Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does The Purple Chalice consider to be sacred-toned gay fiction?
A fictional story—imagined, not necessarily true—centered on a character’s religious or spiritual journey
(any faith), where at least one lead character of the story is gay and portrayed in a positive light. It seeks
submissions that avoid explicit sexual content and strong language, maintaining a tone suitable for thought-
ful readers of all ages.
2. What does The Purple Chalice consider to be inspirational?
Fiction that uplifts, affirms, and motivates. They should be stories that will show, despite hardship, what
seems unreachable is not always impossible. They awaken curiosity, invite reflection, and stir belief in the
supernatural.
3. Can a book be nominated that doesn’t have a lead character that is gay?
No
4. Does the nominated book's author have to be gay or have religious affiliation?
No
5. Who are the Stewards that nominates the book to considered and what do they do
See the “Become a Nominee” page (above)
6. What does the winner win?
The winner receives a custom made 18-inch purple chalice engraved with their name and the award year.
It is theirs to keep for a lifetime—to forever remind them of their inspirational winning contribution to the sac-
red-toned gay fiction genre. The chalice bears the message: “All that believe are justified” (Acts 13:39)—
so that the winner, and all who see it, will never forget that Scripture has pronounced ALL who believe justi-
fied and made righteous through the blood of Jesus (Romans 5:9)
7.Why is a sacred-toned gay fiction genre need- ed?
Because stories about the gay community—even
those with spiritual themes—often rely on stereotypes, focus narrowly on sex, and many overlook any con-
nection to the supernatural. The Purple Chalice seeks fiction that reflects the fuller lives of gay individuals:
stories of belief, dignity, and depth that explore what lies beyond the physical and the expected.