The Elton John Impact Awards, honoring trailblazers and allies in the LGBTQ+ community, are set to launch on June 1 as a podcast series on the iHeartRadio app and major podcast platforms. The awards will also air as an audio special on iHeartRadio PRIDE stations, featuring recipients such as Chappell Roan, Laverne Cox , Melissa Etheridge, and consumer goods giant P&G.

The Evolution of the Elton John Impact Awards

The Elton John Impact Award was first introduced in 2022 at ‘Can’t Cancel Pride,’ a virtual benefit concert launched by iHeartMedia and P&G. Sir Elton John was the inaugural recipient, recognized for his decades-long advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and the fight to end AIDS. Since then, the award has evolved into the Elton John Impact Awards, expanding its scope to honor more individuals and organizations.

Over the course of five years, ‘Can’t Cancel Pride’ has raised over $17 million for LGBTQ+ nonprofits, according to the report. The first group of honorees in the expanded awards includes Jonathan Bailey, Laverne Cox, Melissa Etheridge, Billie Jean King, Orville Peck, and Chappell Roan. Each will receive a gold-plated trophy inspired by John’s iconic eyewear.

Recognizing Lifelong Work and Cultural Impact

The Elton John Impact Awards recognize individuals and organizations whose lifelong work has inspired change and shaped culture, while also giving back to LGBTQ+ organizations that uplift the communities they serve. This year’s honorees represent a diverse range of fields, from music and acting to sports and consumer goods.

Laverne Cox, a trailblazing actress and advocate, and Melissa Etheridge, a Grammy-winning musician and LGBTQ+ rights activist, are among the notable recipients.. Consumer packaged goods giant P&G is also being honored for its support of LGBTQ+ causes, according to the report.

The Gold-Plated Trophy and Its Significance

Each honoree will be presented with a gold-plated trophy inspired by Sir Elton John’s famous bling-y eyewear. This unique award symbolizes the glamour and impact of the recipients’ contributions to the LGBTQ+ community. The design pays homage to John’s iconic style while celebrating the achievements of the honorees.

The Elton John Impact Awards continue to be a beacon of recognition for those who have made significant strides in advancing LGBTQ+ rights and cultural acceptance, according to the report.

What’s Next for the Elton John Impact Awards?

As the Elton John Impact Awards expand into a podcast series and audio specials, the future looks bright for this prestigious recognition. The awrads will continue to honor individuals and organizations that make a lasting impact on the LGBTQ+ community, inspiring change and shaping culture.

The launch of the podcast series on June 1 marks a new chapter for the Elton John Impact Awards, bringing the stories of these trailblazers and allies to a wider audience, according to the report.