The Category Is: Gala Presented by RBC is a night of celebration, creativity, and community. Inspired by queer culture in all its forms, the gala will be bold, expressive, and full of life, just like the queer people it supports.

But it’s also something more.

Rainbow provides critical resources and counseling that help queer people find their way and survive. Our work to support queer culture creates a chance to come together and invest in the spaces where queer culture grows; spaces where people feel safe to be themselves, try new things and connect with others.

That’s what Rainbow Resource Centre provides.  A place where people find their voice, their people, and their confidence. Growing Queer Culture. Together.

Join us for drinks, dinner, and dancing to support Rainbow Resource Centre on Saturday Nov 7, 2026. 

RBC Convention Centre

375 York Ave in the York Ballroom 

• Cocktails open at 5:00 PM
• Dinner at 6:15 pm
• After party at 9:30 pm
• Silent Auction
• 50/50 Draw
• Dancing
• Performances
• Fashion Contest
• Purse First Raffle

  Buy your tickets today!

This year, we're inviting gala attendees to engage with fashion by stepping into the style, spirit, and imagination of queer culture inspired by the history of Ballroom. Choose one of the five categories and bring your inspired interpretation to the night!

Whether that means a hint of disco shine, a bold tailored look, a playful mix of prints, timeless red-carpet glamour, or full theatrical flair, it's all up to you.

🪩 Disco Glam

Pure 1970s nightlife energy. Think anything shiny: sequins, metallic fabrics, deep V-necks, or wide-leg jumpsuits. 

👔 Power Suit

Sharp, bold tailoring. A matching suit, a blazer with flare pants, or a bold-coloured pantsuit, with bonus points for wide lapels or a fun patterned tie.

🌻 Print Parade

The fearless use of bold prints and colour that defined 1970s fashion: paisley, florals, geometric prints, psychedelic patterns, chevron, polka dots, plaid, or mixed prints. Clashing patterns creatively is encouraged.

✨ Red Carpet Elegance

Formal gala wear, elevated. Long dresses, velvet tuxedos, silk gowns, or formal wear paired with dramatic jewelry.

👒 Camp Couture

For guests who love to be extra. No strict rules, just the most creative, over-the-top outfit of the night: huge sunglasses, massive afro wigs, dramatic capes, feather boas, or intensely bright neon colours. Think Rocky Horror, David Bowie, Grace Jones, Cher, Elton John, Divine, and Glam Rock.

After the gala program, the celebration continues with The Category Is: After Party, which will include a runway moment hosted by Temitope Okunuga The Ingenious, where guests can choose to show off their looks, cheer each other on, and celebrate the creativity of our community.