
We are now inviting nominations for the GNIMAG Awards 2026.
You can nominate an individual, business, organisation, or community group that you believe deserves recognition. Nominations are open to the public, and you are welcome to submit as many entries as you like across different categories.
Self nominations are also very welcome. We recognise that individuals and organisations are often best placed to highlight their own achievements, impact, and contribution.
Please provide as much detail as possible to support your nomination, including why you believe this person or organisation should be recognised.
All nominations will be reviewed and shortlisted ahead of the final awards selection process.
2026 Award Categories
BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE
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Business Contribution Award
This award honor's a business that has made a significant positive impact on the LGBTQIA+ community through its policies, initiatives, sponsorship, advocacy, or community engagement. It recognises organisations that actively support equality and inclusion beyond the workplace.
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Small Business of the Year
This award honor's a small business that has shown exceptional commitment to inclusivity, community engagement, and customer care. It celebrates businesses that make a positive difference while creating welcoming spaces for all.
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Inclusive Employer of the Year
This award recognises an organisation that has created an inclusive and supportive workplace where LGBTQIA+ employees can thrive. It celebrates employers who lead by example through equality, diversity, and employee wellbeing initiatives.
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Banking Excellence Award
This award celebrates a financial organisation that has demonstrated a commitment to inclusion, equality, and support for the LGBTQIA+ community. It recognises institutions that provide accessible services while actively engaging in initiatives that promote positive change.
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Legal Excellence Award
This award recognises a law firm, legal team, or individual solicitor who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals and advancing equality. Whether through advocacy, representation, or community involvement, they have made a meaningful impact through their work.
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Supportive Media Award
This award honor's a media organisation, publication, broadcaster, or platform that has championed LGBTQIA+ visibility and representation. It recognises those who tell authentic stories, amplify diverse voices, and promote greater understanding and acceptance.
INDIVIDUAL & CREATIVE EXCELLENCE
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Entertainer of the Year
This award celebrates an entertainer who has made a positive impact through their talent, influence, and support of the LGBTQIA+ community. Whether on stage, screen, or online, they use their platform to inspire, entertain, and promote inclusion.
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Drag Artist of the Year
This award celebrates a drag performer who has demonstrated excellence, creativity, and dedication to their craft. It recognises individuals who entertain, inspire, and make a positive contribution to both the LGBTQIA+ community and the wider cultural landscape.
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Creator / Influencer of the Year
This award celebrates a content creator, influencer, blogger, podcaster, or digital personality who has made a positive impact through their platform. Whether raising awareness, promoting inclusivity, entertaining audiences, or inspiring others, this award recognises those using their voice to make a difference.
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Community Champion Award
This award recognises an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the LGBTQIA+ community through advocacy, volunteering, leadership, or community support. It celebrates those who go above and beyond to create positive change and improve the lives of others.
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Inspiration Award
This award honor's an individual whose personal journey, achievements, resilience, or advocacy have inspired others within the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond. It celebrates those who lead by example and empower others to be their authentic selves.
HOSPITALITY, CULTURE & EXPERIENCES
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Restaurant of the Year
This award celebrates a restaurant that provides outstanding food, service, and hospitality while creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for LGBTQIA+ customers and staff. It recognises venues where everyone feels welcome.
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Hotel of the Year
This award celebrates a hotel that provides exceptional hospitality while creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ guests. It recognises establishments that deliver outstanding service and ensure every guest feels respected and valued.
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Iconic Venue Award
This award recognises a venue that has become a beloved destination within the LGBTQIA+ community. Whether through entertainment, community events, history, or cultural significance, this venue has made a lasting impact and continues to bring people together.
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Nightlife & Queer Space of the Year
This award celebrates a venue, club night, bar, or dedicated queer space that provides a safe, inclusive, and vibrant environment for the LGBTQIA+ community. It recognises those creating spaces where people can connect, celebrate, and express themselves freely.
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Visitor Attraction of the Year
This award recognises a visitor attraction, experience, or destination that provides outstanding experiences while creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. It celebrates attractions that make every visitor feel valued and showcase the very best in hospitality, accessibility, and customer experience.
Wedding Industry Award
This award celebrates excellence within the wedding industry, recognising venues and suppliers who go above and beyond to create unforgettable experiences for LGBTQIA+ couples. From venues that provide the perfect setting to suppliers such as photographers, florists, cake makers, planners, and entertainers, this award honours those who help bring wedding celebrations to life with inclusivity, professionalism, and care.
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Travel & Hospitality Award
This award celebrates a travel or hospitality business that has demonstrated a commitment to providing welcoming, inclusive, and exceptional experiences for LGBTQIA+ customers. Whether through outstanding service, inclusive practices, community support, or creating safe and welcoming environments, this award recognises organisations that help people travel, stay, and experience the world with confidence and comfort.
HEALTH, WELLBEING & INCLUSION
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Health & Wellbeing Award (Individuals & Organisations)
This award recognises an individual, organisation, or initiative that has made a meaningful contribution to supporting mental health and wellbeing within the LGBTQIA+ community. It celebrates those helping to reduce stigma, provide support, and improve lives.
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Inclusive Sport & Fitness Award
This award celebrates a sports club, gym, fitness professional, or organisation that has demonstrated a commitment to creating welcoming and inclusive opportunities for LGBTQIA+ individuals. It recognises those helping people build confidence, improve wellbeing, and feel part of a supportive community.
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Inclusive Education & Advocacy Award
This award recognises an educator, educational institution, campaign, or advocate who has worked to promote understanding, equality, and inclusion for LGBTQIA+ people. It celebrates those making a positive impact through education, awareness, and advocacy.
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Beauty & Aesthetics Award
This award celebrates a stylist, salon, barber, beauty professional, aesthetics practitioner, or clinic that delivers exceptional service while creating a welcoming and inclusive experience for LGBTQIA+ clients. It recognises those who help people look and feel their best through professionalism, skill, and a commitment to making every client feel respected, valued, and confident. This award honours individuals and businesses that champion diversity, promote self expression, and help create a more inclusive beauty and aesthetics industry.
COMMUNITY, PRIDE & IMPACT
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LGBTQIA+ Charity of the Year
This award honours a charity that has made a significant impact through its support, advocacy, and services for LGBTQIA+ individuals. It celebrates organisations that work tirelessly to improve lives and strengthen communities.
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Inclusive Event of the Year
This award celebrates an event that has successfully brought people together in a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive environment. It recognises events that promote diversity, community engagement, and a sense of belonging for all attendees.
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People’s Choice Charity
This award celebrates a nonprofit organisations that has earned the admiration and support of the public for its impactful work and dedication to raising vital funds and awareness. By honoring the People's Choice Charity, this award amplifies the voices and contributions of those who are making a significant difference in the lives of so many individuals and communities.

They said: “We’re incredibly proud to continue our partnership with the GNI Mag Awards. The community sits at the heart of Kremlin and Union Street, and supporting it all year round is something we’re deeply committed to. Being part of this celebration each year is very special to us.”
We are also excited to reveal The Rainbow Project as an official partner for this year’s awards, helping us expand the ceremony with new grassroots award categories and further support vital work across Northern Ireland.
Anna from The Rainbow Project said: “We are proud to be partnering with GNI MAG for the prestigious GNI Awards. Now in its 10th year, these awards recognise and celebrate the many individuals and organisations across Northern Ireland who support an inclusive culture and champion the LGBTQIA+ community. We are also delighted to have Union Street and Kremlin as sponsors of the event and look forward to continuing this partnership for many years to come.”
Save the date: Saturday 7th November at the Crowne Plaza Belfast Awards Venue Night for a night celebrating the changemakers, trailblazers and community heroes making a difference for LGBTQIA+ people across Northern Ireland and beyond.
Daniel from GNI said: “It’s crazy that in just over six months we will be celebrating 10 years since the awards launched. Now the fun really starts in making this year’s event bigger and even better. It’s a dream collaboration between Rainbow, Kremlin and Union Street, and we look forward to welcoming more key businesses as award sponsors.”
Keep an eye out in the coming weeks as categories are announced and nominations open
10 years of the
GNIMAG Awards
The countdown to a landmark year for the GNIMAG Awards starts now. With our 10th anniversary on the horizon we have some exciting announcement's
Firstly we are delighted that The Kremlin and Union Street have renewed their commitment as Headline Sponsors for the 10th GNIMAG Awards.
A Night to Remember: Thank You for Making the GNI Awards 2025 Unforgettable

The GNI Awards 2025 was nothing short of extraordinary.
After months of nominations, planning and community voting, everything came together in the most spectacular way and that’s thanks to every one of you who joined us.
Seeing almost 375 guests come together to celebrate our LGBTQIA+ community with pride and joy was a powerful reminder of why GNI was created. From a small website born in response to discrimination to becoming Northern Ireland’s only national LGBTQIA+ lifestyle publication reaching over 72,000 people and now hosting a major annual awards ceremony, this journey has been remarkable. Saturday night marked another huge milestone.
We’re also delighted to announce that the event raised an incredible £8,100 for The Rainbow Project, supporting their vital work for LGBTQIA+ people across Northern Ireland. Thank you for your generosity, especially at a time when financial pressures are being felt by many, it speaks volumes about the heart and strength within this community.
A huge thank you goes to our headline sponsor Kremlin / Union Street Bar, along with all category sponsors and prize donors. Your support ensures events like this not only happen, they continue to grow.
With more than 54,000 votes cast in just ten days, our finalists and winners have clearly made a significant impact. Congratulations once again to everyone recognised this year, your dedication, visibility and authenticity inspire us all.
We also extend our gratitude to the performers, production teams, venue staff, volunteers, photographers and everyone working tirelessly behind the scenes. Your creativity and hard work helped shape a night we will never forget.
We’re incredibly proud of what we achieved together, not only the success of the event but the unity, courage and celebration it represented.
Photo albums from the night is now live on Facebook, feel free to view, save and share your favourite moments.
Thank you once again for supporting GNI, for uplifting one another and for helping us continue telling the stories that truly matter. We now look forward to the 10th Anniversary of the Awards which will be happening on 7th November 2026 - Get the date in your diaries
For those who missed the night you can see a list of the winners below



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VOTING IS CLOSED
Winners will be announced on Saturday 15th November - see you all at The Crowne Plaza
We’re proud to unveil the 25 categories for this year’s GNIMAG Awards, celebrating the incredible individuals, businesses, and organisations working to uplift, support, and empower our vibrant community. From grassroots activists to inclusive employers, fabulous entertainers to trailblazing charities, these awards spotlight those making real, lasting impact across the province of Northern Ireland and beyond.
Whether you’re nominating someone who’s changed your life or celebrating your own journey, the 2025 GNIMAG Awards are your chance to make your voice count.
GNIMAG Awards 2025: Categories & Descriptions
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LGBTQIA+ Charity of the Year
Recognising an outstanding charity making a tangible difference to LGBTQIA+ lives across Northern Ireland and beyond.
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Finance or Legal Firm of the Year
Celebrating firms offering inclusive, affirming, and ethical services for clients.
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Ally of the Year
Honouring a non-LGBTQIA+ individual who has gone above and beyond to uplift and support the community.
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Business Contribution Award
Awarded to a business making a strong, ongoing commitment to LGBTQIA+ equality and visibility.
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Health & Wellbeing Award
Recognising individuals or organisations promoting physical, mental, or emotional wellbeing for everyone.
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Reputable Retailer Award
Awarded to a retail business that is known for providing an inclusive and respectful environment.
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Supportive Media Award
Celebrating media outlets championing LGBTQIA+ voices, stories, and issues.
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Entertainer Award
Honouring LGBTQIA+ entertainers who make waves through performance, visibility, and cultural impact.
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Supportive Employer Award
Awarded to a workplace with outstanding inclusion, diversity practices, and support for LGBTQIA+ staff.
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Inclusive Education Award
Recognising schools, educators, or initiatives that foster inclusion in learning environments.
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Motivation Award
For personal trainers, coaches, or educators inspiring individuals to thrive through mentorship and support.
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Wedding Venue of the Year
Celebrating wedding venues that offer inclusive, welcoming, and affirming services for all couples.
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Small Business Award
Recognising a small or independent business making a big impact on inclusion and community life.
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Drag Artist of the Year
Celebrating a drag performer whose art, activism, and performance have inspired and uplifted the community.
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Entertainment Award
Awarded to a venue, service or event that provides safe, inclusive, and affirming entertainment for LGBTQIA+ people.
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People’s Choice Charity
Voted by the public to honour a grassroots or well-known charity doing meaningful work.
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Advocate Award
Honouring someone who uses their platform to advocate powerfully and consistently for inclusion and equality.
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Restaurant of the Year
Recognising a restaurant that is openly inclusive and offers a welcoming environment for all patrons.
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Wedding Supplier of the Year
Honouring wedding service providers who go the extra mile to make LGBTQIA+ couples feel seen, heard, and celebrated.
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Inclusive Sporting Award
Awarded to an individual, team, or organisation making sport an inviting and inclusion space for all.
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Queer-Friendly Venue of the Year
Recognising a non-exclusively LGBTQIA+ venue that consistently supports and welcomes queer customers and events.
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Hotel of the Year
Celebrating hotels with exceptional service, inclusivity, and visibility in support of LGBTQIA+ guests.
23. Inclusive Fitness Award
For gyms, studios, or wellness providers creating welcoming, safe spaces for all clients.
24. Creator Award
Recognising a content creator using their platform to uplift, educate, and entertain.
25. A Day to Remember Award
Honouring venues across the province that go above and beyond to make every visit inclusive, welcoming, and truly special.
IT'S TIME FOR THE BIG REVEAL!
We are thrilled to officially announce our Headline Sponsor and Charity Partner for the 2025 GNI MAG Awards! Daniel May, Director of GNI Magazine, said "We’re incredibly proud to reveal that our headline sponsor for the 2025 GNI MAG Awards is none other than Kremlin & Union Street. From the beginning of GNI almost 15 years ago, Kremlin and Union Street have been at the heart of our community and our journey. Over the years, they’ve won countless awards and been a consistent force for inclusion, visibility, and joy within Belfast’s LGBTQIA+ scene. To now be partnering with them on this scale feels both exciting and deeply fitting. We’re looking forward to celebrating the heroes of our community with them by our side."



GNI MAG AWARDS 2024 - WHAT A SUCCESS!
On Saturday 23rd November the annual GNI AWARDS Supported by Danske Bank returned to The Crowne Plaza in what was an amazing night acknowledging many Businesses, Charities and Individuals who work tirelessly to improve the lives of LGBTQIA+ people.
In a short 10 a day window over 56,000 votes were received for this years finalists, this is testament to the great work they do for LGBTQIA+ people across the province.
A huge aim of the night was also raising funds for our Charity partner The Rainbow Project.
We donated £10 from each ticket purchased, when added with the money raised from the raffle almost £6500 was raised. Thanks to all who attended, purchased tickets and especially to the 20 companies/people who donated prizes.
It was amazing to have Danske Bank onboard as our official sponsor and to continue working with our charity partner The Rainbow Project.
Thank you to everyone who played a part, all the finalists, the winners, our sponsors, vendors, those who donated towards the raffle, lighting/sounds, tech, entertainment and hotel staff - the night would not have been possible without each and every one of you.
In the new year we will be back with information on the 2025 awards though for now you can enjoy our highlights clip below. You can also access over 250 images taken on the night via our Facebook - click here
2024 WINNERS - Congratulations to you all
LGBTQIA+ Charity Of The Year - The Rainbow Project
Legal Representation Award - Jude Copeland
Ally Of The Year - Niall Rotherham
Business Contribution - Lyric Theatre
Mental Health & Wellbeing Award - Martin Murray
Reputable Retailer Award - Lidl
Supportive Media Award - Q Radio
Entertainer Of The Year - Conleth Kane
Supportive Employer Award - The Grand Opera House
Inclusive Education Award - Cara Friend
Personal Trainer Of The Year - Jaden Collins
Wedding Venue - Titanic Hotel
Small Business - Fresh Garbage
Drag Artist Of The Year - Pauletta Stelletta
Entertainment Award - Kremlin/Union Street
Specialised Service Award - The Agent NI
People's Choice Charity - Simon Community
Personal Contribution - Eoin Tennyson
Restaurant Of The Year - 2 Taps
Wedding Supplier Of The Year - Celebrant Michael Conlon
Influential Person - Micky Murray
Unsung Hero Award - El Fegan
AWARD CATEGORIES


