Five Record-breaking students at The Creative School awarded Bill 7 scholarship

The Bill 7 Awards (external link) , an annual award ceremony that provides scholarships for 2SLGBTQI+ students across Ontario, recently wrapped up another successful year. The charitable trust, fueled by the generous donations of the 2SLGBTQI+ community and allies, plays a pivotal role in empowering underrepresented voices in post-secondary education, and this year, five students from The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University were awarded scholarships.

Since its inception in 1987, the Bill 7 Awards have provided over $400,000 in scholarships to more than 150 students in the 2SLGBTQI+ community. At the heart of its impact lies the stories of students whose lives have been supported by this impactful post-secondary scholarship.

Where authenticity and creativity thrive

This year's ceremony saw seven students from TMU recognized with a scholarship - five of whom call The Creative School home. With a record-breaking number of scholarships awarded to students in one faculty, RTA Sports Media Professor Joseph Recupero acknowledged how diversity and inclusion are the cornerstones of a successful academic cohort. 

"The Creative School should be a place where authenticity and creativity can thrive, and to have so many award winners from The Creative School speaks to the diversity of our student cohorts and how equity and inclusion should be key core values and celebrated,” he said.

Bringing awareness to the forefront

The award's significance extends beyond its financial benefits; it's a call to action highlighting the importance of broader awareness about such scholarships. It also encourages universities and other academic institutions to champion diversity and offer platforms for 2SLGBTQI+  students to thrive academically and professionally.

For first-year Performance student Gen Renaud, the Bill 7 Award represented more than just financial assistance; it validated their journey and identity. 

"Beyond the financial support that the Bill 7 Award provided me, it gave me a massive sense of validation and belonging," said Renaud. "The fact that a scholarship like this is possible is incredibly validating for queer students like myself. Receiving the scholarship felt like my experience had been heard and understood."

Moreover, the scholarship also serves as an opportunity for underrepresented communities to voice their diverse opinions, underscoring the pivotal role of these experiences in fostering inclusivity and understanding.

"I'm glad to be selected as a winner because I feel I represent a beacon of intersectionality," remarked first-year Journalism student Cris Nippard. "As a Black, non-binary, feminine presenting Queer person, I think I offer a unique perspective in the LGBTQ+ community because I stay very connected with my other communities. This is really important to me because I think that it's important to acknowledge, as queer people, the effect that we have on other groups as non-visible minorities."

Supporting the next generation of changemakers

Recupero, who has donated to the Bill 7 Awards for the last two years, emphasized the importance of supporting scholarships that provide opportunities for underrepresented communities - especially when these communities and students will become the leaders of tomorrow across a breadth of industries.

"These students will be the future leaders in the creative industries, arts, media and content creation, performance, etc., and the Bill 7 awards help support their education and achieve their eventual career aspirations," stated Recupero, underscoring the faculties efforts in nurturing a culture of diversity and acceptance.

After almost four decades of awarding 2SLGBTQI+  students with scholarships, the Bill 7 Awards have bolstered their commitment to fostering an environment where every student's identity is acknowledged, celebrated, and supported. By amplifying the opportunities available to LGBTQ+ students, the awards ensure that no talent goes unrecognized and no aspirations, regardless of the student, go unrealized.

Interested in learning more about the Bill 7 Awards or applying next year? Check out the Bill 7 Awards website (external link) !

The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University

The Creative School is a dynamic faculty that is making a difference in new, unexplored ways. Made up of Canada’s top professional schools and transdisciplinary hubs in media, communication, design and cultural industries, The Creative School offers students an unparalleled global experience in the heart of downtown Toronto.