Euphoria Social Gala & People’s Choice Awards 2026

About the Gala

What is the Euphoria Social Gala & People’s Choice Awards?

The Euphoria Social Gala & People’s Choice Awards is a community-led celebration for LGBTQIAPN+ people across Victoria.

It exists to recognise the people who hold our communities together — often quietly, often without recognition.

We honour individuals, volunteers, grassroots advocates, artists, storytellers, organisers, and organisations who show up with care, consistency, and heart.

The event is intentionally small, calm, and welcoming, with accessibility, safety, and emotional care prioritised from the start.

Who delivers this event?

This initiative and event is delivered by unwaged volunteers of Euphoria Social Group Incorporated.

Everyone involved in the planning, coordination, and delivery of the Gala contributes their time and labour because they care deeply about community wellbeing, recognition, and connection.

This is not a commercial event.
It is a community effort, powered by care.

Why do we run this Gala?

Because people deserve to be seen.

So many people in our communities give their time, energy, creativity, and care without thanks. This Gala exists to pause, acknowledge that work, and remind people that what they do matters.

At its heart, the Gala supports:

• connection

• wellbeing

• sustainability

• long-term community participation

In simple terms:
This is about community care, not clout.

Who is this Gala for?

This event centres people often excluded from mainstream Pride spaces and traditional awards nights, including:

• trans and gender-diverse people

• First Nations LGBTQIAPN+ people

• LGBTQIAPN+ people of colour, migrants, and people from refugee backgrounds

• people with disability and neurodivergence

• people living in regional or outer-metro areas

• volunteers, grassroots organisers, and quiet contributors

• people without institutional power or public platforms

These communities are not an add-on.
They are the reason this event exists.

Nominations & Awards

Who can nominate?

Anyone may submit a nomination, unless otherwise stated in a specific category.

• Self-nominations are allowed unless a category excludes them

• All nominators are expected to act in good faith

• Information provided must be honest, respectful, and community-minded

Who can be nominated?

Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria for an award category can be nominated.

This includes:

• individuals

• groups

• organisations

• well-known contributors and people who have never been publicly recognised
  

Can I nominate one person in more than one category?

Yes.

You can nominate the same person for multiple categories as long as they are genuinely suitable for each one.

Many people contribute in multiple ways — as leaders, volunteers, creatives, storytellers, and grassroots supporters.

Each nomination must clearly explain why the person fits that specific category, rather than repeating the same information.

Being nominated in multiple categories does not guarantee shortlisting or receiving multiple awards.

Can Tim be nominated? (Host)

Yes — Tim can be nominated.

Tim is not involved in:

• accepting nominations

• voting

• award decisions

This process is community-led.
The recognition comes from you — the people who make this community what it is.

Euphoria Social Family Award

All eligible Euphoria Social nominees will automatically be included in the Euphoria Social Family Award, which is decided by public vote.

This award exists to honour the extended family — volunteers, performers, ambassadors, board members, and supporters — who help bring Euphoria Social’s work to life.

Founders T and Emma are excluded from this category in recognition of their leadership roles.

What is the People’s Choice Award?

The People’s Choice Award belongs entirely to the community.

It is community-nominated and community-voted, and exists to honour people or groups whose impact is deeply felt — even if they don’t fit neatly into a category.

Sometimes the most important work doesn’t come with a title.
This award makes space for that.

Governance, Fairness & Care (Terms & Conditions)

Eligibility & Accuracy

• Nominees must meet the criteria outlined for each category

• Providing false or misleading information may result in disqualification
  

Assessment & Decision-Making

Nominations are reviewed using a values-based approach, including:

• demonstrated impact

• alignment with community care and inclusion

• consistency and contribution over time

• relevance to the specific category

Sponsorship, donations, public profile, or personal relationships do not influence outcomes.

Conflict of Interest

Anyone eligible to be nominated must not be involved in:

• accepting nominations

• voting

• award determinations

This protects fairness, trust, and community safety.

Right to Review, Withdraw, or Withhold

Euphoria Social Group Incorporated reserves the right to:

• review, amend, or remove nominations that do not align with community values

• remove duplicate or non-genuine nominations

• merge, withhold, or decline to present an award if criteria are not sufficiently met

All decisions are made with care and community wellbeing in mind.

Community Standards

All nominations must:

• be respectful and non-harmful

• avoid defamatory, discriminatory, or abusive language

• align with LGBTQIAPN+ community safety, dignity, and care

Nominations that breach these standards may be removed.