The Annual Trans Visibility Awards are coming back this Trans Month, witht he winners being announced at the Gender Revel Gala on 28th November 2026.
The Trans Visibility Awards honours the incredible contributions of transgender, gender diverse and non-binary people and our allies. This is your chance to recognise the changemakers and champions in our communities.
As the architect behind TRANSform, the largest longitudinal study of trans adult health in Australian history, Dr Sav Zwickl has transformed the landscape of trans health research. Their research findings have directly influenced policy and secured historic government investment in trans health. Their initiatives, Emerging Trans Researchers Conference and the Trans Researchers in Trans Research Network, have fostered capacity and leadership amongst trans researchers nationally.
Witt Gorrie (he/they) is a white trans social worker and Dad based in Naarm. They have worked for over fourteen years supporting communities impacted by criminalisation. In 2018 Witt began developing Beyond Bricks & Bars: Trans and Gender Diverse Decarceration Project alongside trans women incarcerated in men’s prison in Victoria. They are also a founding member of the Incarcerated Trans and Gender Diverse Community Fund, a mutual aid project that provides financial and material aid to community inside and returning home from prison.
Dani Leever is a transmasc writer, editor and DJ from Naarm. They're the Online Editor at Archer Magazine – an award-winning publication about gender, sexuality and identity – where they work to uplift and champion marginalised voices through community-led storytelling and authentic, diverse representation. Their work's featured in MTV, SBS, JUNKEE, Queer PowerPoint, RISING and Fremantle Press’ OCD anthology 'Try Not to Think of a Pink Elephant'. By night, they're award-nominated DJ Gay Dad, who's played Mardi Gras, WorldPride, Gaytimes, Laneway, Beers for Queers, HONCHO DISKO, Minus18 Formals and more. They're passionate about inclusive and celebratory queer joy on the dancefloor and behind the decks.
For over a decade, Salem “Cherry Pup” has worked as a sex worker, creating not just a successful private business but a platform for trans visibility, advocacy, and unapologetic joy. Part of his support work business is working with marginalised humans, working with organisations as ambassadors and leaders and to support the queer community at large on the biggest scale he can. As a bisexual trans man he has forged a rare space in an industry where trans men are seldom acknowledged, let alone celebrated. Managing every aspect of his business while confronting stigma and threats, Salem exemplifies resilience, professionalism and creativity.
An Indigenous Māori interdisciplinary artist and young leader within the ballroom community of Naarm, Māhia is a femme queen daughter of the Kiki House of Furia, she nurtures and uplifts young trans women and men through the support of chosen family. Best known as a ballroom archivist, storyteller, and educator, Māhia also works as a commentator, fem queen voguer, curator, and multimedia artist.
A joint founding member of Transgender Victoria, Transfamily Inc and Zoe Belle Gender Collective (and Bi+ Pride Victoria), Sally is a pioneering trans educator, speaker and community broadcaster. She contributed hugely to groundbreaking law reform protecting gender identity from discrimination and helped achieve passport reform and the sex and gender guidelines. Sally is a pioneering trans educator, speaker and community broadcaster
Dax Carnay-Hanrahan is a Filipina trans trailblazer turning survival into art and art into spectacle. Crowned Most Outstanding Performance by a Lead Actor at the inaugural Dionysus Awards (2024) and BroadwayWorld’s Best Performance in a Play (Melbourne, 2023),
Dax is the first commissioned writer for the Festival of Australian Queer Theatre. Their works Chasing Dick: A Love Story, The 6 Guys a Trans Immigrant POC Will Date in Melbourne, and Transwoman Kills Influencer defy respectability and demand attention. Seen on ABC, La Mama, and the Emerging Writers Festival, Dax makes theatre that doesn’t just represent trans lives, it electrifies them
A transmasculine young person living on Waddawurrung Country, at just 14, Casper founded the SLAY project, a not for profit which directly addresses the urgent need for gender affirmation among trans and gender diverse young people in regional areas, by providing free and personalised gender-affirming kits. From volunteering at Qhub Geelong’s Under-12s drop-ins, to MC and facilitating groups, Casper ensures all trans people know there is a future of happiness and euphoria waiting for them.
Gemma Saunders (she/her) is a queer leader and staunch trans ally who has dedicated the past year to amplifying and supporting trans and gender diverse communities. Through offering free coaching and mentoring to trans and gender diverse leaders, running storytelling masterclasses for The Pinnacle Foundation, and providing pro bono consulting to trans organisations, Gems has created tangible opportunities for growth and visibility.
She also raised over $5,000 for TGV by waiving her workshop fee and directing donations instead. Gems is an interim board member with Euphoria Social and shows up every day with what she has whether that’s time, fundraising or capacity building and offers unwavering solidarity.
Dress to the nines and revel in everything that brings you gender euphoria, as we enjoy drinks and canapés, live performances, and the presentation of our inaugural Trans Visibility Awards. Don’t miss this celebration of trans, gender diverse and non-binary joy!
SAVE THE DATE: 28th NOV 2026