Artists are eligible who have released a full-length or EP-length album, or single sold through a major retail or online music store.

In addition to the music itself, media interviews, public statements and other information may be considered when selecting nominees and award recipients.

[1] It is one of several categories of the GLAAD Media Awards presented by GLAAD, a US non-governmental media monitoring organization founded in 1985 (formerly called the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) at ceremonies in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco between March and June.

The inaugural recipient of the award was rapper Chika for her EP Industry Games.

[3] The artist must also, through their music and live performances, have made a "significant impact on LGBTQ visibility and acceptance", with interviews and public statements also being taken into consideration.