NDP MPP Jill Andrew to speak at Inspire Awards

TORONTO — Jill Andrew, MPP for Toronto-St. Paul’s and Ontario NDP Culture critic, will be a featured speaker at the Inspire Awards this evening.

This is the ninth year the Inspire Awards will recognize inspiring people, youth, businesses and organizations in the GTA’s LGBTQ community. In 2018, Andrew was named the Inspire Awards’ LGBT Person of the Year, which a jury reserves for achievements in advancing important causes and improving quality of life in the community.

“It was such an honour for me to be recognized by my queer community,” said Andrew. “Our community is diverse, we are vibrant, we are fierce and we aren’t going anywhere!”

This evening, Andrew will have the honour of introducing the Inspire Awards’ theme: 2019 Woman.

“The Inspire Awards play such a crucial role in our community and beyond,” said Andrew. “They serve as a source of inspiration for children and youth, and for those adults who may still be struggling with accepting themselves.

“Tonight we will celebrate our achievements in the LGBTQ community, and we will continue to galvanize and organize to keep advocating for the rights and freedoms of everyone. Until we break down the many systemic barriers and forms of discrimination our community faces, there’s work to be done!”

This year’s Inspire Awards are being held at University of Toronto’s Hart House. The awards take place just days before Toronto kicks off the start of Pride Month in June.

The Inspire Awards are presented by Pink Play Mags & The Pink Pages Directory; Pride Toronto; AIDS Committee of Toronto; Ontario Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce; Spearhead Toronto; Toronto Trans Alliance; Community One Foundation; Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention (Black CAP); Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention (ASAAP); and Dudley’s Hardware Paint & Decor.