Ambush Magazine Presents: 36th Gay Appreciation Awards

Gay Appreciation Awards thanks those in the LGBTQ community who are often not recognized for the outstanding services and efforts they perform.

These individuals and businesses have made the LGBTQ Community into the viable, successful and powerful community it is today across the Gulf South.
2026 Categories:
Advocate of the Year
Artist of the Year
Bartender of the Year
Bitch of the Year
Buzzy Fanning AIDS Award * Person, not organization
DJ of the Year
Donnie Jay Performing Arts Award
Emcee / Host of the Year
Event of the Year
Fly Fashion Glamour Award
Gay Man of the Year
Gay Mardi Gras Ball of the Year
Hair Salon/Stylist of the Year
Kinkster of the Year
Leather Person of the Year
Lesbian of the Year
LGBTQ Business of the Year * bars/restaurants/hair salons ineligible
LGBTQ Nonprofit of the Year
Marcy Marcell Entertainer of the Year
Neighborhood Bar of the Year
New Entertainer
Realtor of the Year
Restaurant / Deli of the Year
Show Club of the Year
Social Media Presence of the Year
Sports League Team Spirit Award
Sports MVP Award
Trans Person of the Year
Rip Naquin Writer / Reporter of the Year
Young Leadership Impact Award