Andy Holmes Wins Top Honour at Sher Vancouver's 2024 January Award, Celebrating 10 Years of Youth Leadership Advocacy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 26, 2025
Surrey, British Columbia – Sher Vancouver is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2024 January Award (formerly known as the January Marie Lapuz Youth Leadership Award), celebrating its 10th year of recognizing exceptional youth leadership in advocating for 2SLGBTQ+ rights. This year’s awards saw 41 applicants from eight Canadian provinces and one international entrant from Portland, Oregon. To commemorate the anniversary, Sher Vancouver rebranded the award and increased all cash prizes.
The January Award highlights youth aged 16 to 30 who demonstrate outstanding commitment, leadership, and advocacy for the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Overall Winners (Ages 16–30):
Andy Holmes (Winner, $1500), Toronto, ON, 28
Kels Smith (1st Runner-Up, $1000), Stratford, Epekwitk, PEI, 27
Heng Simone Wang (2nd Runner-Up, $500), Vancouver, BC, 24
Nel Jayson Santos (2nd Runner-Up, $500), Vancouver, BC, 26
Payden Dyer (Honourable Mention, $400), Portland, OR, 24
Nayis Majumder (Honourable Mention, $400), Richmond, BC, 18
Emerging Youth Leaders (Ages 16–23):
In addition to the Top 6 winners above, this year we decided to award seven Emerging Youth Leader prizes. These are youth from 16 to 23 years of age who did not rank in the Top 6 but their applications were strong enough to be deserving of recognition. Sher Vancouver wants to encourage, acknowledge, and recognize youth doing great work with their advocacy and contributions to the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Brandon Bal ($300), Surrey, BC, 18
Ahmad Mohamad Fares Agha ($300), Scarborough, ON, 23
Byzmuth Ffrench ($300), Toronto, ON, 21
Ocean Ruel ($300), Toronto, ON, 17
Liam Ruel ($300), Delta, BC, 22
Adrian Fraser ($300), Winnipeg, MB, 17
Destiny Lang ($300), Vancouver, BC, 20
“Receiving the January Award is an incredible honor, and it fuels my commitment to creating safer and more inclusive spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ communities,” says Andy Holmes, PhD candidate in Sociology at the University of Toronto. “January Marie Lapuz’s legacy reminds us of the power of joy, resilience, and authenticity in the face of adversity. This recognition allows me to continue my research on 2SLGBTQ+ safety and identity formation, contributing to a more just and equitable society.”
Holmes is a researcher and author, with nine peer-reviewed journal articles and two book chapters. His work explores the intersections of queer communities and the criminal legal system, as well as the transformative processes of coming out. A former policy advisor for the City of Vancouver’s 2SLGBTQ+ Advisory Committee, he has been recognized as a runner-up for the Best Student Paper Award by the American Society of Criminology’s Queer Criminology subdivision and serves as a guest lecturer at the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia.
“Each of these youth embodies the spirit of resilience, compassion, and leadership that January Marie Lapuz stood for. The ‘January Award’ is a fitting tribute to her legacy and to the 2SLGBTQ+ youth who continue to inspire us,” said Alex Sangha, founder of Sher Vancouver. “The incredible contributions of this year’s winners remind us of the transformative power of youth advocacy in creating a more inclusive and equitable world for all.”
About the January Award
Founded in 2015, the January Award honors the memory of January Marie Lapuz, a trans woman of color and Sher Vancouver’s first Social Coordinator, by celebrating youth leaders advocating for 2SLGBTQ+ rights. The award aims to amplify the voices of young changemakers, particularly those from marginalized communities.
For more information on the January Award and this year’s winners, visit https://januaryfilm.com/youthaward
BIOGRAPHIES OF THE OVERALL WINNERS
Andy Holmes (He/him)
Winner, $1500, Toronto, 28
Andy Holmes is a PhD candidate in the Department of Sociology at the University of Toronto. He researches relationships between queer communities and the criminal legal system, as well as how coming out shapes sexual identity formations.
Andy is the author of 9 peer-reviewed journal articles and 2 book chapters, has worked as a policy advisor for the City of Vancouver's 2SLGBTQ+Advisory Committee, and is devoted to doing research that advances 2SLGBTQ+ lives.
Andy's research has led him to be interviewed on Global News, a runner-up for the Best Student Paper Award at the American Society of Criminology's Queer Criminology subdivision, and serves as a guest lecturer at the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia.
Kels Smith (they/them)
1st Runner Up, $1000, Stratford, Epekwitk, PEI, 27
Kels Smith is based in Epekwitk, with roots in Ktaqmkuk and Labrador. They work as a 2SLGBTQ+ Youth Program Coordinator at PEERS Alliance, a non-profit organization focusing on harm reduction and stigma prevention. In this role, they facilitate trauma-informed programming for 2SLGBTQ+ youth and community. They also provide comprehensive community education on the topics of sexual orientation and gender identity, brave spaces, and safer sex and consent.
In 2024 they founded the Waiting Room Library, a project focused on increasing community access to books on diverse topics. Kels has a deep passion for social justice, and they are actively involved in advocacy within their community. They are particularly passionate about issues relating to sexual health and reproductive justice, queer rights, and equitable access to education and services in rural and remote regions. Their goal is to support youth in advocating for themselves and amplifying the voices of their communities.
Heng Simone Wang (they/she)
2nd Runner Up, $500, Vancouver (UBC), 24
Heng Simone Wang (they/she) is a Han Chinese researcher, journalist, and community organizer.
They are currently a PhD student in the Institute for Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice at The University of British Columbia and hold an MA in Women and Gender Studies from the University of Toronto. Their research critically examines sexual and reproductive ethics through trans of color critique.
Heng has over five years of experience working with queer and trans communities. They served as the research chair for ColorsWorld, a student-led queer community in Beijing. They co-founded and currently serve as the director of Haitu, a Vancouver-based grassroots organization that support Chinese and Sinophone trans and gender-nonconforming individuals.
As a cinephile, Heng is a TIFF-and Sundance-accredited film journalist who has published extensively in World Screen, bringing feminist and queer perspectives to a broad Chinese readership. Their film reviews reach a monthly paper circulation of 600,000.
Nel Jayson Santos (he/him)
2nd Runner Up, $500, Vancouver, 26
Nel Jayson Santos is a queer Filipino HR professional currently working as a Senior People and Culture Administrator at Connective Support Society, a community-based social service organization that provides person-centred programs and services to marginalized communities across British Columbia and Yukon.
Nel holds a Master's Degree in Sociology from Memorial University of Newfoundland and is a recipient of the inaugural Karl M. Wells Scholarship in LGBTQ2S+ Studies in 2021. His Master’s Research Paper, co-authored with Dr. Ailsa Craig, was recently published in the Journal of Bisexuality. The paper offers a critical review of scholarly perspectives on Monosexism—a lesser-known system of discrimination against asexual and plurisexual (e.g., bisexual, pansexual, non-binary) people for defying the binary categorization of sexuality.
An advocate for LGBTQ2S+ rights, Nel has written a Rappler News op-ed article condemning gender conversion therapy, sharing personal experiences to highlight its harms and advocating for its ban in the Philippines.
Payden Dyer (he/him)
Honourable Mention, $400, Portland, Oregon, 24
Payden Dyer is a queer mixed race person who grew up in the Midwest. Payden is passionate about prison abolition, environmental justice, and empowering young people.
He is currently pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies, hoping to broaden his understanding of the natural world while fostering connections between marginalized communities and the outdoors.
He is actively involved with organizations such as the Prison Library Support Network and Black & Pink PDX, and he co-leads a garden club at an elementary school. Moving into the future, Payden is dedicated to continuing this meaningful work and staying engaged with organizations that prioritize youth voices.
Nayis Majumder (he/him/his)
Honourable Mention, $400, Richmond, BC, 18
Nayis Majumder is a first-year student studying Gender, Race, Sexuality, Social Justice at UBC living on the traditional, unceded, and still unreturned land of the Hǝn̓q̓ǝmin̓ǝm̓ language group- (commonly known as Richmond, B.C.) Nayis is a passionate advocate for equity and inclusion. In the SD38 DEI and SOGI Committees and the BC Ministry of Education’s anti-racism working group, Nayis has consistently used their voice to advocate for marginalized students and staff. Nayis works as a Youth Development Leader and they are the founder and president of SHARESocialJustice, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing anti-“S”exism, “H”omophobia, “A”bleism “R”acism“ “E”ducation through informative infographics, videos, and fundraisers.
SHARE has raised over $1300 towards several charities and hosted 3 socials for Queer Youth in Richmond. Nayis is proud to have created, led, and facilitated Allyship workshops for the City of Richmond’s Pride Week celebration annually since 2022.
BIOGRAPHIES OF THE EMERGING YOUTH LEADERS
(In Random Order)
Brandon Bal (he/him)
Emerging Youth Leader, $300, Surrey, 18
Brandon Bal is a first-generation, Punjabi-Canadian teenager from Surrey, BC. He is currently in his first-year at the University of Toronto. As an active member in every aspect of the community, from athletics, leadership clubs, entertainment and more, Brandon has proven himself as a strong leader and advocate for minority groups. Whether it be for his election to positions on the student council (in both BC and Ontario,) competing in soccer tournaments at the provincial level, to representing BIPOC and 2SLGBTQ+ people on national television, his “experiences have deepened [his] understanding of the importance of acceptance and compassion, and they have driven [him] to advocate for others who face similar struggles.” Brandon continuously uses his voice to advocate for marginalized and under-represented groups. Brandon speaks on 2SLGBTQ+ culture, issues, and stigmas in his community to build a more positive place for the next generation of students.
Ahmad Mohamad Fares Agha (They/He)
Emerging Youth Leader, $300, Scarborough, Ontario, 23
Ahmad Mohamad Fares Agha, a Syrian refugee based in Toronto, is studying Biochemistry at York University. A passionate advocate for youth empowerment and inclusivity, they work tirelessly to create safe, supportive spaces for young people. Ahmad has facilitated over 50 workshops on HIV, STIs, substance use awareness, and harm reduction strategies, reaching hundreds of youth in high schools and universities. As an ambassador for LiveLifeLoving, an international project providing emotional support and resources for youth recently diagnosed with HIV, they play a vital role in fostering connection and resilience. Through their work with organizations like LetsStopAIDS, Ahmad trains new volunteers, gathers community feedback, and represents marginalized voices on national and global platforms.
Byzmuth Ffrench (They/He)
Emerging Youth Leader, $300, Toronto, 21
Byzmuth Ffrench is a Tran-Nonbianary, Community Arts and Space Maker, from Scarborough Ontario. Pulling from their Jamaican and queer ancestors, they foster the creation of space that ancestors didn’t have the time to create themselves. A builder of BIPOC Queer space, for the past 10+ years, their greatest accomplishments so far have been the East H.E.A.R.T Program (Scarborough Arts, 2020-2024) and SEBsPLAYPEN (2022-Present). His current passion project, SEBsPLAYPEN, is a late night event curated for Drag Kings and Things to workshop, learn, and play around with their craft in a safer late night space. Drag is not always a great environment for people who are AFAB, a person of color, or unable to attend late night events without being overstimulated, and Byz hopes to push for the importance of spaces like this by demonstrating and building it themselves.
Ocean Ruel (he/him)
Emerging Youth Leader, $300, Toronto, 17
Ocean Ruel, a 17-year-old Black Trans activist and public speaker from Toronto, Ontario, has been making waves in social justice advocacy since childhood. At just 9 years old in 2016, Ocean won their first public speaking award from TBGC, setting the stage for a promising future. That same year, Ocean founded Lemon Dreams, a lemonade stand with a mission to support underprivileged youth. The initiative raised over $5,000 between 2016 and 2020, providing essential school supplies to those in need.
Ocean's activism extends beyond Lemon Dreams. In 2024, Ocean was honoured with a Provincial Community Service Award to recognize his ongoing work to his community. In 2017, Ocean made a powerful impromptu speech at a Toronto police headquarters meeting, demonstrating their natural ability to articulate important community issues.
Ocean was selected as the Pride Toronto 2023 Youth Ambassador, recognizing their ongoing contributions to the LGBTQ+ community. Ocean continues to use their voice to champion social justice causes and empower youth across Ontario.
Liam Ruel (he/him)
Emerging Youth Leader, $300, Delta, BC, 22
Liam Ruel is a trans researcher from Delta, BC. He became involved in 2SLGBTQIA+ advocacy in university, where he founded a 2SLGBTQIA+ student group and worked as a peer support provider for 2SLGBTQIA+ students. Since 2022, Liam has been working on research exploring the experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ university students in the Greater Vancouver area. As part of this project, he has used research findings to advocate for more inclusive practices and better resources for 2SLGBTQIA+ students within local universities.
Adrian Fraser (He/They)
Emerging Youth Leader, $300, Winnipeg, Manitoba, 17
Adrian Fraser is seventeen years old with a single mother and younger brother. He considers himself quite friendly, striving to always be a helping hand to those in need. He is co-president of his school’s GSA, president of its Key club and more! He is a Queer transracial adoptee from China and he strives to educate on intersectionality, diversity and inclusion in his community. Adrian is a queer activist, an immigrant, a friend and ally with the goal of making the world a more accepting place for all regardless of their gender, sexuality, race or economic status.
Destiny Lang (They/them)
Emerging Youth Leader, $300, Vancouver, 20
Destiny Lang is a lifelong queer activist and trans third-year fashion design student at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU). Since they were 12 years old, Destiny has advocated tirelessly for the 2SLGBTQ+ community in various organizations, including their elementary and high schools, the Richmond School District, the Kwantlen Student Association (KSA), and KPU. Destiny’s mission is to “serve looks and serve the community.” They are passionate about combining their craft and activism—raising awareness about social justice topics through textile arts. Destiny is a first-generation Chinese-Canadian settler residing in the unceded Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh territories known colonially as Vancouver, BC.
MEDIA INQUIRIES
Alex Sangha MSW
Founder of Sher Vancouver
info@shervancouver.com
www.shervancouver.com
https://januaryfilm.com/youthaward
Photos of the Overall Winners are attached. For photos of the Emerging Youth Leaders please contact info@shervancouver.com
** Everything is possible if we work together **