This award honors a UConn Rainbow Center student staff member (undergraduate or graduate) who embodies and exhibits the true spirit of the Rainbow Center’s “shining” mantra. Only Rainbow Center Student Staff members are eligible for this award.

This award recognizes UConn events, possibly sponsored by or co-sponsored with the Rainbow Center, that offered an insightful, informative and learning experience outside the classroom in regard to the larger LGBTQIA+ community.  Nominations for UConn events that were developed outside of Rainbow Center’s sponsorship are welcomed and encouraged.

This award honors a UConn faculty member or instructor who facilitates an exemplary classroom environment, whether virtual or in-person, that is inclusive diverse communities of gender identities, gender expressions and sexualities.

This award honors a UConn graduate student leader who demonstrates effective leadership that benefits UConn’s diverse communities of gender identities, gender expressions and sexualities. The Outstanding Graduate Student Leader should personify the values of integrity and community building. Please note: Any graduate student at the University of Connecticut can be nominated.

This award recognizes a UConn faculty or UConn staff member who demonstrates leadership and support at UConn for diverse communities of gender identities, gender expressions and sexualities. The Outstanding UConn Professional, whether a faculty member or a staff member, should work toward the advancement of individuals of diverse communities of gender identities, gender expressions and sexualities and their rights.

This award honors an undergraduate student leader who demonstrates effective leadership that benefits UConn and diverse communities of gender identities, gender expressions and sexualities. The Outstanding Undergraduate Student Leader should personify the values of integrity and community building. Please note: Any undergraduate student at the University of Connecticut can be nominated however Rainbow Center Student Staff are not eligible for this award.

This award honors a department that facilitates an exemplary classroom environment that is inclusive of diverse communities of gender identities, gender expressions and sexualities.

This award honors a UConn faculty member or UConn staff member who has contributed research beneficial to understanding topics related to the individuals of diverse communities of gender identities, gender expressions and sexualities.

This award honors an undergraduate or graduate student who has contributed research beneficial to understanding topics related to the individuals of diverse communities of gender identities, gender expressions and sexualities.