CQCC’s 10th Annual Black & White Gala: We Lit Up The Night!

Thank you for joining us under the stars at our 10th annual Black & White Gala!

This milestone evening brought together over 420 members of the Canadian 2SLGBTQI+ business community, on November 14th, at the Carlu in Toronto. We’re grateful to everyone who supported, attended, and donated time and resources.

This evening truly shone like a constellation of strength and joy within the 2SLGBTQI+ community, and was an incredible celebration of queer excellence in Canadian business. It was a night of fabulous fun, stellar entertainment, and meaningful connections–thank you all for being part of such an amazing event!

The Numbers

420+ fabulous attendees.
23 fantastic sponsors.
6 CQCC Business Leadership Awards honoured exceptional leaders and businesses, with 1 exciting new award making its debut!
Over 55 amazing Silent Auction items donated, bid on, and won.
5 star-studded entertainers.
Energy that lit up every corner of the dance floor.
So much joy it’s impossible to measure.

Award Winners

Please join us in celebrating our 2025 winners of the Business Leadership Awards! These awards honour companies and individuals making significant contributions to the 2SLGBTQI+ and business communities in Canada.

Mandy Farmer (Accent Inns, Hotel Zed), Winner: Business Leader of the Year
Awl Together Leather, Winner: 2SLGBTQI+ Business of the Year
Elsie Morden (No Time for That Anti-Bullying Society), Winner: Young 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneur of the Year
Telus, Winner: National Corporation of the Year
Qmunity, Winner: 2SLGBTQI+ Community Impact of the Year
Museum of Natural History – Nova Scotia, Winner: Rainbow Registered Prism Award

Read more on the winners!

HIGHLIGHTS!

On stage, Tafari Anthony shone with powerful vocals and a dazzling performance, Naach For Fun captivated the audience with their dancing and vibrant energy, and Gay Jesus–the phenomenal drag king–brought the house down.
Guests were also able to sit with tarot card reader from Queer Tarot Toronto.
And as always, DJ Donovan kept the dance floor alive with the best tracks all night long.
Dr. Percy Lezard was announced as this year’s recipient of the Steinert & Ferreiro award!

Gala in review – visuals edition!

This starry evening was captured on camera!

Check out the memories captured at the Black & White Gala on CQCC’s photo site. Posed for a pic at the photo wall? Check those out here!

Photography by Julie Riemersma.

We also love seeing the night through your eyes: please send any photos, stories, or favourite moments to communications@queerchamber.ca. You can also tag @queerchamberca and #CQCCGala2025 when sharing your memories on social media!

Sponsors & Supporters

The Silent Auction and Air Canada Raffle raised over $24,000 in support of CQCC programs and operations. We appreciate all the amazing businesses and individuals who donated items to our Silent Auction this year.