The Youth Awards

Xtra, November 21 1996, p. 24

The Youth Awards is a community banquet hosted by YouthLine that celebrates the outstanding achievements and contributions of 2SLGBTQ youth in Ontario. 

The first awards were held in November, 1996 with the intention of recognizing that while queer youth face challenges, they also make valuable contributions to the community. Awards have been handed out in areas such as arts and culture, social and health services, social justice, queer and trans visibility, academic environments, and community empowerment. Over the years, award categories have been added to recognize contributions in areas including BIPOC and Trans Youth activism. 

In 2011, the “Spirit of Will Munro” Award was created in memory of Will Munro, the "punk-rocker, DJ, queer activist, artist, volunteer, civic glue to Toronto queer culture". Munro was volunteer and staff person at YouthLine for 14 years. The $10,000 award was given out to Ontario LGBTTQI2S youth (under 27 years of age) and Ontario LGBTTIQ2S youth led organizations to establish an event, project, organization or business at the local level that uses the arts and provides youth- friendly, sustainable community growth for LGBTQ people. The award was made possible through the generous support of Kristyn Wong-Tam. Past winners include the Toronto Kiki Ballroom Alliance (2011) and Right to Dance (2012). 

Click here to see photos from past Award Galas.