The Stonewall Book Award is a prestigious honor presented annually by the American Library Association (ALA). Established in 1971, it recognizes outstanding works that authentically depict the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) experience. Over the decades, the award has evolved, expanding its categories and solidifying its importance in the literary world.
History of the Stonewall Book Award
In 1971, the ALA’s Task Force on Gay Liberation introduced the Gay Book Award, aiming to spotlight LGBTQ literature. The inaugural award honored Isabel Miller’s “Patience and Sarah,” a novel about a romantic relationship between two women in the 19th century. As LGBTQ literature gained prominence, the award underwent several name changes to reflect its expanding scope:
1986: Renamed the Gay and Lesbian Book Award.
1990: Split into two categories: Nonfiction and Literature.
1994: Became the Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Book Award.
1999: Further expanded to the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Book Award.
2002: Officially named the Stonewall Book Award, honoring the 1969 Stonewall Riots, a pivotal event in LGBTQ history.
In 2010, the award introduced the Mike Morgan and Larry Romans Children’s and Young Adult Literature Award, acknowledging the importance of LGBTQ representation in youth literature.
Categories of the Stonewall Book Award
The Stonewall Book Award is divided into three main categories:
Stonewall Book Award-Barbara Gittings Literature Award: This category honors exceptional fiction and poetry that authentically portrays the LGBTQ experience.
Stonewall Book Award-Israel Fishman Non-Fiction Award: This award recognizes outstanding nonfiction works that provide insightful perspectives on LGBTQ topics.
Stonewall Book Award-Mike Morgan and Larry Romans Children’s and Young Adult Literature Award: Dedicated to children’s and young adult literature, this category celebrates works that depict LGBTQ characters and themes.
Each category aims to promote awareness and understanding of LGBTQ narratives, fostering inclusivity and diversity in literature.
Nomination and Selection Process
The selection process for the Stonewall Book Award is thorough and inclusive. Anyone can suggest a title for consideration by submitting a brief statement supporting their recommendation. However, publishers, agents, or individuals with direct affiliations to a book must disclose any potential conflicts of interest. A committee of librarians reviews all suggestions, designates five finalists in each category, and selects the winners. Winners receive a commemorative plaque and a cash stipend, presented at the ALA Annual Conference held in June or July.
Recent Winners and Honorees
The Stonewall Book Award continues to spotlight diverse LGBTQ voices. Recent winners include:
2025:
Barbara Gittings Literature Award: “Some Strange Music Draws Me In” by Griffin Hansbury.
Poetry Award: “DEED” by torrin a. greathouse.
Children’s Literature Award: “Lunar Boy” by Jes and Cin Wibowo.
Young Adult Literature Award: “Canto Contigo” by Adam Gnade.
2024:
Non-Fiction: “Country Queers: A Love Letter” by Kieran McCarthy.
Literature: “Freedom House” by J.R. Dawson.
Children’s Literature: “Cross My Heart and Never Lie” by Krista Van Dolzer.
Young Adult Literature: “Only This Beautiful Moment” by Adam Gnade.
These selections highlight the award’s commitment to honoring works that resonate with the LGBTQ community and beyond.
Significance of the Award
The Stonewall Book Award serves multiple purposes:
Recognition: It acknowledges the literary excellence of LGBTQ authors and the importance of LGBTQ narratives.
Visibility: By honoring these works, the award brings LGBTQ stories to a broader audience, fostering empathy and understanding.
Education: It provides educators and librarians with validated resources that reflect diverse experiences, enriching educational materials.
For readers seeking to explore LGBTQ literature, the Stonewall Book Award winners and finalists offer a curated selection of impactful and meaningful stories.
How to Get Involved
If you’re interested in participating in the award process, consider the following:
Suggest a Title: Submit recommendations for consideration by completing the appropriate online form.
Join the Committee: Volunteer to serve on the Stonewall Book Awards committee to play a direct role in the selection process.
Stay Informed: Follow the Rainbow Round Table’s announcements for updates on winners, events, and related activities.
Engaging with the Stonewall Book Award community allows you to contribute to the celebration and promotion of LGBTQ literature.
Conclusion
The Stonewall Book Award stands as a testament to the richness and diversity of LGBTQ storytelling. By honoring works that authentically depict LGBTQ experiences, the award not only celebrates literary achievements but also promotes a culture of inclusivity and understanding.
