Calgary twins Tegan & Sara are best-known for their indie rock records and infectious pop hits, not to mention a growing list of successful media ventures that includes books and a TV show. But the Juno winners and Grammy nominees profess that their proudest accomplishment is the Tegan and Sara Foundation. In its eight years, the foundation – which now includes prominent artist/activists like Elliot Page and Vivek Shraya – has helped fund LGBTQ+ summer camps, built a database of healthcare providers for queer communities, brought 12,000+ books to LGBTQ+ youth, and supported grassroots organizations through a Community Grants program. In spring 2024, over 600 Canadian artists signed a letter helmed by the Tegan and Sara Foundation standing against anti-trans policies in Alberta, New Brunswick and Saskatchewan. In addition to providing visible representation in the music industry for queer youth, the Quin sisters have used their position as artists and media moguls to encourage other musicians to speak out in support of LGBTQ+ rights, criticizing anti-trans Alberta government policies while accepting the Humanitarian award at this year’s Junos. They’ve helped to create a more socially engaged industry along the way.