The Gaylactic Network, the premiere organization for gay and lesbian fandom, decided to create the award because there was no existing avenue for the recognition of outstanding gay-positive work in the genre. Oftentimes, books and other works can be overlooked - and publishers, authors and artists need to know that their inclusion of gay issues, characters and themes is appreciated. To date, no award had been developed that specifically honored works for both genre content AND gay content. Because speculative fiction offers an opportunity to explore complex and sometimes unpopular issues through the distance of other worlds, times and cultures, we hope the award will encourage professionals working in science fiction, fantasy and horror to use the genre to explore characters and issues of importance to the gay community. The Spectrum Awards will be presented annually and will honor works premiering in the previous calendar year.
Nominations are open to everyone.
A small Final Judging Committee made up of representatives from the Gaylactic Network and invited professionals will review the three most nominated works in each category along with a limited number of additional titles they have the option of adding. The Judging Committee will review each work, discuss the nominees, and will make the final selection of winners. A special Award, The People's Choice, will be given to the single work in any category which receives the most nominations. Nominees, Finalists and Winners in each category for the Awards will be announced each year as the information becomes available. Information, as soon as it is received, on the Awards will be posted here.