GLSEN Rainbow Writes Award
Empowering the Voices of Young LGBTQ2S+ Writers!
Welcome to the GLSEN Rainbow Writes Award, an annual celebration of creativity and identity. Dedicated to amplifying the voices of LGBTQ2S+ high school writers, we invite you to share your stories and perspectives through poetry and prose.
The Rainbow Writes Award is awarded annually to two exceptional LGBTQIA2S+ high school writers in poetry and prose. The Rainbow Writes Prize was initiated by the 2022-2023 National Student Council cohort in direct response to widespread book bans throughout the nation. In an era where the voices of LGBTQIA2S+ individuals face undue censorship, Rainbow Writes emerged as a contest designed to amplify youth perspectives and revel in the exuberance of queer experiences.
Congratulations to our 2025 Winners & Finalists!
Winners
The Lover's Hand by Fin G., MD
Self Portrait as Something Untitled by Penny W., WA
2025 Rainbow Writes Award
Congratulations to our winners!
Read their writing and other selected works in the 2025 Rainbow Writes Anthology Document.
Submission Requirements
Who Can Enter
All LGBTQIA2S+ writers aged 13-18
Open to secondary students across the United States, including public, private, and homeschooled students
Categories
Poetry: Up to 3 poems (max 10 pages single-spaced)
Prose: Up to 2 works (combined limit of 3,500 words)
How to Submit
Submissions are now closed until next year.
Prizes
$500 for winners in each category
$150 for runners-ups
Fabulous prize packages from our partners
Publication in GLSEN's online and print platforms
Feature on GLSEN’s social media
For questions or more details, please contact nationalstudentcouncil@glsen.org.
FAQ:
Who is eligible to participate?
Eligible participants are residents of the United States aged between 13-18 and must be enrolled in high school, or an equivalent level if homeschooled. Immediate family members of employees, board members, or current or former students of GLSEN or the contest judge.
What are the entry requirements?
Entries must be original, unpublished work of the participant, within the specified word count limit. Acceptable genres include fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Submissions must be in English, though bilingual or non-English submissions are accepted with translations. Entries should be typed, double-spaced, in 12-point Times New Roman or Arial font, with 1-inch margins, and submitted anonymously (no identifying information on the manuscript).
Is parental consent required to receive the award?
Yes, parental or guardian consent is required for finalists and winners under 18.
Will there be any tax implications for the winners?
Winners may be required to complete a W-9 form for tax purposes.
What rights do I grant by entering the contest?
By entering, you grant the organization the right to publish and use your entry for promotional purposes.
What leads to disqualification?
Plagiarism, failure to follow guidelines, or submission of inappropriate content will result in disqualification.
How do I submit my entry?
Entries must be submitted via Google Form.
What is the submission deadline?
Submissions are now closed.
Can I submit more than one entry?
There is a limit of one entry per category, per participant.
How are entries judged?
Entries are judged on originality, creativity, style, and adherence to the theme by a panel including Members of the National Student Council and Alumni Ambassadors..
What are the prizes?
1st prize winners will receive $500, and winners may be featured on our website and in press releases.
How will the winners be announced?
Finalists will be notified by email, with winners announced publicly thereafter. There may be a virtual or in-person award ceremony.
How is my personal information protected?
We comply with COPPA and other relevant privacy laws. Personal information is used solely for contest purposes and not shared with third parties.
Can I submit a work that has been published on my personal blog?
Yes, submissions on personal blogs are acceptable. If submissions have been published by a third party they are not eligible.
Are there any themes or topics that are off-limits?
While we encourage creativity, entries must adhere to guidelines of appropriateness and respect. Explicitly offensive or harmful content is not allowed.
What happens if I miss the submission deadline?
Entries submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Can I revise and resubmit my entry?
No revisions are allowed after submission.
Will I receive feedback on my entry?
Due to the volume of submissions, individual feedback cannot be provided.
Is there a fee to enter the contest?
There is no fee to enter the contest.
Can international students attending school in the US participate?
Yes, as long as they meet the other eligibility criteria.