South Australia’s LGBTQIA+ community is getting a well deserved moment in the spotlight, with Pride Adelaide officially revealing the Top 3 finalists for the 2026 South Australian Pride Awards.
Following record-breaking community engagement and thousands of public votes, this year’s finalists have now been locked in ahead of the South Australian Pride Gala at SkyCity Adelaide on June 6.
The annual awards celebrate the individuals, organisations and events helping create safer, more visible and more connected spaces for LGBTQIA+ South Australians.
Pride Adelaide Chair Dave Newman said this year’s finalists represent the best of the community at a particularly important time.
“These awards matter because our communities matter,” Newman said.
“At a time where we are continuing to see hostility, attempts to divide people, and attacks on inclusion and visibility, celebrating LGBTQIASB+ South Australians openly and proudly becomes even more important.”
Community groups making a real impact
Community Group of the Year
- Feast Queer Youth Drop In
- Pride Of The South
- Sa Rainbow Advocacy Alliance
These groups were recognised for creating safe spaces, delivering peer support and building stronger regional and metro LGBTQIA+ communities.
Pride of the South, which supports queer communities in Adelaide’s southern suburbs, said the recognition is deeply meaningful.
Image: Pride of the South“We are so proud to be in the Top 3. This achievement gives us even more passion to keep going.”
Community Impact Award
- Damon Sawtell
- Feast Festival
- Marys Poppin
Damon Sawtell, a familiar face in South Australia’s LGBTQIA+ advocacy space, said the nomination gave him a chance to reflect on his work.
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“It’s given me space to reflect on what I’ve achieved and recognise that it’s okay to be proud of that.”
Inclusive workplaces and standout events
Employer Of The Year
- Department Of Human Services
- DIVERSE-CITY
- Sonder
This category celebrates workplaces actively fostering inclusive cultures for LGBTQIA+ employees and communities.
The Department of Human Services has been recognised for its inclusion initiatives and ongoing support for diverse staff, while Sonder’s health and wellbeing services have built a strong reputation for affirming care.
Image: DIVERSE-CITYDIVERSE-CITY rounds out the category for its work promoting diversity, inclusion and belonging in professional settings.
Event Of The Year
- Laya & Fifi’s Drag Bingo & Trivia Events
- Picnic In The Park
- Poppin Out
These events were recognised for bringing community together through celebration, connection and visibility.
Image: Poppin OutLaya & Fifi’s events have become beloved fixtures on Adelaide’s queer social calendar, blending drag, camp chaos and community fundraising, while Picnic in the Park and Poppin Out have created accessible spaces for LGBTQIA+ people to connect.
First Nations leadership and community wellbeing celebrated
First Nations Person Of The Year
- Damien Ralphs
- Zane Weetra
This award recognises First Nations LGBTQIA+ leaders making a meaningful impact through advocacy, visibility and community leadership.
Image: Damien Ralphs & Zane WeetraBoth finalists have been acknowledged for their work championing inclusion while amplifying First Nations queer voices in South Australia.
Health And Wellbeing Leadership Award
- Hike Society Adelaide Inc.
- SHINE SA
- Thorne Harbour Health
This category highlights organisations improving health outcomes, connection and wellbeing for LGBTQIA+ communities.
SHINE SA and Thorne Harbour Health were recognised for delivering inclusive sexual health, education and support services, while Hike Society Adelaide has built a thriving community focused on movement, connection and mental wellbeing.
Image: Thorne Harbour HealthHike Society Adelaide said the recognition reflects their strong commitment to community.
“Our biggest hope is that this platform helps our work continue to grow, reaching more people and building stronger connections across the state.”
Performers and artists bringing queer creativity to life
Music And Live Performance Award
- Brooke Seto
- Emerauld
- Glitzy Von Jagger
Glitzy Von Jagger earned a double nomination thanks to their work as a live-singing queer cabaret performer and storyteller.
Their original music, theatre shows and performances across Adelaide have centred trauma, healing, gender reclamation and queer joy.
“These nominations feel like recognition not just of me as a performer, but of what happens when queer artists are given space to create freely and be embraced in that truth,” Glitzy said.
Image: Brooke Seto & Glitzy Von JaggerEmerauld, nominated for their growing music career and youth community work, said the recognition is about more than personal success.
“It’s about the young people I’ve worked with and creating spaces where people feel safe to be themselves.”
Performer Of The Year
- Eve Elle
- Glitzy Von Jagger
- Princess Laya
Princess Laya was recognised for years of creating joyful, inclusive drag spaces across South Australia, including the hugely popular Drag Bingo and Trivia events.
Image: Princess Laya“This isn’t just about me. It’s about the community that continues to support, uplift, and celebrate queer voices.”
Sport, inclusion and volunteering celebrated
Sports And Recreation Award
- Adelaide 36ers
- Hike Society Adelaide Inc.
- Rainbow Crows
Rainbow Crows were recognised for a decade of advocacy helping make AFL and AFLW spaces more inclusive for LGBTQIA+ fans through visibility, education and community events.
Image: Rainbow CrowsThe Adelaide 36ers were also shortlisted for their commitment to inclusion in professional sport.
“We’re proud of the progress we’ve made supporting visibility and advocacy within the LGBTQIA+ community.”
Volunteer Of The Year
- Cherie Lee
- Penny Mcauley
- Sam Loughlin
These volunteers are celebrated for their behind the scenes work strengthening community connection.
Image: Penny McAuley & Cherie LeeCherie Lee is recognised for her contributions through Girl Meet Girl, a community built around connecting queer women, trans women and non-binary folk to make real life friendships or sometimes even romantic relationships.
“Being part of Girl Meet Girl has shown me the power of connection, and this recognition really belongs to the amazing community we’ve built together.”
Winners will be announced at the 2026 South Australian Pride Gala on Saturday, June 6, with tickets and information available via Pride Adelaide.
To learn more about the finalists and all other nominees, head to their profiles.
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