2026 GLMA Annual Achievement Awards


Since 1990, GLMA’s Annual Achievement Awards have celebrated trailblazers in LGBTQ+ health, honoring both individuals and organizations for their groundbreaking contributions and commitment to the community. These awards shine a spotlight on those who have dedicated their work to advancing LGBTQ+ health and their pursuit of health equity for all. All Achievement Awardees have one thing in common: Each award winner has made a significant impact in on the health and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community.

The importance of these awards extends far beyond mere recognition; they serve as a beacon of hope for all working toward the advancement of LGBTQ+ health, inspiring others to strive for excellence and innovation in this critical field. By highlighting these achievements, the awards underscore the ongoing need for advocacy and action in the pursuit of LGBTQ+ health equity.

The nominations for the 2026 GLMA Annual Achievement Awards will be opening soon! 

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GLMA's Annual Achievement Awards aim to honor the diverse and specialized contributions within our community, ensuring that each individual's unique accomplishments receive the recognition and celebration they deserve.

Awardees will be honored at GLMA's 44th Annual Conference on LGBTQ+ Health which will be held September 17–19, 2026 in Seattle, WA. 

Nominations were accepted for the following awards:

1. The Lifetime Achievement Award
2. The Achievement in Research Award
3. The Achievement in Practice Award
4. The Achievement in Advocacy Award
5. The Early Career Achievement Award
(open to students, trainees, & early career professionals)
6. The Local Community Leader Achievement Award
(open to nominees who live and/or work in Washington)

Congratulations to the 2025 GLMA Achievement Awardees!

2025 Award Recipients

  1. Lifetime Achievement: Tonia Poteat, PhD, MPH, PA-C
  2. Local Community Leader: OUTFront Minnesota, represented by Kat Rohn
  3. Achievement in Practice: Shannon Whittington, DNP, MSN, RN, CCM, LGBTQ+ Certified
  4. Achievement in Advocacy: Elijah Nicholas, DBA, MBA, MAET, MSOL
  5. Achievement in Research: Jirair Ratevosian, DrPH, MPH
  6. Early Career Achievement: Callen Smith, RN, MSN


2025 GLMA Achievement Awardees pose with Executive Director Alex Sheldon at the 43rd Annual Conference on LGBTQ+ Health

The 2025 GLMA Achievement Awards recipients were honored at GLMA’s 43rd Annual Conference on LGBTQ+ Health, held in Minneapolis, MN, from October 9–11, 2025.

Learn more about GLMA’s past Achievement Award recipients.