Established in 2009 by the NXF and GCN, the GALAS has grown to become a staple in the rainbow calendar. We welcome over 500 guests each year to a glittering gala awards night that celebrates, lifts and inspires attendees and supporters alike.

With a wide range of categories, the awards celebrate grassroots organisations, local community heroes, national advocacy organisations, businesses who create positive working environments for their LGBTQ+ colleagues and all those striving to build a more inclusive and equal Ireland.

The event is organised by the NXF board and GCN with the support of sponsors. The GALAS relies on corporate support to ensure it can give our nominees who devote so much of their time and effort to the community the recognition – and night of glamour! – they deserve. For our corporate sponsors, it’s an opportunity to demonstrate their unwavering support to the LGBTQ+ community outside of the usual Pride month activities and to have a real impact on LGBTQ+ lives throughout the country.

The 2025 GALAS was our biggest yet, hosted by the fabulous I’m Grand Mam duo, PJ Kirby and Kevin Twomey. Performers included Gloria LGBT+ Choir, Elaine Mai, MayKay, and Mother DJ Glamo. Winners on the night included Person of the Year, which was awarded to former CEO of LGBT Ireland, Paula Fagan. Two Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to former President Michael D. Higgins and the late Siobhán O’Dowd, who was a deeply influential activist in Cork’s LGBTQ+ community. 

This year’s GALAS takes place on 3 October 2026 in the Dublin Royal Convention Centre. Nominations for awards are now open until 17 July and can be submitted on galas.ie!

You can find out more about how you can support or become involved in the GALAS by contacting Stefano in GCN.