Rainbow Awards 2025: Entries Invited To Celebrate Queer Literature And Journalism

The Rainbow Awards for Literature and Journalism, which recognises and celebrates queer storytelling, has invited applicants for the third edition of the awards.

Writers need not be from the queer community and the winners will be chosen on the depth and authenticity in the content and expression. There are two segments and four categories for the Awards: Literature: Fiction & Non-Fiction , and Journalism: Op-Ed and features.

Sharif D Rangnekar, author and director, Rainbow Lit Fest and founder, The Rainbow Awards for Literature and  Journalism, said, "As an author and former journalist, I have personally felt that content on queer existence is essential to both claim and reclaim a space in the imagination of people and society in general. It is also important for the community so that they grow up with reference points and a sense of belonging, something I personally missed much like others of my time and generation."

The awards' organisers said the media, particularly digital, has shown a lot more interest in LGBTQIA+ stories, but added that there is more to do. A nine-member jury will judge the entries. Books and articles  published between June 1, 2024, and May 31, 2025 will be considered.