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Elton John Impact Awards honour LGBTQ+ trailblazers in historic first ceremony

From Billy Porter's hosting to Dove Cameron's tribute, this groundbreaking event spotlights changemakers—and fuels a movement. A night of glamour with lasting impact.

The image shows a group of people walking down a street with a rainbow flag, some of them holding...
The image shows a group of people walking down a street with a rainbow flag, some of them holding musical instruments, while others are wearing caps. In the background, there are light poles, trees, sheds, and a sky with clouds, all of which are part of the 2018 Gay Pride Parade.

Elton John Impact Awards honour LGBTQ+ trailblazers in historic first ceremony

The Elton John Impact Awards will celebrate their first-ever ceremony this year. Launched in 2022 as part of the Can’t Cancel Pride virtual benefit concert, the event honours LGBTQ+ leaders and allies who have shaped culture and driven change. Over the past five years, the concert has raised more than $17 million for LGBTQ+ charities worldwide.

The inaugural awards show will be hosted by Billy Porter and Elvis Duran. Among the performers, Dove Cameron will take the stage to sing Elton John’s classic Your Song. The awards recognise six trailblazers for their contributions to LGBTQ+ communities. This year’s honourees include actor Jonathan Bailey, activist and actress Laverne Cox, and musician Melissa Etheridge. Tennis legend Billie Jean King, country artist Orville Peck, and singer Chappell Roan will also be celebrated.

Each recipient will receive a gold-plated trophy designed to resemble Elton John’s iconic eyewear. Beyond the ceremony, the Elton John Impact Awards will expand into a podcast series and audio special, set to launch on 1 June 2023. The initiative aims to raise both awareness and funds for organisations like the Elton John AIDS Foundation and the Looking Out Foundation.

Can’t Cancel Pride began in 2020 as a virtual event to support LGBTQ+ nonprofits during the pandemic. Since then, it has grown into a major fundraising platform, collecting over $17 million in donations. The awards build on this legacy by spotlighting those who have made a lasting impact on LGBTQ+ rights and representation. The Elton John Impact Awards will highlight the work of influential figures while supporting vital LGBTQ+ causes. The event, podcast, and ongoing fundraising efforts will continue to direct resources toward organisations fighting for equality and health access. Honourees and performers will gather to celebrate progress and inspire further action.

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