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We believe sapphic stories matter.
The Golden Crown Literary Society is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the diversity, accessibility, quality, and visibility of sapphic literature. We bring together readers, writers, publishers, narrators, and supporters to celebrate the stories that reflect our lives, expand our understanding, and connect our community.

Who We Are

Since 2004, GCLS has created spaces where people who love sapphic literature can discover books, celebrate authors, develop their craft, exchange ideas, and find community. What began around a shared love of books has grown into an international organization supporting sapphic literature through awards, education, events, and connection. GCLS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

What We Mean by “Sapphic”
Sapphic is an expansive term. At GCLS, we use it to describe literature centered on women and sapphically aligned nonbinary people and their lives, relationships, and experiences. It encompasses lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, queer, trans, nonbinary, asexual, Two-Spirit, and other identities within the sapphic community.
GCLS proudly and unequivocally affirms that trans women are women.

Our Story

More than two decades of sapphic stories

GCLS was founded in 2004 by a group of readers and writers who recognized the need for an organization dedicated to lesbian literature. As our literature and our understanding of our community have evolved, so has GCLS.

Today, we embrace the broader and more inclusive language of sapphic literature while continuing the work that inspired our founding: celebrating books, supporting writers, connecting readers, and ensuring these stories are seen, valued, and preserved.

Who Belongs Here?

Readers. Writers. Narrators. Publishers. Reviewers. Librarians. Booksellers. Educators. Volunteers. Supporters. 

You don't have to write a book to belong at GCLS. If sapphic stories matter to you, there is a place for you in this community.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We are all GCLS.

Our community encompasses many identities, experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives. We honor people's right to define themselves and are committed to creating spaces that are welcoming, accessible, inclusive, anti-racist, and respectful.

We do not assume identities. We honor self-identification.

How GCLS Works

Mission & Values
What guides our work and the community we seek to build.

Leadership
Meet the board, staff, committee leaders, and volunteers who make the work possible.

Governance & Transparency
Learn how GCLS is governed and access bylaws, financial filings, policies, and organizational documents.

How Do I Participate?

There's a place for you in this story.
Whether you read sapphic books, write them, publish them, champion them, or simply believe these stories deserve to be seen, we invite you to be part of GCLS.

Get Involved
Contact us to share your interest and skills with GCLS.

Support Our Work
Your gift helps GCLS increase the visibility and accessibility of sapphic literature, connect readers and writers, celebrate exceptional books, and make literary programming available to more people.

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