• Make a Donation
  • Contact the Board
  • Monument
INSPIRE Awards
  • The Awards
    • About the Awards
    • Nominate
    • Jury Panel
    • How Recipients Are Selected
  • Nominees & Recipients
    • 2022 Nominees and Recipients
    • 2020/2021 Nominees and Recipients
    • 2019 Nominees and Recipients
    • 2018 Nominees & Recipients
    • 2017 Nominees & Recipients
    • 2016 Nominees & Recipients
    • 2015 Nominees & Recipients
    • 2014 Nominees & Recipients
    • 2013 Nominees & Recipients
    • 2012 Nominees & Recipients
    • 2011 Nominees & Recipients
  • Sponsors
  • Media
    • Press Release April 1st, 2021
    • Photos
      • 2019 Photos
      • 2018 Photos
      • 2017 Photos
      • 2016 Photos
      • 2015 Photos
      • 2014 Photos
      • 2013 Photos
      • 2012 Photos
      • 2011 Photos
    • INSPIRE Awards Full Broadcasts
      • INSPIRE Awards Full Broadcast 2019
      • INSPIRE Awards Full Broadcast 2018
      • INSPIRE Awards Full Broadcast 2017
      • INSPIRE Awards Full Broadcast 2016
    • Performances & Interviews
  • Blog
  • Search
  • Menu Menu
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
PreviousNext
12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940414243444546

INSPIRE Awards 2012

INSPIRE Awards Recipients & Nominees for 2012

Click the “+” button before each name to read the bio for the nominees and recipients.

Lifetime Achievement Awards

Russell Alldread a.k.a Michelle DuBarry

Michelle DuBarry is a drag legend in the LGBTQ2S+ community and a pioneer of the art form at a time when it was frowned upon, and one who had spent many decades of helping, fundraising and doing great work in the community. At 80 years old, he is still going strong.

Boyd Kodak a.k.a Jan Waterman

Boyd is a transsexual activist and is integral in the history of fighting discrimination in the work place. Before Jan transitioned to Boyd she fought and won a precedent setting that made it illegal to discriminate against LGBTQ2S+ people at work. Jan transitioned to Boyd in the 90s and continues to work very hard on issues relating to transsexual rights.

Honourable Late Jack Layton – Honorary

We honour Jack Layton for his long time support of LGBTQ2S+ people and championing many of the community’s causes since his election to Toronto City Council in 1982 and throughout his entire career. Jack was a friend of the community and it’s an honour to be able to thank him for the work.

Person of the Year

Monica Forrester ⭐️ Recipient

Monica Forrester is a transgendered woman of colour born and raised in Toronto and has been a visible member of the LGBTQ2S+ community for 23 years. Monica brings awareness to Trans issues and is a voice advocating inclusion and acceptance. Monica works with many community organizations, has starred in numerous short films, and is continuously working to advance the rights of people in the Trans community.

Nominees

  • Tyler Austin (Tyler Uptight)
  • Sergio Martinez
  • Daniel (Dan) Caudle
  • Richard Whittaker
  • Terry Bennett
  • Philip Jeffrey Fournier (Foxy)
  • Jake English
  • Kim Crosby
  • Vivek Shraya

Youth of the Year

Jacque St. Pierre ⭐️ Recipient

Jacques St.Pierre is a grade 12 student at Etobicoke school of the arts and is the president of the Art student council. Jacques has taken many initiatives and stands against bullying in the LGTB community after being bullied himself. At the first annual “I Will Make It Better” assembly Jacques managed to have celebrities such as Rick Mercer and Lady Gaga to send a video saying how proud they are of what Etobicoke School of the Arts is doing for the LGBTQ2S+ community.

Nominees

  • Shane Hebel
  • Adam McMaster (Adam Swag)

Positive Business of the Year

Northbound Leather ⭐️ Recipient

Known all over the world and is one of the most respected and longest standing businesses catering to the LGBTQ, leather, and kink communities, Northbound Leather has donated in excess of $500,000 to causes, events, and charities.

Nominees

  • Crews & Tangos
  • Statler’s
  • Hair n’ After
  • Cycle Solutions

Inspiring Community Organization of the Year

Heterosexuals for Same-Sex Equality ⭐️ Recipient

HSSE was created by Derek Forgie, a married heterosexual male to champion the equal rights of people in the LGBTQ2S+ community. HSSE created a calendar in support of gay rights, has many videos on the internet speaking on the topic, and does frequent talks in high schools to students about equality.

Mission: The HSSE is a heterosexual voice of equality in regards to same-sex issues. Our mandate is to bring a message of acceptance and understanding to society, by correcting misinformation and cultural myths which negatively affect civil rights surrounding same-sex issues. We enable heterosexual participation, providing the means for all people to develop and demonstrate their support for same-sex equality.

Equality Check: Among the many initiatives that the HSSE is immersed in, the jewel in our crown is our “Equality Check” presentations. Equality Check delicately mediates a back-and-forth discussion between all groups and helps chip away at common misconceptions about homosexuality. Our “Equality Check” presentation promotes acceptance before intolerance, a refreshing standpoint rather than an accusatory diatribe. Students and teachers from across the province find the HSSE’s presentation to be accessible, uplifting and relevant to their schools commitment to safety, inclusion and character development.

Why the Exclusionary Nomenclature? A lot of people wonder why this organization needs to have the word “heterosexuals” in its name. This is a perfectly valid question, and one that raised a tremendous amount of discussion before the decision was finally made about the name. The reason for this seemingly exclusionary title is, in fact, inclusivity. For too long, in the eyes of bigoted people, the battle for same-sex equality has been that of a (wonderful) dedicated minority. Furthermore, in a battle against that minority, organizations and governments have claimed the support and voice of the majority in their unjust and relentless denial of equal human and civil rights for members of the LGBTQ2S+ communities.

In short, for far too long, officials have been spreading the horrible lie that the majority are unjust, intolerant, and hateful. It is simply time for the truth. Most of us are compassionate, loving, tolerant, and hopeful for the future. And we are the majority. To learn more, visit Facebook.com/TheHSSE.

Nominees

  • Yoga Without Borders
  • Cherrymoon Productions (Miss High Performance)

Follow Us on Facebook

Presented by PinkPlayMags & The Pink Pages Directory, AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT), Ontario Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (OGLCC), Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention (Black CAP), Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention (ASAAP), Dudley’s Hardware Paint & Décor, and Toronto Trans Alliance. Supported by GLAAD.

Subscribe to INSPIRE Awards

© Copyright INSPIRE Awards
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
Scroll to top