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 spanning a number of genres, lived identities, and experiences. We continue to proudly recognize works by self-published authors and independent and academic presses alongside works supported by traditional big 5 publishers.
The Lammy Awards ceremony has traditionally taken place in New York City. 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.
Lambda Literary also offers a number of sponsored cash prizes for writers at all stages in their careers.
Submissions for the 2026 Lammy Awards recognizing works published in 2025 were open September 15-November 21, 2025. The shortlist will be announced March 18, 2026, and the ceremony will be held June 12, 2026 at Sony Hall in NYC