Award Nomination

Deadline to apply: April 1, 2025

Modern Military’s National Gala will kick off 2025 Pride events, honor modern military families for their service and sacrifice, and highlight the contributions of the LGBTQ+ military community through our annual awards and scholarships. This year’s awards include:

  • Modern Military “Donna Johnson Equality and Valor Award”: Honors a service member who exemplifies courage, equality, and valor.
  • Modern Military Advocate of the Year: Honors someone who has gone out of their way to advance LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Armed Forces or wider defense sector and advocate the overall value of creating an LGBTQ+ friendly culture and work environment.
  • Modern Military Community Champion: Recognizes an organization or individual that has demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership in advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion. Their tireless efforts, passion, and innovative approaches have significantly impacted the community, inspired others to get involved, and driven positive change.
  • Modern Military Lifetime Achievement: Celebrates an individual’s profound impact and enduring legacy of advancing LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion within the military and veteran community. Through their relentless advocacy, courage, and perseverance, they have shattered barriers, championed diversity, and created safer, more inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ service members and veterans.
  • Modern Military Shining Star Award: Recognizes an ally to the LGBTQ+ community who has committed significant effort to advocating, promoting, and supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion in the defense sector.
  • Modern Military Rainbow Shield Award: Recognizes an LGBTQ+ network or employee resource group (ERG), or a specific program, network or initiative designed to advance LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace.
  • Modern Military Role Model of the Year: Recognizes LGBTQ+ professionals who have been strong, visible, and effective role models to other LGBTQ+ people in their organization and the wider defense industry.
  • Next Generation Leader of the Year: Recognizes an LGBTQ+ cadet, recent graduate, or early career service member for their skills and leadership.
  • Congressional Champion: Recognizes an elected official who drives positive change for the LGBTQ+ or HIV-positive community.

Please note: The nominator and nominee must be Modern Military members – subscribe for free to become a member.