Since 1993, the City of West Hollywood and its LGBTQ+ Commission (previously the LGBTQ+ Advisory Board) have presented Rainbow Key Awards to those who have made outstanding contributions to West Hollywood’s LGBTQ+ community. These contributions, by an individual or a group, may be in many forms, including the arts, community action, humanitarian action, sports, medicine, armed services, leadership potential, benefit to the global LGBTQ+ community, or other ways. For a complete list of past honorees, please click HERE.

The City also has two other LGBTQ+ related awards, the Melissa Etheridge Award, and the Audre Lorde Award. 

Since 2007, the City of West Hollywood has presented the Melissa Etheridge Award to honor an individual who has made signification impact within and for the lesbian and queer women community. First presented to singer-songwriter and activist Melissa Etheridge, the award carries her name to honor her commitment to furthering women’s health and fostering visibility and support for the lesbian and queer woman community. Through this award, the City seeks to honor an individual who has impacted, supported, and fostered visibility of the lesbian and queer women community through creative methods including art, entertainment, music, and film. It is intended for the award to be presented to a lesbian and queer-womxn identified community leader. 

Now, in 2025, the City of West Hollywood is pleased to offer the Audre Lorde Activist Award. This award is specifically designed to honor a community activist who has made a significant impact within and for the lesbian and queer woman community. Through this award, the City seeks to honor a community activist engaged in local community action and advocacy to benefit the lesbian and queer women community. It is intended for the award to be presented to a lesbian and queer-womxn identified community leader. 

All three awards are governed by our Award Guidelines, which dictate eligibility, the nomination process, and award selection. If you are thinking of nomination someone for an award, we encourage you to closely read the guidelines.

Nominations for the 2025 Award Series open on Monday, September 1, 2025 at 12AM
and will close on Sunday, November 1, 2025 at 11:59PM PST.

Before nominating, we encourage you to read our award guidelines to determine eligibility and familiarize yourself with what we're looking for in an awardee.

 ALL NOMINATION FORMS OPEN MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2025 at 12AM

Rainbow Key Award Nomination Form Available Here

Melissa Etheridge Award Nomination Form Available Here

Audre Lorde Nomination Form Available Here