COMMUNITY ONE BLOG

International Advocate for Queer Rights and the Founder and Editor of the Queer Toronto Literary Magazine – Pax Santos Honoured by Community One Foundation

Toronto, ON (November 14, 2023) – On November 10, 2023, international 2SLGBTQIA+ rights advocate and the Founder and Editor of the Queer Toronto Literary Magazine, Pax Santos was honoured with Community One Foundation’s Steinert & Ferreiro Award: a commemorative award and $10,000 cash prize that celebrates unsung heroes for their contributions to the Canadian 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Santos is the 19th recipient of this prestigious community award, which was presented at the annual Canadian LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce Black & White Gala.

In the photo (left to right): Kris Fortomaris, Pax Santos, Michael Schneider

The Steinert & Ferreiro Award, established in 2005 as per a bequest from the estates of Fernando Gumercindo Ferreiro and Jonathan Steinert, honours individuals who have significantly advanced the cause of 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, echoing the enduring spirit and vision of its founders.

Santos has demonstrated unparalleled dedication and commitment to advocating for the rights of marginalized communities discriminated against based on sex, gender, and sexual orientation. Notably, her career work has consistently focused on pushing international humanitarian institutions to do more to center the safety and protection of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals globally. Her experience in advocacy and fostering partnerships was instrumental in securing the federal government’s recent groundbreaking collaboration with Rainbow Railroad, which will help facilitate the resettlement of at-risk refugees fleeing persecution and violence based on their sexual orientation and gender identity. In her personal life, she remains principally committed to uplifting the Queer community and through the non-profit organization she founded, QT, Pax carves out space for artistic expression and experimentation in an organization led by and for Queer women and gendered minorities.

“It is with great pride that we honour Pax Santos with the esteemed Steinert & Ferreiro Award for this year,” expresses Community One Foundation Co-Chair Sam Katz. “As a champion for those whose voices often go unheard, Pax has exemplified leadership that fosters inspiration, fosters progress, and instigates transformative shifts within the core of the Canadian 2SLGBTQIA+ community. We are thrilled to include Pax Santos among the esteemed individuals who have made significant strides as catalysts for positive transformation.”

Pax Santos joins a distinguished league of previous Steinert & Ferreiro recipients, embodying the vision and legacy of individuals who have dedicated their lives to advancing the rights and recognition of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. For more information about the Community One Foundation, the Steinert &Ferreiro Award, and the work of Pax Santos, please visit www.communityone.ca.

About Community One:

Established in 1980 as the Lesbian and Gay Community Appeal, Community One Foundation provides grants to 2SLGBTQIA+ community projects in the Greater Toronto Area, including Durham, Halton, Hamilton, Peel, and York Regions, focusing on the areas of arts and culture, health and social services, and research and education. The Foundation also promotes community philanthropy through strategic partnerships such as the Bill 7 Award and the LGBT Giving Network.