Mission, Vision, and Values
Our Mission
The Golden Crown Literary Society exists to increase the visibility and quality of sapphic literature.
We accomplish this through recognition, education, community-building, and advocacy for stories that reflect the diverse experiences of women-loving women and the broader sapphic community.
Our Vision
We envision a world where sapphic literature is widely accessible, celebrated, and valued; where readers can easily find themselves reflected in books; where writers are supported in developing their craft; and where stories about sapphic lives thrive across every genre, audience, and publishing pathway.
Why We Exist
Stories matter.
For generations, sapphic voices were marginalized, overlooked, censored, or excluded from mainstream literary spaces. Books have the power to affirm identity, foster connection, preserve history, and expand understanding. When sapphic stories are visible, readers discover reflections of themselves, communities find common ground, and future generations gain access to the narratives they deserve.
The Golden Crown Literary Society was founded to help ensure that these stories are recognized, supported, and celebrated.
Through our awards, educational initiatives, annual conference, and community engagement, we work to strengthen the ecosystem that allows sapphic literature to flourish.
Our Values
Literary Excellence
We champion high-quality storytelling and recognize outstanding achievement in sapphic literature across genres and formats.
Inclusion
We are committed to fostering a welcoming environment that embraces the full diversity of the sapphic community and the many intersecting identities represented within it.
Community
We believe meaningful connections between readers, writers, publishers, narrators, editors, and literary professionals strengthen both individuals and the broader literary landscape.
Education
We support lifelong learning, professional development, mentorship, and the sharing of knowledge that helps writers and literary professionals grow.
Integrity
We strive to conduct our work with transparency, fairness, accountability, and respect.
Access
We believe readers deserve access to diverse stories and that barriers to participation in literary communities should be reduced whenever possible.
Our Commitment
For more than two decades, GCLS has worked to elevate sapphic literature by recognizing excellence, supporting creators, and building community. As the literary landscape continues to evolve, we remain committed to ensuring that sapphic stories are not only preserved, but empowered to thrive.