Health promotion
within LGBTQ+ communities
- Individual: 1 award
- Organisation: 1 award
AWARD CATEGORIES
Award categories and selection criteria
The 8th Ardhanareeswara Award in 2026 comprises four main categories, special awards and international awards, with 13–15 awards in total.
Award categories
Award categories and selection criteria
Honouring individuals, organisations and partners whose outstanding work advances equality,
human dignity, and sexual and gender diversity.
Human rights advocacy
for LGBTQ+ communities
- Individual: 1 award
- Organisation: 1 award
Community empowerment
and capacity building for LGBTQ+ communities
- Individual: 1 award
- Organisation: 1 award
Creative Media Award
for sexual and gender diversity
- Community media: 1 award
- Mass media: 1 award
- Social media: 1 award
Pride Award
Individual: 1 award · Organisation: 1 award
Friendship Award
One award for an individual or organisation
INTERNATIONAL
International Ardhanareeswara Award
- • Individual: 1 award
- • Organisation: 1 award
Presented to individuals or organisations with outstanding achievements in advancing gender equality in their own country or internationally.
Selection criteria
Award selection criteria
for 2026
- 1
Successfully advancing gender equality nationally or internationally despite a social climate in which sexual and gender diversity is not yet fully accepted.
- 2
Successfully securing rights and/or opportunities that improve the quality of life of LGBTQ+ people nationally or internationally.
- 3
Serving as an inspiring role model who builds pride or acceptance among LGBTQ+ people nationally or internationally.