Lambda Literary Awards

06/03/2024

Mary Anderson

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Lambda Literary Logo The Lambda Literary Awards, also known as the "Lammys," are annual awards presented by Lambda Literary, an organization dedicated to promoting and supporting LGBTQ+ literature. Established in 1989, these awards recognize and honor the best LGBTQ+ books published in a variety of categories. The main goals of the awards are to celebrate LGBTQ+ authors, preserve and affirm LGBTQ+ culture, and provide recognition and visibility for works that explore LGBTQ+ themes and issues.

The awards, which originally numbered 14 and now include 24, cover a broad range of genres as well as categories for specific identities. Among the awards is the Lambda Literary Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature. Since 2023 this has been divided into three subcategories, Young Reader, Middle Grade, and Young Adult.

Such representation in literature is crucial for LGBTQ+ children and young adults. It validates their identities and experiences. It also provides positive role models and affirms that their feelings are real and important. It can provide comfort, guidance, and strategies for coping with challenges, while also breaking isolation and fostering a sense of belonging to a larger community. For non-LGBTQ+ youth, reading these books can foster empathy and understanding, reducing prejudice and promoting inclusivity.

Lambda Literary Awards Seal - Lammys LGBTQ Book Awards This year the awards will be presented on June 11 in New York. Lambda Literary Director of Programs L. D. Lewis said in a statement, “[T]he Awards hold a special place in our hearts because they are a joyous occasion to pause and to celebrate the growth and depth of queer literary voices. This feels particularly important at a moment when across the country our books have been banned and our stories have been weaponized. In 2024, we received over 1100 submissions, and while we had to pick a shortlist, every one of these writers is brave and resilient and Lambda is here to celebrate them all.”

During this Pride Month, take some time to check out some of these Lammy winner and honor books that can be found here and on the display on the main floor of the library.

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