An accountant who pushed for sexual orientation to be added to his firm's diversity policy and a high school student who fought for the recognition of gay straight alliances at Toronto area schools are among the recipients of Pride Toronto's Inspire awards. The awards, which were handed out at Casa Loma on June 16, are intended to recognize Torontonians who make a difference for the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transsexual and queer (LGBTQ) community.
Michael Bach was the big winner, taking home the LGBTQ person of the year award.
Bach is credited with starting a support network for LGBTQ employees at KPMG that quickly expanded to offices across Canada. He also founded Pride at Work Canada, an organization dedicated to making all workplaces fully inclusive.
"Michael has played a fundamental role in creating a supportive working environment for hundreds of members of the LGBTQ community across Canada," Pride Toronto Co-Chair Francisco Alvarez said in a press release. "His relentless efforts have paved the way for acceptance and diversity in the corporate workplace."
Leanne Iskander, 16, was named LGBTQ youth of the year.
A student at St. Joseph Catholic Secondary School in Mississauga, Iskander is the founder of the St. Joseph's Gay Straight Alliance and the Ontario Catholic Students for GSAs. Although GSAs are not officially recognized by the Toronto Catholic School Board Iskander has made regional and national headlines by calling on the board to change its policy.
"Leanne is a true leader of her generation. Her passion and dedication are a perfect example of how one person's commitment to a cause can provoke change and build a brighter future for an entire community," Pride Toronto's Co-chair Margaret Ngai said in a press release.
Iskander and Bach will both serve as official grand marshals during the annual Pride parade July 3.
