Bill 7 Award

The Bill 7 Award is a scholarship program established in 1987 to provide post-secondary education scholarships to 2 Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer (2SLGBTQI+) students with demonstrated financial need who are pursuing a first degree, diploma or certification in any Ontario post-secondary institution. Named after the 1986 Ontario legislation that extended the protection of the Human Rights Code to lesbians and gays, the award honors queer history while supporting current students. Since 1987, the Bill 7 Award Trust has granted over $700,000 in scholarships to over 200 students to help them with the cost of post-secondary education. All scholarship funds are raised through donations. Since 2021, the program has been able to award around 20 scholarships of $4,500 each annually, as well as supporting two additional students with continuing scholarships. The Bill 7 Award Trust is directed by a volunteer Board of Trustees, appointed by partner organizations Supporting Our Youth (SOY) and the Community One Foundation, successors to the original founding groups. The award was founded by six community groups, predominantly led by women: the UofT Women's Centre, the Lesbian and Gay Community Appeal, Lesbians of Colour, The Black Women's Collective, Zami, and the Toronto Counselling Centre for Lesbians and Gays.