The Torch Awards recognize distinguished achievements and honors individuals whose work has impacted the lives of TGNC communities across the nation. This work includes areas related to activism, practice and policy, health and safety, journalism, education, as well as programs, and service. This year, NTVM has added an award recognizing a trans and non-binary youth for their work in the community.
2023 Torch Awards Honorees




2022 Torch Award Honorees
2022 NTVM TORCH TRANS &
NON-BINARY LEADER AWARDS
NAME | CITY
Sasha Alexander | New York, NY
Omega Chuckie | Atlanta GA
Daronesha Duncan-Boyd | Birmingham, AL
Cecilia Gentili | New York, NY
Merrique Jensen | Kansas, MO
Janetta Johnson | Los Angeles, CA
Trent Lamar | Houston, TX
Octavia Y. Lewis | Atlanta , GA
Verniss McFarland | Houston, TX
Zaklia McKensey | Richmond, VA
Mariah Moore | New Orleans, LA
Bre Rivera | Albuquerque, NM
Olivia Rodriquez | Washington, DC
Tracy Ross | San Diego, CA
LuSter P. Singleton | Columbus, OH
Michael Trimm | Albuquerque, NM
Mahari Vahati | San Francisco, CA
Mulan Williams | Orlando, FL
Tyree Williams | Alexandria, VA
2022 NTVM TORCH LEADERSHIP AWARDS
NAME | CITY
Blossom Cherisse Brown | Los Angeles, CA
Aria Siad | San Francisco, CA
2022 NTVM NATIONAL COMMITTEE
TORCH AWARDS
NAME | CITY
Zahara Bassett | Chicago, IL
Regina Livingston | Jacksonville, FL
Jevon Martin | New York, NY
Sahara Miller | Indianapolis, IN
Alex Santiago | Atlanta , GA
Mimi Shelton | New York, NY
DeOnyas Valentina | Indianapolis, IN
Dee Dee Watters | Dallas, TX
2022 NTVM COMMUNITY
ALLY/LEADERSHIP TORCH AWARDS
NAME | CITY
Empowerment Enterprise II | Washington, DC
Amelia Korangy | Chicago, IL
Paris Mullins | Chicago, IL
Michael D. Schuenemeyer | Columbus, OH
Dashawn Usher, GLAAD | Los Angeles, CA
City of West Hollywood | West Hollywood, CA