INSPIRE Awards - Welcome to the INSPIRE Awards... Other stories to tell...

When you spend your entire life working tirelessly on behalf of our community, you deserve huge applause. Two individuals will be honoured each year. The honours will go to those who made significant contributions to better the lives of others in the LGBTQ community over an entire career or a lifetime rather than a single act or short-term contribution.

A stunning trophy will be awarded to each of the two annual recipients on behalf of the organization, our partners, and the community.

An inspiring person who has significantly improved the quality of life in the LGBTQ community as well as the broader community. This award recognizes an individual's achievement in furthering the causes important to the LGBTQ community, such as eliminating discrimination and homophobia and advancing civil rights for the LGBTQ community in our region, but will also recognize achievements in social justice and humanitarian work.

$1,000 Cash Prize – Award Sponsored by PinkPlayMags

$150 Gift Certificate – Award Sponsored by Priape

An inspiring youth who has excelled in improving the lives and visibility of the LGBTQ community, especially with regards to LGBTQ youth. The award acknowledges the youth's accomplishments and the contributions they have made to their communities, whether be it in their homes, schools, athletic or academic teams, or other social groups. This individual should have a consistent and significant list of contributions to the LGBT community and is a role model to youth. This youth is a leader of today who shows a promise for the future, is out, and have made a difference by overcoming obstacles in their own lives, or by working on projects that have benefited their community.

$1,000 cash Prize – Award Sponsored by PinkPlayMags

An inspiring LGBTQ or LGBTQ positive business that is leading the way with a soaring entrepreneurial spirit; this spirit is demonstrated by the business performance and innovation. The business and their owners must promote equality, above average customer service, and must contribute to the LGBTQ community with initiatives throughout the year. The award is open to any size business.

One Quarter Page ad space in PinkPlayMags in any 3 (three) selected issues in a year's cycle valued at $485 per ad - Award Sponsored by PinkPlayMags

One Year Business Membership – Award Sponsored by Ontario Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce

An inspiring not-for-profit or charity organization operating in the LGBTQ community that has should leadership and visions, maybe celebrating a milestone, or has launched effective programs over the year period. Our LGBTQ community is championed by many wonderful and inspiring organizations and we hope over the many years to come we will get to honour as many of these organizations as we can.

One Full Year of exposure on the INSPIRE Awards website with a call to drive donations

One Quarter Page ad space in PinkPlayMags in any two selected issues in a year's cycle valued at $485 per ad - Award Sponsored by PinkPlayMags

There are many amazing LGBTQ people have lit the creative path for others to follow. There are those who have shared their creative vision and voice, and those who have worked behind the scenes supporting the creative dream. Named after a unit of light, the LUX Award is given posthumously to a Canadian LGBTQ person who made a significant contribution to the arts during their lifetime. This award is a collaboration of 10x10 Photography Project,  Canadian Lesbian & Gay Archives, and INSPIRE Awards.

A specially framed image of this recipient will unveiled at the awards and will be displayed during the 10x10 Photography Project annual exhibition and included in the publication. After the exhibition, the portrait will be on display for a year at Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives.