Popular media personality Shannon Burns returns to guide the Pink Carpet action
PTP announces new Gala Advisory Committee
Early bird tickets now available
June 24, 2025, Toronto, ON – 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.”
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