Championing Queer Literary Excellence

Lambda Literary Awards
June 9, 2023
Virtual & In Person – The Edison Ballroom, NYC

36 Years of Celebrating Vibrant, Dynamic LGBTQ+ Storytelling.

The Lambda Literary Awards (fondly known as the Lammys) were created in 1989 to garner national visibility for LGBTQ books, which had established a foothold through a nascent network of lesbian and gay publishers and bookstores.

Today, the Lammys celebrate more than 150 LGBTQ writers across 26 categories, and include several cash prizes for writers at all stages in their careers. Each June, our community comes together in New York City to cheer on finalists and winners for their achievements.

35 Years
of Celebrating
Vibrant & Dynamic
LGBTQ Storytelling.

Today, the Lammys celebrate more than 150 LGBTQ writers across 25 categories, and include several cash prizes for writers at all stages in their careers. Each June, our community comes together in New York City to cheer on finalists and winners for their achievements.

2023 Shortlist

The finalists were selected by a panel of over 65 literary professionals from more than 1,350 book submissions. These selections represent the best of LGBTQ literature this year.

Finalists

Take a stand, reach your audience, make an impact and, most importantly, support the life-changing work of a one-of-a-kind LGBTQ arts organization.

Sponsorship Packages

2023 Shortlist

The finalists were selected by a panel of over 65 literary professionals from more than 1,350 book submissions. These selections represent the best of LGBTQ literature this year.

Finalists

Take a stand, reach your audience, make an impact and, most importantly, support the life-changing work of a one-of-a-kind LGBTQ arts organization.

Sponsorship Packages

AWARDS PROCESS

Each category is judged by a panel of three judges selected primarily from Lambda’s extensive community of readers, authors, fellows, former finalists, and other stakeholders, provided they themselves do not have titles eligible during the award year. Among the factors for selecting judges are: interest, availability, affinity for the assigned category, and familiarity with the field. Judge panels are given autonomy in making their decisions, meaning that Lambda’s board and staff do not interfere or dictate the selection process.

Lammys finalists are revealed in the spring of the award year, and celebrated at the award ceremony in June. Winners receive plaque, the coveted Lambda Literary Award sticker for the covers of their award-winning book, and a place in Lambda’s decades-long history of recognized LGBTQ literary brilliance.

Submissions for each award cycle open September-November for titles published in the same year. For the 2024 Lammy Awards, submissions of works published in the 2023 calendar year will be accepted September 2023-November 2023. Submissions for Lambda’s Special Prizes open January-February of the award year.

GUIDELINES

FAQ

SPECIAL PRIZES

The 2022 Virtual Lammys

In June 2022, the Lammys were presented virtually for the second time, making the event accessible to all members of our community.
The event was hosted by Raquel Willis.

Watch the 2022 ceremony on YouTube