Woohoo! Attendees had a great time at this year's Bill 7 Award celebration gala at the Toronto Reference Library, honouring 26 scholarship recipients. The Bill 7 Award Trust couldn't offer these scholarships without the long-standing support of generous donors and corporate sponsors, including Toronto's own Left Field Brewery, RBC Royal Bank, Malivoire Wine Company, EY, IGM Financial, McMillan LLP, and Manulife — and, of course, the Community One Foundation and Supporting Our Youth! Of course, let's also thank the Bill 7 Trustees themselves, and the eight anonymous application reviewers who donate their time to read the scholarship apps. It truly does take a village to offer so many scholarships!

So, once again, to all Bill 7 supporters and donors, and the family, friends, and loved ones of the esteemed scholarship recipients: thank you! Giving just a few dollars each month goes such a long way towards supporting these awards. This year, thanks to donors like you, the Bill 7 team raised the scholarship values to $4,500 each, a landmark accomplishment!

Introducing... the 2024 Bill 7 Award recipients!

Now, let's meet the students, all of whom are members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community, are in financial need, and are studying at an Ontario college or university. 2024 was Bill 7's biggest year yet: we gave out 26 scholarships of $4,500 each! (Please note that not all recipients are represented here for privacy reasons.)

Multi-year recipients

With continued support from donors, the Bill 7 Award Trust offers a handful of students "multi-year" scholarships, meaning these students will receive funds of $4,500 each year, for up to four total years. If you read about last year's recipients, some of these names will be familiar!

Melinda de L'Eveille, of St. Clair College, is in her first year of Child and Youth Care, having completed a journalism program. Her passion lies in helping youth as they grow up: she "loves doing the work," and the Bill 7 award makes it possible. Melinda shouted out her girlfriend, her GF's mom, and her own dad, alongside the "kick-ass human beings" who offer these scholarships.

Arjun Kalra, now in his third year pursuing acting at Toronto Metropolitan University, is "endlessly thankful" for Bill 7's ongoing support, allowing a "little Desi gay boy" the chance to live his dreams, here in Canada, and back home in India. He thanks his chosen family, and offers cheers to the "next generation of changemakers."

Ray Lumare, a first-year health sciences student at Western University, couldn't attend the gala, but his goal is to launch a career in law to support trans athletes. He shared a message of goodwill, telling the audience he is "confident in [his] goals for the future."

One-time Bill 7 scholarships

Each one-time scholarship recipient below receives a $4,500 scholarship — shout out to Bill 7's amazing donors! Let's meet the scholarship recipients:

Nanji Syed, a third year commerce student at Queen's University, is "deeply grateful" to be named as a recipient, and to be in the company of so many supporters. She's dedicated to "listening, learning, and amplifying voices" — her award belongs to every advocate pushing for change; everyone who extends a hand to those in need.

Emil Ashrafov is at Toronto Metropolitan University, studying his second year of a social work degree, and he's an active volunteer with Pride Toronto. Emil speaks of giving up everything to be himself: he's "lost family and friends," but he's committed to his supportive community, and supporting them right back.

Finch Assadoullaev, another Toronto Metropolitan University student, in his "fifth and hopefully final" year of new media studies, describes his win as a "huge and immense honour." He avoided applying for a Bill 7 scholarship for years, and though he thought the congratulations phone call was a scam at first, he realizes now that "everything is connected."

Jeanne Bilap-Nsegba, a biomedical student in her first year at Toronto Metropolitan University, plans to work in medicine after graduation. She describes the "genuinely life-changing" win of a Bill 7 scholarship, and thanks her strict family, who always supported her. She ends with a quote from Audre Lorde: "It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences."

Rebeca Contreras, or Bec, is a first-year student at Sheridan College, pursuing a diploma in makeup for media and creative arts. Building a life has been challenging when changing countries, but she espouses the importance of "belief in yourself" — and of helping others when you're able.

Avril Deniz-Castelli is in her second year of the University of Guelph's sexualities, genders, and social change program. She's "tremendously honoured," deriving true joy from her studies. She thanks past queer folks who paved the way, alongside her loving parents.

Inara Hasin, an animation student at Seneca Polytechnic, in her first year, wants to increase queer representation on TV. Answering an unknown phone call from the Bill 7 team, she breathed a sigh of relief! She thanks her friend Reese for helping her thrive each day. Inara hopes everyone can "love whomever we want to love."

Lian Huang is in his first year of history studies at Brock University, and volunteers with the York Region Children's Aid Society. When he came out as trans in 2020, he was "sent to the streets." Receiving this award is a "beacon," giving him valuable encouragement to be himself.

Karissa Kopingon, a crime intelligence and analysis student in her third year at Seneca Polytechnic, speaks of starting post-secondary in 2019, then taking a hiatus due to mental and financial struggles. She credits her "comeback" in part to the Bill 7 scholarship, but mostly to support from her family and friends! She's joined at the gala by a beloved teacher, "like a bonus mom," and Karissa's wife Julia as well.

Jason Leffrenier's a first-year general arts and science student at Mohawk College, and he's a volunteer with Pride Hamilton. Though he couldn't make the gala itself, he sent a note of thanks: he "can't wait to continue" his education, thanks to the support of the Bill 7 Trust.

Kaína Mendoza Price is in her final year, pursuing a BA with a major in religion at the University of Toronto. At one point, he dropped out of studies due to financial concerns, but she was inspired by a friend to return and stick to it. Now, Kaína's won a "life-changing" scholarship, and she's looking ahead to her Master's degree.

Mariah Shaw, in her fourth year of environmental science at Trent University, is a "proud lesbian" doing research into climate change. She met her now-fiancée when they were both in elementary school, and though she grew up in a traditional religion, her life began anew when she came out at 17 years old.

Jada Theodore's a fourth-year nursing sudent at McMaster University, with a 4.0 GPA and a part-time job! She's honoured to be able to continue focusing on her community work, mentoring students at Mac, and playing a vital role as a mentor to her peers. Jada's dream is to be a public health nurse, breaking barriers to 2SLGBTQI+ care, ensuring an "equitable, healthy society."

Ethan Thompson is a first-year mathematical physics student at Trent University. He started a business at 14 years old to raise housing money. He thanks the Bill 7 team for having "faith in our potential," and to his always-supportive parents. He references Rafael's School of Athens fresco, and salutes "diversity in every field."

Oliver Verrier, a University of Waterloo student in his second year of studies in psychology, is grateful for the "opportunity to create lasting change," and hopes to open a psychology clinic to support those in financial need. Oliver left his small town to ensure he was "not a statistic," and plans to "not just survive, but thrive."

Royce Weir Fiedler's at Durham College, in his first year of police foundations. Royce was recently adopted by his manager at work; coming out as trans at 15, as a "kid in care," was tough. Now, he's a proud 20-year-old man who "took a leap of faith to be [his] true self." He loves his new family dearly.

Emily Wilke, an architectural studies student in her third year at the University of Toronto, is an elite varsity track and field athlete, who felt a distinct lack of representation in the sport growing up. Track is a special place, and she's starting to open up conversations around diversity. She's grateful for this scholarship, as it's hard to hold down a job when you're always running track!

Dez Williams is at Trent University, in his third year of biomedical science. He's a proud trans man who plans to work as a doctor after graduation. "We will be seen!" Dez declares, after feeling alone in high school. That burden has now been lifted: "thank you for listening to us," he says.

Chloe Park, a first-year life sciences gateway student at McMaster University, couldn't attend the celebration, but she says receiving this scholarship has "opened doors" to success.

Sayan Chowdhury, a third-year architectural science student at Toronto Metropolitan University, was unable to make the gala, but is deeply grateful for the unwavering support of the Bill 7 Trust.

Hai Xin Wu, of Western University, is pursuing third-year medical science, and volunteers with PFLAG. Hai led initiatives to support equity-deserving youth find the strength and motivation required to press through hard times.

Wow! Some fantastic recipients, and truly moving stories. Let's give another round of applause to our 26 scholarship recipients — and continue this important work to help make the world a more friendly, welcoming, supportive place for queer and trans folks!

Organizations like the Bill 7 Trust work every day to make the future brighter. You can contribute to this ongoing effort by becoming a monthly donor. The goal: offering 30 scholarships of $5,000 each next year! To do it, we need your help.

Huge thanks to everyone who's donated their time, money, and energy to the Bill 7 Award scholarships. Keep up to date with everything Bill 7 on Facebook, Instagram, and now LinkedIn.

Of course, a final congrats to all of the esteemed recipients for 2024. Here's to your future success!