WCS | LGBTQ+ AWARDS | 2025
Recognising Queer Leaders serving their community.
This year's WCS | Awards will celebrate Queer Leaders around the world - LGBTQ+ change-makers who are using their platforms, profile and roles to drive change, making the world a more inclusive place for all LGBTQ+ people. This might be 'creating space' for others in their workplace, community or on a wider scale nationally or globally.
Want to take part?
1. NOMINATE YOURSELF
2. NOMINATE SOMEONE ELSE
3. ATTEND OUR CELEBRATION EVENT
WCS | PRIDE GALA | 2025
June, Barcelona
An evening of celebration, recognising Queer Leaders creating space for others and serving their community. Join our community platform WCS | Campus or sign up to our Community Newsletter to find out when we release tickets.
“I am inspired every day by the resilience and passion of Queer Leaders and organisations who continue to create space and foster inclusion, even when progress takes a step back. Their unwavering dedication fuels my own advocacy and inspire me to strive for a better version of myself while honoring their incredible impact.”
- Sevi Koppe
WCS Awards Director
WCS Awards 2024
Explore our award winners, Pride Gala and a glimpse into the lives of some of our 2024 awardees.
About WCS
We’re a global community-led platform, consultancy and collective on a mission to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ people and other under-represented groups of professionals around the world by connecting our communities and allies with tools, knowledge and a support network for personal growth, leadership development, allyship and self-care. We do that through shared experiences, content, research and consultative work. Read more about our impact within the community here.
2024 Event Partners
FAQs
How do I enter?
Queer Leaders are invited to nominate themselves or they may be nominated by someone else. This process and their application will be conducted via Typeform. They will be asked to identify/ demonstrate the following information relating to the nominee: The Category of Awards they would like to nominate themselves or the Queer Leader of their choice The nature of the work they do in relation to their nomination eg. professional / community (bearing in mind, it might span both). A specific element of their work the nomination related to eg. campaign, community group, project, policy, event etc. The impact this has had (providing qualitative and quantitative results along with testimonials). How this demonstrates the WCS mission to ‘Learn, Connect & Grow’. Why this is important to them and what they are most proud of. What makes them a Queer Leader? Provide headshot & action shot to be used for content pre- and post- event.
What is the eligibility period for the achievements I am nominating?
To ensure the relevance and impact of the nominations, all achievements or initiatives must have been active or have occurred during the year 2024. This helps us assess how these efforts align with contemporary challenges and advancements within the queer community. Please provide specific dates and details within your nomination to demonstrate this timeline.
What information should I include?
Each nomination should cover the following 5 areas. Sufficient information, evidence and testimonials to showcase the nature/ objective and purpose of the person's work. Both qualitative and quantitative data to demonstrate the impact of their project. A clear alignment with WCS’ core pillars of Inclusion, Wellbeing & Leadership. The importance of their work and how it has made them proud. An understanding of what it means to be a queer leader.
What language should nominations be written in?
Nominations can be submitted in English due to the global nature of the WCS Queer Leaders Awards.
Can I nominate more than one person?
You may nominate more than one person but please ensure each nomination is of high quality and includes all the requested information.
Which Awards category does the person I nominate fall under?
Queer Leadership in Corporate/Workplace Inclusion: Recognizes impactful initiatives promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion in workplaces. Criteria include innovative inclusion programs, cultural change, and measurable impact on diversity and employee satisfaction. Community & Grassroots Activism: Celebrates contributions to LGBTQ+ rights through grassroots efforts. Criteria focus on community engagement, advocacy success, and impactful volunteer work. Media & Creative Influence: Honors those enhancing LGBTQ+ representation in media and arts, evaluating contributions based on the originality of content and its influence on audiences. Policy & Advocacy Impact: Awards achievements in influencing policies that advance LGBTQ+ rights, with criteria assessing effective advocacy, campaign success, and legislative impacts. Queer Leadership in Sustainability and Innovation: Highlights innovative environmental initiatives that include LGBTQ+ perspectives, with criteria looking at innovative solutions, sustainability advocacy, and community engagement. Emerging Queer Leader (Under 30): Spotlights young leaders impacting their communities, assessing leadership qualities, community impact, volunteering and giving back, and potential for future influence. Honorary Award: Given for extraordinary, long-term commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, setting a standard for leadership and inspiration. Criteria for Nomination Impact and Alignment: Nominees must demonstrate significant impact and alignment with the WCS pillars of Inclusion, Wellbeing, and Leadership. Evidence of Achievements: Submissions should include both qualitative and quantitative data that showcase the nature, objectives, and outcomes of the nominee’s work.
How will the nominations be assessed?
Complete Applications: Only fully completed applications will be reviewed. Detail and Evidence: Submissions must include detailed information, evidence to demonstrate understanding and achievements, and testimonials that support the nomination. Objective and Clear Definitions: Nominations should clearly define the objective, category, purpose, and impact of the nominee’s efforts. Understanding Leadership: Submissions should reflect a deep understanding of what it means to be a queer leader in today’s world. The WCS Award Committee, composed of diverse experts, will ensure a fair and transparent assessment process, focusing on merit and adherence to the above criteria. Members of the Committee will focus on detailed submissions that provide a clear understanding of the nominee’s contributions and impact.
What does WCS mean by 'Queer Leader'?
See above link to the term 'Queer Leadership' in our Glossary.
When will I find out if I was successful?
The nominations will be reviewed and both successful and unsuccessful entries should be told at least 1 month before the gala. Unsuccessful entries should be provided feedback and the WCS team may reach out if further information is required. The WCS team may invite a small selection of those shortlisted to speak on the evening through everyone will be invited as guests. Timeliness: Feedback will be provided no later than one week after the decision has been made, ensuring all nominees have adequate time to receive and process the information. Constructive Details: Feedback will focus on specific areas of improvement and highlight strengths, helping nominees understand the decision and how they can enhance future submissions. Encouragement for Future Participation: Encourage nominees to apply again, emphasizing the value of their work and potential for future recognition. Confidentiality and Respect: Maintain the confidentiality of the evaluation process and treat all nominees with respect and fairness, reflecting the values of the WCS.
When will nominations open and close?
While we aim to stick to the below timeline, please understand that dates and details may change. We reserve the right to adjust the schedule as needed to best accommodate the WCS Queer Leaders Awards 2025. Your flexibility and understanding help us ensure a fair and successful event. March 10 - Open nominations online platform and form 13 April - Close nominations 5 May - Nominees notified including those invited to speak during event 9 May - Event registration goes live (few tickets released) 15 May - Feedback sent to all unsuccessful applicants June - Events and Celebration of the WCS Awards and Pride Gala
