The Gaylactic Spectrum Awards are given to works of science fiction, fantasy and horror that explore LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) topics in a positive way.

The list of award winners and Hall of Fame inductees has been called a "who's who of science fiction" by the GLBTQ Encyclopedia Project.

The "other works" category included comic books, graphic novels, movies, television episodes, multimedia, anthologies, story collections, gaming products, artwork, and music.

[3] The categories are open to submission of English-language works released during the prior calendar year in North America that include "significant positive GLBT content".

The judges can choose to extend eligibility for a work due to oversight, confusion regarding release dates, or problems with availability.

Works of any format produced before the inception of the awards are eligible to be inducted into the "Hall of Fame"; these inductees were selected solely by the judges.

[3] The results are decided by a panel of judges from the list of submitted nominees; nominations can be made by anyone.

[6] Other authors and editors who have won the award multiple times are Nicola Griffith, David Gerrold, Keith Hartman, Laurie J.