The link to submit nominations for awards is here! (https://forms.gle/bbeygJuLUfJVbqT4A). Nominations are due Monday 4/14!
The Lavender Student Choice Award
Recognizing Extraordinary Champions for Queer Students!
Award Quantity: 1
Who’s Eligible? Faculty, staff, or campus affiliates/partners
Who Decides? Only students! You nominate, you vote, you choose the winner!
Why This Award Matters: This is the award that celebrates a true champion—someone who has consistently gone above and beyond to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for queer students at UMBC. Whether through mentorship, advocacy, or everyday kindness, this person has made a lasting impact on our community. This is a lifetime award, meaning once you win, you’re forever a legend!
How to Nominate: In 3-4 sentences, share how this individual has positively impacted the queer student community. Tell us a story, share a memory, or highlight a moment when they made a difference.
The Lavender Legacy Award
Honoring Those Who Leave a Timeless Impact!
Award Quantity: Up to 2 (if available—1 undergraduate & 1 graduate) or 1 if awarded to a non-student
Who’s Eligible? Graduating students or faculty, staff, alumni, or campus partners
Why This Award Matters: Some people don’t just show up—they transform the world around them. The Legacy Award honors those who have made an unforgettable, lasting impact on the UMBC queer community. Whether they are a graduating student or a dedicated faculty, staff, alum, or campus partner, this award celebrates their commitment to radical love, belonging, and inclusive excellence. Their contributions have shaped UMBC’s queer community in priceless ways, and this award ensures their legacy is never forgotten.
How to Nominate: In 5-6 sentences, tell us about this person’s extraordinary impact on UMBC’s queer community. Share a story, a moment, or a memory that captures their dedication. What have they done to make a difference? How have they created a culture of inclusion and belonging? Please also list any previous Lavender Awards they’ve won.
The Lavender New Grit Award
Recognizing Rising Stars at UMBC!
Award Quantity: Up to 2 (if available—1 undergraduate & 1 graduate)
Who’s Eligible?
1st & 2nd year traditional undergraduates
1st-year transfer students
1st-year master’s students
1st & 2nd year PhD students
Why This Award Matters: Some students hit the ground running, and we see you! The New Grit Award honors students who, despite being new to UMBC, have already made a positive, lasting impact. Whether through leadership, involvement, or simply bringing energy and passion to campus life, these students are setting the stage for an incredible journey ahead.
The Lavender Activism & Inclusive Excellence Award
Celebrating Those Who Stand Up and Speak Out
Award Quantity: Up to 2 (if available—1 undergraduate & 1 graduate)
Who’s Eligible? Students who embody the university’s core values of inclusive excellence and social justice
Why this Award Matters: This award recognizes those who don’t just talk about change but actively "take up the mantle"—following in the footsteps of UMBC faculty and staff who champion activism and mutual aid in Baltimore and beyond.
At the heart of this award is the belief that every act of activism matters:
All activism is needed—from grassroots organizing to global advocacy.
Small activism is activism—because even the smallest actions create waves of change.
Radical self-care is activism—sustaining yourself is part of sustaining the movement.
This award honors students who boldly stand up, speak out, and take action in any form of activism—whether through mutual aid, hyperlocal initiatives, or national and global movements. Students who have collaborated with faculty or staff in their advocacy efforts are welcome to be nominated, but no formal affiliation is required.
The Lavender Radical Love & Belonging Award
Honoring Those Who Make UMBC a Home for All
Award Quantity: Up to 2 (if available—1 undergraduate & 1 graduate)
Who’s Eligible? Students who embody the spirit of radical love and belonging
Why This Award Matters: Some students don’t just participate in the UMBC community—they transform it. The Radical Love & Belonging Award recognizes students who create spaces of safety, inclusion, and belonging everywhere they go. These individuals see, hear, and uplift those around them, making UMBC a place where everyone feels valued. They don’t just talk about inclusion—they live it through compassion, empowerment, and radical love.
The Lavender Amplifier Award
Celebrating Students Who Elevate Queer Voices & Issues!
Award Quantity: Up to 2 (if available—1 undergraduate & 1 graduate)
Who’s Eligible? Students whose work centers queer people in some way
What Qualifies? Any effort from the past calendar year that increases queer visibility, advocacy, or well-being on or off-campus!
Why This Award Matters: Some students don’t just support the queer community—they amplify it. The Amplifier Award honors students who are actively raising awareness, advocating for queer issues, and creating meaningful change. Whether through research, leadership, activism, creative projects, or service, these students push boundaries, spark conversations, and make UMBC and beyond a better place for queer people.
Know someone making waves for the queer community? Nominate them and help us amplify their impact!
These awards are open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.
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