HOW TO NOMINATE
For most nominations, you are requested to provide:
You can nominate yourself or someone else.
Nominees should self-identify as Black LGBTQIA+ individuals with a connection to Baltimore City.
Missing requested nomination information will render the award submission invalid.
Previous winners are ineligible from receiving the same award.
SELECTION & PRESENTATION
Top nominations and winners are selected using the following criteria, on a 1-5 scale:
Quality of Nominations: Is the nomination specific and substantive? We're looking for real stories and concrete examples of what the nominee has done, not just general praise. The strongest nominations paint a clear picture of the nominee's work and why it matters.
Number of Nominations: How many people took the time to nominate this person? A higher volume of nominations signals broad community support and recognition — but the quality of those nominations should match.
Level of Discernible Impact: What measurable or visible difference has this nominee made? This considers the reach and depth of their impact on the individuals, organizations, or spaces they touch.
Level of Known Recognition: How visible or well-recognized is this nominee's work within Black LGBTQIA+ Baltimore? This looks at the nominee's standing and reputation for the contributions being recognized. Strong preference is for those who haven't had the chance to receive their spotlight moment yet but continue doing the work.
Category Fit: How closely does the nominee's story align with the specific award category? Nominations should clearly reflect the spirit and requirements of the category they're submitted under.
The BLAQ Equity Board and a seperate ICON Awards judging committee will score all nominees per catergory; the winner will be selected from the top three scores. All top nominees will be announced in September. The winner will be publicly announced live at the Icon Awards Gala.
Awards will be presented at the Icon Awards Gala on October 9, 2026, at the Parkway Theatre during the Red Carpet Reception or on the Main Stage.
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