Pauli Murray Awards 2026

THE PAULI MURRAY AWARDS:
40 UNDER 40 BLACK LGBTQ+ HONORS

The Pauli Murray Awards recognize 40 rising Black LGBTQ+ leaders between the ages of 18 and 39 who are transforming our world. We honor activists, artists, healers, educators, faith leaders, scientists, tech innovators, elected officials, media makers, and entrepreneurs building a future rooted in justice, joy, and liberation.

Each year, the Pauli Murray Awards Foundation facilitates a national open application process to select the 40 individuals to be honored. In Phase 1, applications are evaluated by community leaders whose work and expertise lie within the selected category. In Phase 2, a select group of applicants are invited to a virtual interview with the Review Panel for the PMAs. Finally, after the interviews are scored, 40 honorees are invited to join the PMA Cohort and announced publicly on July 1, 2026 as part of PMAF’s Feast Day of Pauli Murray celebration.

HONOREE ELIGIBILITY

Eligible applicants are Black LGBTQ+ individuals ages 18–39 who live in the United States. We welcome people across identities, disciplines, and regions—including immigrants and non-citizens—to apply or be nominated.

To ensure a fair and accessible process, eligibility focuses on three simple requirements: identity, age at the time of application, and U.S. residency (citizenship is not required).

Must be Black and LGBTQ+
Must be between the ages of 18–39 at the time of application
Must be a U.S. resident (citizenship not required)

AWARD CATEGORIES

The Pauli Murray Awards recognize achievement across eight categories that reflect the diversity, creativity, and impact of Black LGBTQ+ leadership. From the arts to advocacy, from technology to spirituality, these categories highlight the many ways our communities are reshaping culture, policy, and collective well-being. Press play or pause on each video to learn more about its category.

Arts & Entertainment

Business & Entrepreneurship

Culture & Media

Education & Scholarship

Public Service & Government

Science, Technology, & Medicine

Social Justice, Advocacy, & Community Leadership

Spirituality, Wellness, Philanthropy, & Mental Health

PMA TIMELINE

Each year, the Pauli Murray Awards follow a clear process that ensures transparency and accessibility. From the launch of nominations in March through the celebration on National Coming Out Day, the timeline guides applicants, nominators, and honorees through every step of the journey.

Applicant Info Sessions: February 2026
Applications Open: March 1, 2026
Deadline for 3rd Party Nominations: April 1, 2026
Application Deadline: April 15, 2026
Honorees Announced: July 1, 2026 (Feast Day of Pauli Murray)
Tickets Go On Sale for the 2026 Pauli Murray Awards Gala
Awards Presentation: October 11, 2026 (National Coming Out Day)

Note: Individuals may apply directly or be nominated by others. Nomination by a third party is not an application.

Nominees will be contacted to complete the application process.

PMA RULES

To be eligible for consideration for the 2023 class of Honorees for the Pauli Murray Awards: 40 Under 40 Black LGBTQ+ Honors, nominees must be 18 years of age and 39 years of age on the day of the application deadline.

By entering or confirming an application, entrants accept and agree to abide by the rules and the decisions of the Pauli Murray Awards Foundation with respect to all aspects of the selection process.

Entries are subject to verification by the Review Committee of the Pauli Murray Awards. If it is determined that an entrant acted against the interests of the Pauli Murray Awards, or that a nomination or application misrepresents a candidate’s achievements in any way, the entrant will be disqualified.

All submitted material—including information and photographs—should be copyright-free, and entrants agree to the dissemination of some non-private information in print and online.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Welcome to the Pauli Murray Awards: 40 Under 40 Honors FAQ section! Here, you’ll find answers to common questions about the nomination and application process, eligibility requirements, selection criteria, and what happens after honorees are chosen.

The Pauli Murray Awards celebrate the achievements and impact of Black LGBTQ+ leaders, thinkers, and changemakers under the age of 40. We recognize individuals across a variety of fields who embody the spirit of the Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray—an activist, lawyer, poet, priest, and trailblazer whose work continues to shape movements for justice and equality.

Our goal is to ensure a fair, transparent, and inclusive selection process. If you have a question that isn’t answered here, please reach out to us at info@paulimurrayawards.com.

General Information

Who is Pauli Murray?: The Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray (1910–1985) was a trailblazing lawyer, activist, poet, Episcopal priest, and legal scholar whose work laid the foundation for many of today’s civil rights and gender equality movements. A staunch advocate for racial and gender justice, Murray’s legal arguments influenced landmark cases, including Brown v. Board of Education, and their scholarship helped shape the legal strategies of both the civil rights and women's rights movements. They co-founded the National Organization for Women (NOW) and were the first Black person perceived as a woman to be ordained as an Episcopal priest. Murray’s writings and activism challenged systemic inequalities at the intersections of race, gender, and class, long before the term “intersectionality” was coined. Their advocacy for inclusive justice continues to inspire movements for equity today.
A note on language: In recognition of Pauli Murray’s identity, we use nonbinary language. While contemporary terminology for gender identity did not exist during their lifetime, Murray expressed feelings and experiences that align with what we might now understand as transgender or nonbinary identity. Some scholars suggest they may have identified as a trans man had the language and social framework been available.
What are the Pauli Murray Awards: 40 Under 40 Honors?: The Pauli Murray Awards: 40 Under 40 Honors celebrate Black LGBTQ+ individuals under 40 who have demonstrated excellence, leadership, and impact in their fields but often are erased or overlooked. These awards uplift innovators, change-makers, and visionaries whose work aligns with Murray’s legacy of justice, inclusion, and transformation.

Awards & Eligibility

Who is eligible for the awards?: To be eligible for the 2026 class of honorees, nominees must: (1) be between the ages of 18 and 39 as of April 15, 2026; (2) identify as Black and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community; (3) demonstrate a track record of excellence and impact in one of the award categories; and (4) reside in the United States or its territories at the time of application.
What are the award categories?: The awards recognize achievement across eight fields: Arts & Entertainment; Business & Entrepreneurship; Culture & Media; Education & Scholarship; Public Service & Government; Science, Technology, & Medicine; Social Justice, Advocacy, & Community Leadership; and Spirituality, Wellness, Philanthropy, & Mental Health.

Nominations & Applications

When do nominations open and close?: Nominations open on March 1, 2026, and close at 11:59 PM on April 15, 2026.
How do I submit a nomination?: Nominations must be submitted through our official website at www.PauliMurrayAwards.com. The application requires details about the nominee’s background, accomplishments, and community impact.
Can I nominate myself?: Yes! You can nominate yourself by simply completing the full application.
What happens when I nominate someone?: When you nominate someone, we receive their contact information and send them an invitation to complete the full application. Nominating someone is not the same as applying for the award.
Can I nominate multiple people?: Yes, you can nominate multiple people, but a separate nomination must be submitted for each one.
Can two or more business partners or co-founders apply together?: No. Each award recognizes individual honorees. If a nominee works closely with a business partner, both individuals must apply separately.
Can multiple individuals from the same organization be nominated?: Yes, but typically, only one individual per organization will be selected as an honoree.
Can someone apply in more than one category?: No. Each applicant must be submitted under one category. Choose the category that best represents their primary contributions.

Application Process & Selection

What is required in the application?: A complete application includes: nominee’s basic information; a resume or CV; a personal statement or video explaining the nominee’s work, impact, and alignment with the Pauli Murray Awards’ mission; two letters of support from individuals familiar with the nominee’s work; and up to three supporting materials (e.g., published articles, project links, media coverage).
What criteria does the Review Committee use?: Each nominee is evaluated using a 40-point rubric: Excellence in Field (10 points), Community Impact (10 points), Legacy & Long-Term Influence (10 points), and Commitment to Equity & Inclusion (10 points). The top five nominees in each category will be selected as honorees.
Are references contacted?: Yes, the Review Committee may contact references for additional insights.
When will I know if I’ve been selected?: Honorees will be notified by July 12, 2026. Their names will be publicly announced on our website and social media platforms.

Disqualification Policy

Can a nominee be disqualified?: Yes. Nominees may be disqualified for dishonorable conduct, including but not limited to: violent crimes, sexual offenses, or other forms of abuse; ethical violations or professional misconduct; fraud, including falsification of information in the nomination process; or actions that contradict the values and mission of the Pauli Murray Awards Foundation. A past criminal conviction is not automatically disqualifying. However, cases involving violence, abuse, or other serious misconduct will be reviewed by the Review Committee to determine eligibility.

Awards Ceremony & Honoree Recognition

Do honorees need to attend the awards ceremony?: Attendance is strongly encouraged but not mandatory. Honorees unable to attend will still be celebrated through media features and online platforms.
What do honorees receive?: Recognition at the Pauli Murray Awards Gala; a commemorative award and certificate; media features and storytelling spotlights on various platforms; and access to an exclusive network of past and present honorees, mentors, and industry leaders.
Is there a cost to apply or attend the gala?: There is no fee to apply or be nominated. Each honoree receives one complimentary ticket to the awards gala. Additional tickets for other guests may be purchased.

Additional Questions

Can allies apply or nominate someone?: Allies may submit nominations, but only Black LGBTQ+ individuals are eligible for the awards.
Is my information kept confidential?: Yes. Your application will remain confidential and will only be reviewed by the Review Committee. Information provided in the application will not be made public, except for details used to highlight selected honorees. For honorees, portions of the application may be used to create public profiles; personal contact information will remain private and used only to communicate next steps in the awards process. For nominees who are not selected, their names and any information submitted will not be published or shared.
Are posthumous awards given?: No. The awards only honor living recipients at this time.
Can I volunteer or sponsor the event?: Yes! We welcome volunteers and sponsorships. For more information, contact info@PauliMurrayAwards.com.