The nominations for the 2015 GALAS Awards are open now! Tell us who you think deserves to win a GALA, and why, by visiting TheGalas.ie.

The GALAS were created in 2009 by GCN and The National LGBT Federation (NXF) to honour those who work towards a better future for LGBT people in Ireland. They are here to encourage and reward those LGBT people who give of themselves for the greater good of their community, to show them that their efforts do not go unsung, and that they are an incredible resource which we all value beyond measure.

Here are the 2015 categories:

Community Organisation – This award goes to a professional Irish LGBT community organisation with paid staff

Voluntary Organisation – This award goes to an Irish LGBT group or organisation that is voluntarily run, with unpaid staff

Volunteer – This award goes to an individual for his or her voluntary efforts on behalf of Ireland’s LGBT community

Event – This award to goes to an LGBT event that was run during 2013 anywhere in Ireland

Employer – This award goes to an employer who proactively fosters a workplace that is supportive of LGBT diversity.

LGBT Student Society – This award goes to the Irish LGBT student society who have been most active in 2013

Sports Award – This award goes to a sports group or organisation in the Irish LGBT community, or a sporting individual who is  out and proud

Social Media – This award goes to an LGBT blogger, or social media pundit, or an LGBT website, which must be Ireland-based

Journalist (TV, Radio, Print) – This award goes to a journalist working in the Irish media who is championing LGBT rights

Political Figure – This award goes to a politician or political figure who is dedicated to affecting positive change for LGBT people in Ireland

Irish TV/Film – This award goes to a television show, film (short or feature), actor, director, or producer in the Irish film and television industry for strong and accurate portrayals of LGBT people and lives

Irish Arts/Literature – This award goes to an outstanding author, playwright, artist or anyone working in the fields of arts, drama or literature in Ireland who has created strong portrayals of LGBT people and lives

Irish Entertainment Personality – This award goes to an outstanding Irish entertainer who has specifically performed for LGBT people, or who is out as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender in Ireland

Noel Walsh HIV Award – This annual award in memory of GCN’s much-missed HIV editor, Noel Walsh, goes to an outstanding individual or organisation working in the Irish HIV and Aids sector

International Award – This award goes to an activist on the frontlines, fighting for LGBT rights in a country where it is dangerous to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, or where our rights are severely oppressed.

Person of The Year – This is the ultimate award at the ceremony and it is given to a member of the LGBT community for outstanding achievement

The 16 GALAS will be awarded in early 2015 at a glittering ceremony in Dublin. Tickets will go on sale in the New Year.

Keep an eye on our Twitter and Facebook page for up to date information.