Finalists have been chosen for the 36th annual Publishing Triangle Awards, honoring the best LGBTQ+ books published in 2023. See the many finalists here. Winners in the nine categories will be announced on Thursday, April 17, at a ceremony at the New School in New York City.
In addition, Kris Kleindienst, owner of Left Bank Books, St. Louis, Mo., will receive the 2024 Michele Karlsberg Leadership Award, which honors contributions to LGBTQ literature by those who are not primarily writers. Karlsberg praised Kleindienst's "unwavering dedication to the world of literature and social justice is an inspiration to us all. For five decades, her commitment to fostering community through the power of books has left an indelible mark on both the literary landscape and the hearts of those she serves. Kris embodies the spirit of resilience, integrity, and compassion, and her legacy at Left Bank Books stands as a testament to her profound impact. Here's to 50 years of enriching minds and empowering voices--a remarkable milestone achieved with grace, passion, and unwavering devotion."
Dorothy Allison will receive the $3,000 Bill Whitehead Award for Lifetime Achievement, which celebrates the recipient's lifetime of work and commitment to fostering queer culture. Allison is the author of numerous books, including Bastard Out of Carolina. David Groff, coordinator of the Whitehead Award selection committee, said: "As we discussed several worthy nominees for this award, the members of the committee kept coming back to Dorothy Allison. Her selection as the recipient of the award is a reflection not only of her consistent literary excellence, but of the important role she has played in the queer literary community."
Hilary Zaid is the winner of the Publishing Triangle's Betty Berzon Emerging Writer Award, given to an LGBTQ writer who has published at least one book but not more than two. She is the author of two books: Forget I Told You This: A Novel and Paper Is White. The Berzon Award judges noted that "Zaid impresses with the variety of her writing--her two novels are fiction, but in different genres, and she has published both nonfiction and short fiction," adding that they also commend her dedication to mentoring developing writers.
This year's Torchbearer Award, which is given to organizations or individuals "who strive to awaken, encourage, and support a love of reading, or to stimulate an interest in and an appreciation of LGBTQ literature" will be presented to Emily Drabinski, president of the American Library Association. Carol Rosenfeld, chair of the Publishing Triangle, said, "Today, literature is under attack, and libraries are our first line of defense. Emily Drabinski's leadership of the American Library Association and her fearlessness in standing up for the marginalized in our society are inspiring. She is truly worthy of receiving this award."