Announcing the Lambda Foundation Emerging 2SLGBTQ+ Francophone Writer Award
Lambda Scholarship Foundation Canada and Fierté littéraire Announce $5,000 Award for Emerging 2SLGBTQ+ Francophone Writers in Canada
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 2, 2025
Ottawa, ON — Lambda Scholarship Foundation Canada (Lambda) and Fierté littéraire are pleased to announce the creation of a major new literary prize: the Prix Lambda Foundation de l’écrivain·e francophone 2SLGBTQ+ émergent·e (Lambda Foundation Emerging 2SLGBTQ+ Francophone Writer Award).
Beginning in 2026, this annual $5,000 cash prize will recognize an emerging Francophone writer in Canada who identifies as 2SLGBTQ+. The award is designed to support early-career queer writers in the Francophone community whose talent and promise warrant broader visibility but who have not yet received major literary recognition.
“Francophone queer writing in Canada has long been a source of creativity, provocation, and cultural renewal,” said Darren Stehle, Development Manager, Lambda Scholarship Foundation Canada. “This award invests directly in writers who are shaping the next generation of queer literature and strengthening the vibrancy of Canada’s Francophone literary landscape.”
Purpose of the Award
The Prix Lambda Foundation de l’écrivain·e francophone 2SLGBTQ+ émergent·e aims to highlight and support the contributions of 2SLGBTQ+ Francophone creators by providing meaningful financial support at a stage where early recognition can shape a writer’s career, increasing national visibility for emerging queer Francophone literary voices, and strengthening the cultural infrastructure that sustains queer creative work across the Francophonie.
The award is funded through a dedicated endowment administered by the Foundation of Greater Montreal, ensuring the long-term sustainability of this literary prize.
Eligibility Criteria
The award is open to emerging writers who have begun to share their voices in public literary spaces, who show clear literary merit, and who are in the early stages of a writing career, without having received major literary recognition.
Applicant Criteria:
- Identify as a 2SLGBTQ+ Francophone residing in Canada.
- Have at least one piece of work published in a public literary forum (journal, anthology, magazine, zine, or independent publication).
- Have not yet received a major literary award.
- Be an early-career writer, typically having published no more than one full-length book or an equivalent body of work.
Fierté littéraire’s Role
“Supporting emerging 2SLGBTQ+ Francophone writers is central to our mission,” said Denis-Martin Chabot, Artistic Director, Fierté littéraire. “This partnership with Lambda allows us to deepen our commitment to writers who often face both linguistic and systemic barriers in the literary world.”
As part of the partnership, Fierté littéraire will handle the public aspects of the award, such as inviting submissions, safely gathering literary works, setting up and managing a panel of literary experts, and organizing the yearly award ceremony. Timing and jury announcements will be made in partnership between Lambda and Fierté littéraire.
About Fierté littéraire
Fierté littéraire is a Montréal-based organization dedicated to celebrating and promoting LGBTQ+ literature across the Francophone world. Through festivals, public readings, awards, and literary events, Fierté littéraire supports authors, fosters community engagement, and enhances the visibility of queer voices in Francophone arts and culture.
More information: www.fiertelitteraire.ca
About Lambda Scholarship Foundation Canada
Lambda Scholarship Foundation Canada is a national charity dedicated to advancing research, education, and leadership among 2SLGBTQIA+ and QTBIPOC communities. Through scholarships, mentorship, and partnerships with post-secondary institutions and community organizations, Lambda helps ensure equitable access to learning and recognition for queer and trans excellence.
For more information, visit www.lambdafoundation.org.
Media Contacts
Darren Stehle
Development Manager, Lambda Scholarship Foundation Canada
development@lambdafoundation.org
Denis-Martin Chabot
Artistic Director, Fierté littéraire
dir.art@fiertelitteraire.ca
