Friends of Ruby is proud to share that we have been named a 2025 Changemaker at the PTP Pink Awards, presented by DECIEM. This annual celebration honours individuals and organizations making meaningful contributions to 2SLGBTQIA+ communities across Canada.
This year, Friends of Ruby is recognized thanks to Changemaker Champion: Harper Steele, who selected our organization as their cause to highlight. Harper’s advocacy and visibility have helped shine a national spotlight on the critical support Friends of Ruby provides to 2SLGBTQIA+ youth — from free counselling and mental health services to transitional housing and drop-in programming.
Photos By: @kennedypollard_ for @lilacmediagroup
In photo (left to right): DECIEM, Harper Steele, Yuri (Staff), Kelly (Staff)
“Being named a Changemaker reflects the power of community care. Every young person deserves a space where they are seen, supported, and celebrated. We’re deeply honoured to be recognized alongside incredible leaders who are advancing 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and well-being. ”
— Carol Osler, Executive Director, Friends of Ruby
Why This Recognition Matters
The Pink Awards spotlight champions who are shaping the future of queer and trans communities through action, innovation, and leadership. For Friends of Ruby, this recognition amplifies our mission to create affirming spaces where 2SLGBTQIA+ youth can thrive — and underscores the importance of investing in mental health, housing, and community supports.
We hope this spotlight inspires the community to learn more about our work, share our story, and fuel our mission. Recognition like this helps us reach more people — and inspires them to donate in support of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.
Join Us in Celebrating
- Follow and engage with the official announcement on Instagram and LinkedIn.
- Share your congratulations online using #ptppinkawards and #FriendsOfRuby.
- Learn more about our programs and impact here.
Congratulations to all 2025 Changemakers — and thank you to Pink Triangle Press for celebrating the resilience and brilliance of our community.
About Friends of Ruby
Founded in 2014 by Egale Canada to address the reality that Toronto’s 2SLGBTQIA+ youth face high rates of family rejection, violence, homelessness, suicidality, and trauma. In 2019, Friends of Ruby officially became its own registered charity.
The Friends of Ruby Youth Drop-In Center was created to meet the needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth aged 16-29 youth by providing a safe space to build community and access case management and mental health support. To date, we have served over 1,100 2SLGBTQIA+ youth at our Drop-In Centre. In December 2020, Friends of Ruby Home, our transitional housing facility for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, opened its doors. Since opening, we have provided 100 youth with a place to call home while supporting their journeys of mental health, well-being, and independent living.
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