CGLCC 8th Annual Black & White Gala
Come help us make our ‘birthday’ and 8th Annual Black & White Gala a truly spectacular celebration of success!
This year we celebrate our founding, and two decades of shaping the landscape of businesses and communities in Canada.
Every year CGLCC brings together the 2SLGBTQI+ business community for this signature event to highlight excellence amongst the business leaders at the forefront of 2SLGBT+ inclusion via our Business Leadership Awards. Check out the finalists for this year’s awards! Like all our amazing Galas in years prior, this will be a night of fabulous fun, incredible entertainment, and connecting with friends, both new and known!
Please join us as we celebrate an amazing year filled with exciting news, connections, and growth for Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ business community.
Come and be a part of our celebration as we commemorate the remarkable accomplishments of Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ community! Experience tales of triumph and perseverance shared by courageous 2SLGBTQI+ leaders and indulge in an evening of FABULOUS entertainment at The Carlu in Toronto.
Join us on November 10, 2023, and join us as we pay tribute to the achievements and success of 2SLGBTQI+ businesses.
On Stage
Gavin Crawford, Emcee
Gavin Crawford is an award-winning writer/performer best known for his 8 seasons on This Hour has 22 Minutes. He has appeared on Run The Burbs, Baroness Von Sketch Show, Murdoch Mysteries and in the feature films French Immersion and Two 4One.
On stage Gavin has been seen in various productions including Sky Gilberts The Situationists and A few Brittle Leaves. Currently Gavin is a producer/host of CBC radio’s Hit comedy quiz Because News and the hit podcast, Let’s Not Be Kidding.
RALPH
It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what it is about the Toronto-born, JUNO award-nominated artist RALPH (Raffa Weyman) that has captured fans’ devotion across the country. Whether it’s her high-fashion yet effortlessly cool aesthetic, her irresistible blend of vintage pop and lush contemporary beats, or the raw honesty that comes through her lyricism, one thing is certain. There is a rarity about an artist such as RALPH.
Starting with little more than talent and a vision, over the past three years RALPH has built an incredible following in the USA, Canada and Europe. She’s joined the likes of Ria Mae, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Scott Helman on three cross-Canada tours, and has drawn crowds south of the border for a North American tour with joan.
Tynomi Banks
Tynomi Banks is an International, world-class Drag Entertainer.
Recognized best for her full production performances, Banks dominates a stage while radiating a powerful, but playful energy. Her hustle lead her to become the first Drag Entertainer to perform in Toronto’s Dundas Square during World Pride 2014. In just one month, during Pride 2018, she became the first Drag Entertainer to work with Hudson’s Bay Company and the only Queen to partner with Spotify for a featured playlist, which also resulted in a billboard over Dundas Square in Toronto during Pride. She has since partnered with Sephora, Shoppers Beauty, Black Lives Matter Canada, Amazon, Absolut, Netflix, Crest, and Ikea to name a few.
Banks became the first Drag Entertainer to be the trophy bearer at the 7th Annual Canadian Screen Awards.
Charmie
Discover one of Toronto’s musical gems through the passionate singer/songwriter Charmie. Born in Haiti, Charmie began exploring her musical talents at the young age of nine. As a self taught musician, she excels at playing guitar, piano, bass, drums and even beatboxing. Her contemporary style of music is a unique fusion of Rhythm & Blues and Pop Soul. Known for fostering a deep connection with her audiences, Charmie’s words go straight from her heart to yours.
Naach* For Fun
Naach* For Fun is a Queer-run, South Asian dance company that is inclusive to people from all walks of life. The company prides itself in highlighting marginalized stories through the medium of dance and also provides a safe space for anyone that wants to learn through specially curated group workshops. They will be bringing their widely acclaimed concept videos, Bollywood Reimagined, to a live stage in the hopes of representing vibrant, Queer-positive, South Asian stories.
DJ Donovan
DJ Donovan’s journey started off at a very young age of 15, not believing that the journey would have taken him to where he is today. He takes pride in himself, by being professional and approachable, while aiming to please. DJ Donovan has played school dances, weddings, birthday parties, wrap parties, social events, community events, corporate parties, and prominent events like Black Diamond Ball TO, TIFF, The Vanguard, Pride Toronto and is currently the resident DJ at Friday Harbour Resort.
The style of music he plays ranges from, but is not limited to: Old school, Dance (EDM), Reggae, Soca, Afro, Latin, Brazilian, Pop, Classic Rock, R&B/Hip Hop, and Funk. DJ Donovan sees himself as a conductor of the dancefloor.
Suggested Attire
Evening Attire is recommended, but only if it’s something that makes you feel comfortable. While the event theme is “Black & White,” we encourage guests to show up in any colour of the rainbow that expresses who they are!
Thank you to this year’s Gala Sponsors!
Sponsorship Opportunities
As we celebrate two decades of progress within Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ business community, we invite you to consider sponsoring this remarkable event. Your support will help make this evening truly spectacular.
Health and Safety at the Gala
We are following COVID-19 and vaccination guidance from local health departments for in-person events, and hope that you are too. If you are sick or are feeling unwell, we kindly ask that you take care of yourself at home. Although masking is not required, we will have these available at the registration desk for our guests who would feel more comfortable wearing a mask.
