Awards
BMO, awards sponsor of the 2024 Pink Awards
Media Sponsors: The Globe and Mail, iHeartRadio, Playback Magazine, Everything Podcasts
Publicity photos will be available here. Imagery can be credited to Vanessa Patton for Lilac Media Group.
Social Media/Website
Instagram: @pinktrianglepress, @lilacmediagroup
Website: pinkawards.ca
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 the 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.”
For more information, contact:
Mitchell Cheeseman (He/Him), Senior Manager of Brand & Marketing Communications mitchell.cheeseman@ptp.media
For media inquiries, please contact:
Nat Foote (She/They), rock-it promotions, natalie@rockitpromo.com
Kate Urquhart (She/Her), rock-it promotions, kate.urquhart@rockitpromo.com