The GALAS Awards 2024

Organised by GCN and the National LGBT Federation (NXF), The GALAS are Ireland’s only LGBTQ+ awards programme. The awards were established in 2009 to acknowledge and honour the outstanding contributions that individuals, companies and organisations make to support the LGBTQ+ community in Ireland.

Catapult have designed and produced the GALAS over several years, as a continuing commitment to applaud the achievements of those who work so hard for the benefit of others; and to provide a stage for them to be celebrated by the community they support. It’s is a unique honour for us every year, and one of our favourite nights out!

This year’s event boasted 13 different categories and a special Lifetime Achievement accolade, recognising outstanding accomplishments across activism, arts, allyship, sports and more. The room was packed to the rafters, as the rainbow community showed up in style to celebrate their queer comrades and allies, serving looks encompassing stiletto boots, power suits and everything in between.

A special Lifetime Achievement award was also presented to David Norris, who officially retired from the Seanad in January after 36 years of service. Norris made history in 1987 when he was elected as a senator, becoming the first openly gay person to hold office in Ireland, and was instrumental in decriminalising homosexuality in the country, having brought a case to the Irish High Court in 1980 arguing that the legislation banning same-sex activities was inconsistent with the Constitution

Our own team, across Dublin, London, NYC and LA are a wonderful mix of genders, creed and orientation. More than policies, programs, or headcounts, we have always found that by respecting the individual needs, expression and potential of our diverse talent, it has allowed us to gain broader perspectives and ultimately drive both our creativity and a culture of innovation.

Over our 25 years, we have partnered in the background with many charities and organisations, causes and campaigns that have looked to create a more equitable world. With highlights including supporting the Same Sex Marriage Referendum in 2015, showcasing the power of STEM to teenage girls for iWish, bringing multiple nations together to focus on Disaster Risk Reduction for the UN, to focusing on Men’s Mental Health campaigns with MOvember - DE&I has been part of our DNA since Catapult’s inception in 1999.