Our History

The Lambda Scholarship Foundation was created during an era of struggle, resistance, and hope.

The Lambda Scholarship Foundation started as a club called the Lambda Business and Professional Group in 1985 where gay and lesbian entrepreneurs and professionals met to network and socialize.

At monthly meetings, members were asked to donate money for causes related to the gay and lesbian community in Ottawa. As the membership and knowledge of the club’s existence grew, the organizers decided to re-conceptualise the organization into the Lambda Foundation for Excellence in 1992, aimed at showcasing the queer community’s achievements in social and political arenas. Wilde About Sappho, the foundation’s literary fundraiser, became one of Canada’s most popular queer literary activities.

In 2014, after a government directive asking charitable foundations to re-apply for status and ensure differentiation from other notable organizations, such as the Lambda Literary group in the United States, the foundation changed its name yet again to its current title, Lambda Scholarship Foundation Canada.

The records of the Lambda Scholarship Foundation’s history have been deposited at the City of Ottawa Municipal Archives.

1982
Lambda Ottawa

Lambda Scholarship Foundation Canada began in 1982 as a business and professional group formed by a network of gay men seeking to create social and professional connections within the LGBTQ+ community.

Originally known as Lambda Ottawa, the organization offered inclusive social activities for gay and lesbian entrepreneurs and professionals—networking events, monthly dinners with guest speakers, barbecues, and trips to cultural events. At each monthly meeting, members also contributed donations to support local causes advancing the rights and well-being of Ottawa’s gay and lesbian community.

What is the meaning behind the name “Lambda”?

Although there is no documented record explaining why the organization chose the name Lambda, it is reasonable to infer that the term offered a measure of discretion and safety when discussing the group, particularly in earlier decades.

The Lambda symbol was first adopted in 1970 by gay activists as an emblem of the emerging homosexual rights movement. Since then, numerous LGBTQ+ organizations around the world have incorporated Lambda into their names as a marker of solidarity and pride.
Lambda Foundation for Excellence
In 1988, Lambda Ottawa established the Lambda Foundation for Excellence to recognize achievements in various fields, including human rights for the LGBTQ+ community in Ottawa. By 1990, the foundation had transitioned into a nonprofit organization.

On November 16, 1992, it was incorporated, reflecting a growing membership and awareness of its mission to celebrate queer contributions to social and political spheres. One of its key initiatives, the Wilde About Sappho literary fundraiser, became a prominent queer literary event in Canada, running from 1991 to 2006.

1988
1993
Lambda Foundation Award for Human Rights
The Lambda Foundation Award for Human Rights was established in the spring of 1993. It became a unique recognition event, honouring outstanding achievements in the fields of human rights, arts, scholarship, and sports. Each year, a distinguished panel of jurors was appointed to identify individuals deserving of this prestigious acknowledgment.

In 1993, the first award was shared between two influential activists in the lesbian and gay human rights movement: Svend J. Robinson, Member of Parliament for Burnaby-Kingsway, and Doug Wilson from Saskatoon and Ontario. The following year, in 1994, the award was given to human rights activist Marie Robertson. In 1995, the honour recognized two other notable activists: Jim Egan, a prominent figure in the Canadian gay rights movement, and Les McAfee, who received the award posthumously after passing away from lymphatic cancer in 1991.

This series of awards established a vital platform for celebrating the contributions of individuals advocating for human rights within the LGBTQ2+ community. Their legacy endures through initiatives like the Lambda Foundation for Excellence—Les McAfee Memorial Award, which is currently awarded at the University of Manitoba.
Lambda Foundation for Excellence Scholarship Award in Gay and Lesbian Studies
The Lambda Foundation for Excellence Scholarship Award in Gay and Lesbian Studies was established in 1995 at the University of Ottawa, with the first scholarship awarded in 1996.

The primary purpose of this fund was to encourage excellence in research focused on gay and lesbian individuals, their communities, values, achievements, art, sports, and the human rights issues affecting them.

The criteria for the award included the following: it was open to any graduate student or university researcher at the University of Ottawa and supported a range of research projects, including theses, publications, and major papers, with a value of $500.

This scholarship represents the oldest and first endowment of Lambda, highlighting its commitment to advancing knowledge in this vital area of study. In its initial year, the recipients included Peggy Scheier for her work in feminist studies, Matthew Ball for his research in queer lexicography, and Jonathan Georgekish-Watt for his studies on the American writer Edmund White, resulting in his master’s thesis, “The Queer Philosopher: Edmund White and the Technologies of the Self.”

1995
1999
Carleton University Scholarship
The scholarship program expands to include Carleton University, allowing a broader array of students to engage in research relevant to LGBTQ+ studies.

The decision on successful applicants was made by the university, ensuring that the awards recognized major contributions to the field. The expansion to Carleton University marked a significant milestone, with Philip Wellington Robinson being the first recipient from that institution in 2000.
Lambda Becomes a Charitable Organization
Despite applying for charitable status, Lambda faced challenges, receiving a denial in 1994. Lambda renewed its efforts, working with a lawyer and the support of community partners.

After applying yet again in 2002, Lambda was finally granted status as a charitable organization, which is how we operate to this day.

2003
1991 to 2006
Wilde About Sappho
Wilde About Sappho was Lambda Foundation’s annual celebration of gay and lesbian literature that ran from 1991 to 2006. It was known to be the longest-running and one of the most popular public programs hosted by the National Library of Canada.

The first readings took place on Tuesday, November 5, 1991 at the National Library of Canada Auditorium, attracting an audience of 70. The event featured Ottawa writers John Barton, Gabriella Goliger, Candis J. Graham, and Sean Martin. Over the years, the event grew significantly and expanded to cities beyond Ottawa, including Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Guelph.

Writers were selected based on five criteria: reputable artistic merit (with input from publishers, librarians, booksellers, and published authors), innovation, diversity, gender balance, and a mix of local and international content. The series aimed to develop local writers and enrich local readers through a unique, high-quality program that connects local authors with their peers and audiences, fostering pride in a range of literary formats, including plays, novels, poetry, and prose.

Some notable authors who read at Wilde About Sappho included John Barton (1991, 1996), Blaine Marchand (1992), Sarah Schulman (1994), Leslie Feinberg (1996), Felice Picano (2004), and Suki Lee (2004).

While maintaining a focus on high-quality writing, Wilde About Sappho employed various presentational techniques to enhance interaction between writers and readers. These included media outreach, support from local businesses and volunteers, community ticket sales, free or low-cost refreshments after performances, pre-event reviews, and outreach to students and youth, often in collaboration with parents (e.g., PFLAG). Additionally, the initiative has benefited from the media and community “halo effect” of an endowed scholarship program, primarily funded through bequests, anonymous donations, and birthday celebrations held throughout the year.
Lambda Celebrates its 25th Anniversary
Another notable event highlighting the importance of the Lambda Scholarship Foundation was the Celebrating Lambda at 25 Years event, held in August 2010 at Ottawa City Hall. The event featured readings from some of Wilde About Sappho’s (WaS) early authors, including Gabriella Goliger (1991), who participated in the first WaS event, and Blaine Marchand (1992). Other authors who presented included Sean Zio and Luna Allison.

The event upheld the tradition of celebrating authorship while reinforcing Lambda’s vision of fostering understanding between the LGBTQ+ community, other equality-seeking groups, and broader society.

2010
2014
Lambda Scholarship Foundation Canada
In 2014, following a government directive requiring charitable foundations to reapply for status and differentiate themselves from similar organizations like the Lambda Literary Group in the U.S., it adopted the name Lambda Scholarship Foundation Canada.

The foundation initially focused on promoting education and recognizing achievements in the arts, studies, and human rights. Today, as the Lambda Scholarship Foundation Canada, it aims to advance research in the arts, social sciences, and STEM, specifically supporting the Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning, plus (2SLGBTQ+), and queer, trans, Black, Indigenous, and people of colour (QTBIPOC) communities.

In recognition of the contributions of key individuals, the Lambda Board of Directors renamed the Carleton University award in 2014 to the Gary Sealey Friends of Lambda Award, honouring the foundation’s former president and the supporters who helped establish and sustain it.
Nicole LaViolette Friends of Lambda Prize
The University of Ottawa’s award was renamed the Nicole LaViolette Friends of Lambda Prize to honour her enduring legacy and commitment with the Lambda Foundation and the university. Nicole LaViolette was not only a recipient of the original award in 1999 but also went on to become a professor at the University of Ottawa, where she made a significant impact. This scholarship continues to play a vital role in fostering research and scholarship that enriches the understanding of gay and lesbian communities.

2015
2023
Women and Gender Equality Canada Capacity Grant
In 2024, the Lambda Scholarship Foundation Canada received a capacity grant from the Ministry of Women and Gender Equality. This funding enabled the organization to expand and strengthen Lambda Awards at educational institutions nationwide, supporting 2SLGBTQI+ and QTBIPOC students engaged in research and activism against systemic oppression. The formal announcement was made at Ottawa Pride on August 27, 2023, by Minister Marci Ien. The 2.5-year project includes plans to hire staff to further the foundation’s mission.

1982
Lambda Ottawa

Lambda Scholarship Foundation Canada began in 1982 as a business and professional group formed by a network of gay men seeking to create social and professional connections within the LGBTQ+ community. In 1985, the group formally evolved into a community organization, a date now recognized as Lambda’s official founding year.

Originally known as Lambda Ottawa, the organization offered inclusive social activities for gay and lesbian entrepreneurs and professionals—networking events, monthly dinners with guest speakers, barbecues, and trips to cultural events. At each monthly meeting, members also contributed donations to support local causes advancing the rights and well-being of Ottawa’s gay and lesbian community.

What is the meaning behind the name “Lambda”?

Although there is no documented record explaining why the organization chose the name Lambda, it is reasonable to infer that the term offered a measure of discretion and safety when discussing the group, particularly in earlier decades.

The Lambda symbol was first adopted in 1970 by gay activists as an emblem of the emerging homosexual rights movement. Since then, numerous LGBTQ+ organizations around the world have incorporated Lambda into their names as a marker of solidarity and pride.
1988
Lambda Foundation for Excellence
In 1988, Lambda Ottawa established the Lambda Foundation for Excellence to recognize achievements in various fields, including human rights for the LGBTQ+ community in Ottawa. By 1990, the foundation had transitioned into a nonprofit organization.

On November 16, 1992, it was incorporated, reflecting a growing membership and awareness of its mission to celebrate queer contributions to social and political spheres. One of its key initiatives, the Wilde About Sappho literary fundraiser, became a prominent queer literary event in Canada, running from 1991 to 2006.
1993
Lambda Foundation Award for Human Rights
The Lambda Foundation Award for Human Rights was established in the spring of 1993. It became a unique recognition event, honouring outstanding achievements in the fields of human rights, arts, scholarship, and sports. Each year, a distinguished panel of jurors was appointed to identify individuals deserving of this prestigious acknowledgment.

In 1993, the first award was shared between two influential activists in the lesbian and gay human rights movement: Svend J. Robinson, Member of Parliament for Burnaby-Kingsway, and Doug Wilson from Saskatoon and Ontario. The following year, in 1994, the award was given to human rights activist Marie Robertson. In 1995, the honour recognized two other notable activists: Jim Egan, a prominent figure in the Canadian gay rights movement, and Les McAfee, who received the award posthumously after passing away from lymphatic cancer in 1991.

This series of awards established a vital platform for celebrating the contributions of individuals advocating for human rights within the LGBTQ2+ community. Their legacy endures through initiatives like the Lambda Foundation for Excellence—Les McAfee Memorial Award, which is currently awarded at the University of Manitoba.
1995
Lambda Foundation for Excellence Scholarship Award in Gay and Lesbian Studies
The Lambda Foundation for Excellence Scholarship Award in Gay and Lesbian Studies was established in 1995 at the University of Ottawa, with the first scholarship awarded in 1996.

The primary purpose of this fund was to encourage excellence in research focused on gay and lesbian individuals, their communities, values, achievements, art, sports, and the human rights issues affecting them.

The criteria for the award included the following: it was open to any graduate student or university researcher at the University of Ottawa and supported a range of research projects, including theses, publications, and major papers, with a value of $500.

This scholarship represents the oldest and first endowment of Lambda, highlighting its commitment to advancing knowledge in this vital area of study. In its initial year, the recipients included Peggy Scheier for her work in feminist studies, Matthew Ball for his research in queer lexicography, and Jonathan Georgekish-Watt for his studies on the American writer Edmund White, resulting in his master’s thesis, “The Queer Philosopher: Edmund White and the Technologies of the Self.”
1999
Carleton University Scholarship
The scholarship program expands to include Carleton University, allowing a broader array of students to engage in research relevant to LGBTQ+ studies.

The decision on successful applicants was made by the university, ensuring that the awards recognized major contributions to the field. The expansion to Carleton University marked a significant milestone, with Philip Wellington Robinson being the first recipient from that institution in 2000.
2003
Lambda Becomes a Charitable Organization
Despite applying for charitable status, Lambda faced challenges, receiving a denial in 1994. Lambda renewed its efforts, working with a lawyer and the support of community partners.

After applying yet again in 2002, Lambda was finally granted status as a charitable organization, which is how we operate to this day.
1991 to 2006
Wilde About Sappho

Wilde About Sappho was Lambda Foundation’s annual celebration of gay and lesbian literature that ran from 1991 to 2006. It was known to be the longest-running and one of the most popular public programs hosted by the National Library of Canada.

The first readings took place on Tuesday, November 5, 1991 at the National Library of Canada Auditorium, attracting an audience of 70. The event featured Ottawa writers John Barton, Gabriella Goliger, Candis J. Graham, and Sean Martin. Over the years, the event grew significantly and expanded to cities beyond Ottawa, including Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Guelph.

Writers were selected based on five criteria: reputable artistic merit (with input from publishers, librarians, booksellers, and published authors), innovation, diversity, gender balance, and a mix of local and international content. The series aimed to develop local writers and enrich local readers through a unique, high-quality program that connects local authors with their peers and audiences, fostering pride in a range of literary formats, including plays, novels, poetry, and prose.

Some notable authors who read at Wilde About Sappho included John Barton (1991, 1996), Blaine Marchand (1992), Sarah Schulman (1994), Leslie Feinberg (1996), Felice Picano (2004), and Suki Lee (2004).

While maintaining a focus on high-quality writing, Wilde About Sappho employed various presentational techniques to enhance interaction between writers and readers. These included media outreach, support from local businesses and volunteers, community ticket sales, free or low-cost refreshments after performances, pre-event reviews, and outreach to students and youth, often in collaboration with parents (e.g., PFLAG). Additionally, the initiative has benefited from the media and community “halo effect” of an endowed scholarship program, primarily funded through bequests, anonymous donations, and birthday celebrations held throughout the year.
2010
Lambda Celebrates its 25th Anniversary
Another notable event highlighting the importance of the Lambda Scholarship Foundation was the Celebrating Lambda at 25 Years event, held in August 2010 at Ottawa City Hall. The event featured readings from some of Wilde About Sappho’s (WaS) early authors, including Gabriella Goliger (1991), who participated in the first WaS event, and Blaine Marchand (1992). Other authors who presented included Sean Zio and Luna Allison.

The event upheld the tradition of celebrating authorship while reinforcing Lambda’s vision of fostering understanding between the LGBTQ+ community, other equality-seeking groups, and broader society.
2014
Lambda Scholarship Foundation Canada
In 2014, following a government directive requiring charitable foundations to reapply for status and differentiate themselves from similar organizations like the Lambda Literary Group in the U.S., it adopted the name Lambda Scholarship Foundation Canada.

The foundation initially focused on promoting education and recognizing achievements in the arts, studies, and human rights. Today, as the Lambda Scholarship Foundation Canada, it aims to advance research in the arts, social sciences, and STEM, specifically supporting the Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning, plus (2SLGBTQ+), and queer, trans, Black, Indigenous, and people of colour (QTBIPOC) communities.

In recognition of the contributions of key individuals, the Lambda Board of Directors renamed the Carleton University award in 2014 to the Gary Sealey Friends of Lambda Award, honouring the foundation’s former president and the supporters who helped establish and sustain it.
2015
Nicole LaViolette Friends of Lambda Prize
The University of Ottawa’s award was renamed the Nicole LaViolette Friends of Lambda Prize to honour her enduring legacy and commitment with the Lambda Foundation and the university. Nicole LaViolette was not only a recipient of the original award in 1999 but also went on to become a professor at the University of Ottawa, where she made a significant impact. This scholarship continues to play a vital role in fostering research and scholarship that enriches the understanding of gay and lesbian communities.
2023
Women and Gender Equality Canada Capacity Grant
In 2024, the Lambda Scholarship Foundation Canada received a capacity grant from the Ministry of Women and Gender Equality. This funding enabled the organization to expand and strengthen Lambda Awards at educational institutions nationwide, supporting 2SLGBTQI+ and QTBIPOC students engaged in research and activism against systemic oppression. The formal announcement was made at Ottawa Pride on August 27, 2023, by Minister Marci Ien. The 2.5-year project includes plans to hire staff to further the foundation’s mission.

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Our History

1982

1988

1993

1995

1999

2003

1991 to 2006

2010

2014

2015

2023