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CGLCC 9th Annual Black & White Gala: Do, Dare, Dazzle

CGLCC 9th Gala in Toronto
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CGLCC 9th Annual Black & White Gala: Do, Dare, Dazzle

November 1 @ 6:00 pm 11:30 pm

Venue: The Carlu, 444 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON


Join us for our 9th Annual Gala on November 1, 2024, at The Carlu in Toronto! This year’s theme, “Do, Dare, Dazzle”, promises a night of fabulous fun, incredible entertainment, and meaningful connections.

Every year, CGLCC brings together the 2SLGBTQI+ business community for this signature event, highlighting excellence among business leaders at the forefront of 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion through our Business Leadership Awards: check out this year’s finalists.

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 dazzling entertainment at The Carlu in Toronto.

Join us as we pay tribute to the achievements and success of 2SLGBTQI+ businesses. Be there to celebrate an amazing year filled with exciting news, connections, and growth for Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ business community.

The gala will take place on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and the home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.


On Stage

Shawnee Kish’s, 3 time Juno Nominee and powerful soul voice is why hearing her is a one-of-a-kind experience. Shawnee’s journey in music has been one that she attributes to her strength, survival, and inspiration during her struggle coming out as Two Spirit and her struggle with depression as a child.

Hollywood Jade presents “G-Slay Quoi” – an extension of HJP Urbanesque. G-Slay Quoi was born from Gents Slay Quoi, a predominantly male & queer identifying burlesque performance troupe specializing in heels performance-driven choreography, created by the Company’s founder & resident Choreographer, Hollywood Jade. One of Toronto’s visionary Artists, Jade continues to create and discover creative vehicles to present his one of a kind creativity to the masses. This dancer/choreographer turned artistic director has showcased his multidimensional artistic creations on both the big and small screens, local and international stages, and has worked with some of the world’s greatest organizations, artists and talents. As an innovator and creator, he constantly has his finger on the pulse to cultivate memorable and special collaborations leaving him in the headline & on the minds of his new and established fan base. And, of course, watch for him on the award-winning, Canada’s Drag Race, as their resident choreographer and guest judge.

The most Glamorous Queen in captivity Carlotta Carlisle looks like the movies but laughs like a truck driver. With east coast charm and a razor sharp tongue she will keep you in or make you require stitches.

Rainbow Circus is a Toronto based inclusive circus company that believes circus arts are for everyone. As a school, they primarily cater to 2SLGBTQ+ and neurodivergent youth through their inclusive circus classes and free rainbow camps. In their performance work, Rainbow Circus seeks to provide entertainment that showcases a wide variety of talented artists, with a specific focus on showcasing disability arts as well as supporting Queer and Trans artists.

DJ Donovan Toronto My DJ journey started off at a very young age of 15, not believing that I would’ve taken me to where I am today. I take pride in myself, by being professional and approachable, while aiming to please. I have 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 currently the resident DJ at Friday Harbour Resort. The style of music I play range from but not limited to (Old school, Dance (EDM), Reggae, Soca, Afro, Latin, Brazilian, Pop, Classic Rock, R&B/Hip Hop, Funk. Would like to think of myself as a conductor of the dancefloor.


Become a sponsor!

This is your chance to shine as a sponsor, connecting with industry leaders and showcasing your brand in a dazzling setting. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to make a lasting impact and be part of something spectacular. Dare to dazzle with us—become a sponsor today!


Suggested Attire

Evening attire is recommended, but only if it makes you feel comfortable. While the event is “Black & White”, we encourage you to Do, Dare, and Dazzle in any colour of the rainbow that expresses who you are!


Silent Auction – over 55 incredible items!

Bidding starts October 20, 2024 at 5pm EDT and closes November 1, 2024 at 10pm EDT.

Our silent auction offers exclusive items like business class tickets from Air Canada, luxury getaways, beauty treatments, and unforgettable experiences. Each bid supports CGLCC’s vital programs, so you’re not just winning—you’re making a real difference!

We are excited to announce that renowned artist Amanda Wand will be live painting a stunning piece during the Gala. Her creation will be featured as part of our silent auction, giving you the exclusive opportunity to bid on this unique artwork while witnessing its creation in real-time. Don’t miss your chance to take home a one-of-a-kind masterpiece!

More items will be added throughout the week. Make sure you return to check them out!

Text “GALA” to (647) 930-1454 from your mobile device and a link will be sent to you via text. The link will then take you to the sign-in page and all you have to do is follow the instructions to join the auction. Bidding is only available through the mobile platform on your mobile device.



To view the auction items from your web browser, click here. Please note that the web browser is ideal for those not attending gala. If you will be attending, please use the MobilBid number so you have access via your cellphone.

Here are some helpful tips on how to use the MobilBid auction app:

• Scroll down the list of items to review. You will see the starting bid or highest bid amount displayed.
• At the bottom of your screen is a countdown timer – keep your eye on it!
• Review details on any item by tapping on the item photo or title.
• Tapping the heart symbol adds items to your ‘favourite’ list. To see your list, tap on the heart on the top menu.
• Place a bid on an item from within the item detail screen – you can accept the offered minimum bid, or raise it higher.
• As you go to place your very first bid, you will be prompted to enter a credit card. This is for contactless payment and will help to eliminate the line up at the end of the event.
• You can set an “auto-bid”, up to a maximum amount you are prepared to pay for a specific item. The platform will bid incrementally on your behalf up to, but never beyond the maximum you set. Highly recommended for that piece you love.
• If you are outbid, you will receive a text and/or email notification.
• Review the items for which you are the winning bidder by pressing the ‘trophy’ button on the top menu.
• At the end of the auction, winning bidders will receive a notification containing their invoice and payment confirmation, as well as item pickup instructions.

You will be asked to provide your credit card information when you make your first bid. When the auction closes, winning bidders will receive a notification containing their invoice, payment confirmation and item pick up instructions.

Auction item(s) pick up will take place at the CGLCC Black and White Gala on November 1st 2024. For the winning bidders that are not attending the gala, items can be sent by email. Auction items will only be mailed at the cost of the successful winner.

For questions regarding any of these items please reach out to office@cglcc.ca.


Accommodation for Gala Attendees

We are pleased to offer a special group rate for CGLCC Gala attendees at the Courtyard Toronto Downtown. If you’re joining us for the Gala and require accommodations, we recommend booking early to take advantage of this exclusive rate. 

Rate: $282.00 CAD per night

Last Day to Book: Extended to October 22, 2024! Expired


Safety & Accessibility

CGLCC is dedicated to maintaining inclusive and accessible spaces for everyone. During our events, all participants are required to treat each other with dignity, fairness, and respect.

Any harassment and discrimination, including, but not limited to, that based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religious affiliation, age, or disability is not permitted under any circumstance. CGLCC reserves the right to take immediate action, including removing the responsible participant from the event, as well as issuing a permanent ban from any future CGLCC events.

If you witness or experience any form of discrimination or harassment at the GALA, please reach out to the event organizer.


Thank you to our sponsors!

Platinum Sponsors

TD Logo

Official Airline Sponsor

Award Sponsors

Bird Construction logo
EY logo
Scotiabank Logo

Storytelling Sponsor

Silver Sponsors

DCM logo
CIBC logo
Johnson & Johnson logo
Chicago Title logo

Friends and Supporters Sponsors

Closed Captioning Sponsor

Audio Visual Sponsor

444 Yonge Street
Toronto, Ontario Canada
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