Bowen Yang, Gigi Gorgeous, Emily Hampshire, Harrison Browne and Peaches Named 2026 Pink Awards Champions

TORONTO, Oct. 15, 2026 – Pink Triangle Press (PTP), one of the world’s longest-running 2SLGBTQIA+ media organizations, today announced Emmy®-nominated comedian, actor and writer Bowen Yang; digital creator, author and activist Gigi Gorgeous; award-winning Canadian actor Emily Hampshire; filmmaker, author, actor, and former professional hockey player Harrison Browne; and iconic Canadian musician, performance artist and producer Peaches as the 2026 Pink Awards Champions. Longtime 2SLGBTQIA+ activist and writer Tim McCaskell will receive the 2026 Legacy Award.

As previously announced, the third annual Pink Awards will take place November 5, 2026, at Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York. In an update to the previously announced hosting lineup, singer, television personality, and Canada’s Drag Race winner Priyanka will join comedian and Heated Rivalry actor Brandon Ash-Mohammed as co-host, with iHeartRadio Canada entertainment correspondent Shannon Burns returning to host the Pink Carpet. Guided by this year’s theme of Queer Joy, with a focus on courage, the Pink Carpet and awards ceremony will stream on Crave’s YouTube channel one week following the event.

As part of the Pink Awards, each Champion and award recipient will recognize a Changemaker organization whose work reflects causes and communities meaningful to them. This year’s Changemakers include:

• Bowen Yang champions Asian Queer Alliance - Providing community events, social support and advocacy spaces by and for queer Asians of marginalized genders.

• Gigi Gorgeous champions Fertility Friends Foundation - Providing educational resources and financial grants to help families access assisted reproductive treatments, including IVF, donor services and surrogacy.

• Emily Hampshire champions Advocates for Trans Equality - Fighting for the legal and political rights of transgender people across the United States.

• Harrison Browne champions Alphabet Sports Collective - Creating safer, more inclusive spaces in hockey where 2SLGBTQIA+ people can play, connect and lead.

• Tim McCaskell champions HIV Legal Network - Promoting and defending the human rights of people living with or vulnerable to HIV and AIDS.

• Peaches champions The Will Munro Fund at the 519 - Providing emergency financial assistance to 2SLGBTQIA+ people living with cancer in Ontario, helping ease financial hardship and improve quality of life.
  

Joining this year’s celebration as musical guests are four-time JUNO Award nominee Shawnee Kish and JUNO Award-winning pop artist Rêve. Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent actor Kathleen Munroe and style and beauty expert and HIV/AIDS activist Myles Sexton will also be in attendance, among others.

“This year’s Champions and award recipients reflect the extraordinary talent, leadership and courage within our communities,” said David Walberg, executive director and CEO of Pink Triangle Press. “Now in our third year, the Pink Awards feel more important than ever. At a time when visibility and representation continue to matter deeply, these awards are about celebrating the people who are creating change, opening doors and making it possible for the next generation to see themselves reflected in the world around them. We’re incredibly proud to bring these voices together and give their contributions the recognition they deserve.”

Since launching in 2024, the Pink Awards have honoured notable figures including Elliot Page, Sam Smith, Zaiba Baig, Devery Jacobs, Carole Pope, Harper Steele and Beverly Glenn-Copeland.

The Pink Awards silent auction will return this year with an exciting lineup of exclusive experiences and prizes, including two tickets to the invite-only Heated Rivalry Season 2 Toronto premiere, a seven-night small-ship cruise for two with Variety Cruises in the Greek Islands, Seychelles or Tahiti and French Polynesia, and a $5,000 travel voucher from Intrepid Travel. Additional highlights include luxury hotel stays at Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York, a Drag Race prize basket featuring a signed Paula Abdul poster, a signed album from Goldie Boutilier, and a range of dining, entertainment and lifestyle experiences.

The 2026 Pink Awards are presented with the support of DECIEM – The Abnormal Beauty Company, returning for its third consecutive year as Presenting Sponsor, alongside Awards Sponsors BMO and Fairmont Royal York. Shaftesbury Inc. serves as Entertainment Sponsor, Tony’s Chocolonely as Event Sponsor, with Destination Ontario as a Proud Partner, and The Globe and Mail, Crave and iHeartRadio Canada as media partners.

Tickets and tables for the 2026 Pink Awards are still available on sale. For information on ticket and table sales, please visit pinkawards.ca.

About Pink Triangle Press
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."

For media inquiries, contact:
Andréa Grau, Touchwood PR - andrea@touchwoodpr.com
Mara Zentil-Casey , Touchwood PR - mara@touchwoodpr.com

For more information, contact:
Mitchell Cheeseman, Senior Manager Brand & Marketing Communications
mitchell.cheeseman@ptp.media

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