Elton John continues to make waves in the LGBTQ+ community with the announcement of the Elton John Impact Awards. This award program recognizes influential figures within the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. Created by iHeartMedia in partnership with Procter & Gamble, the awards will debut on June 1 as a podcast series across major platforms.
History of the Elton John Impact Awards
The Elton John Impact Award first appeared in 2022 during the virtual benefit concert “Can’t Cancel Pride.” John was honored for his long-standing advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and the fight against AIDS. Over the years, individual recipients have included notable figures such as Brandi Carlile and Billy Porter. The initiative has since evolved into the broader Elton John Impact Awards.
Previous Fundraising Success
“Can’t Cancel Pride” has successfully raised over $17 million for LGBTQ+ nonprofits in its five years. The expanded awards aim to continue this mission by recognizing individuals who inspire change and contribute to the community.
2023 Honorees
This year’s honorees include:
- Jonathan Bailey: Actor who established “The Shameless Fund” for LGBTQ+ charities.
- Laverne Cox: Emmy-nominated actress known for her role in “Orange Is the New Black,” advocating for transgender visibility.
- Melissa Etheridge: Grammy-winning musician and cultural advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
- Billie Jean King: Tennis legend and humanitarian, known for her advocacy for equality in sports.
- Orville Peck: Unique country artist promoting queer themes through music.
- Chappell Roan: Pop singer and founder of The Midwest Princess Project to support trans youth.
Award Presentation
Each honoree will receive a gold-plated trophy inspired by Elton John’s iconic eyewear. The awards special will be hosted by Billy Porter and Elvis Duran. It will feature personal conversations with John, David Furnish (Chair of the Elton John AIDS Foundation), and the award recipients sharing their personal journeys.
Objectives and Partnerships
The Elton John Impact Awards aim to raise awareness and funding for LGBTQ+ organizations, including:
- Elton John AIDS Foundation
- Looking Out Foundation
- CenterLink
- GLAAD
- The National Black Justice Collective
- Outright International
- SAGE
- The Trevor Project
These organizations address crucial issues such as elder care, health access, and mental health support for LGBTQ+ youth.
Quotes on the Significance of the Awards
Elton John expressed the importance of storytelling in connecting and challenging society. He stated that these conversations highlight the journey of LGBTQ+ culture and recognize the voices that must be heard. The awards serve as a reminder of the historical struggles and triumphs of the community.
Furnish noted that the awards spotlight vital work protecting LGBTQ+ communities and advancing health equity globally. Meanwhile, Brent Miller from P&G emphasized the role of these cultural icons in inspiring equality and inclusion around the world.
More information about the Elton John Impact Awards can be found at El-Balad’s website.
