Polari Prize paused after mass withdrawals over inclusion of anti-trans author, John Boyne
Over half of authors longlisted for both the First Book Prize and the Polari Prize itself have withdrawn, including last year's winner
After controversy hit the LGBTQ+ book world last week when over half the nominated authors pulled their books from The Polari Prize long list in protest of the inclusion of an anti-Trans author, today organiser Paul Burston, founder of the Polari Prize, announced the prize this year will be paused pending a review.
For both authors and book lovers alike, The Polari Prize has become a much loved and respected celebration of the best fiction and non-fiction work by LGBTQ+ authors. But what’s happened, and why are over 800 industry professionals objecting to the prizes’ actions this year?
The Polari Prize itself comprises two prizes, including the titular Polari Prize as well as the First Book Prize for debut authors.
“As a fellow Terf, I stand four-square behind her” – author John Boyne on his support for JK Rowling
When the longlist for both was announced on the 1st August, many noted the inclusion of John Boyne and his novella Earth. Known for writing The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas, Boyne has since gone on to publicly share his support for JK Rowling, and her anti-trans views. Most recently, just days before the longlist announcement, he wrote an article for The Irish Independent in which he shares how “As a fellow Terf, I stand four-square behind her” in reference to Rowling’s history of anti-trans remarks.
Earth – which is described by both Boyne and his publisher as being about ‘a gay man in sport that rejects diversity’, sparked immediate discussion as to whether his inclusion was appropriate, especially considering Polari is an LGBTQ+ literary prize.
Since then, over half of authors longlisted for both the First Book Prize and the Polari Prize itself have withdrawn, including last year’s Polari first book prize winner Nicola Dinan, author of Bellies who was on the judging panel for this year’s competition. Bob Hughes, a fellow judge, reportedly dropped out and Heartstopper author Alice Osman also joined 800 industry professionals and authors to sign a statement condemning Boyne’s inclusion.
The Common Press have announced solidarity with those who withdrew their books
As of 15th August authors including Jason Okuyande (Revolutionary Acts: Love & Brotherhood in Black Gay Britain), Eleanor Medhurst (Unsuitable: A History Of Lesbian Fashion), Andrew McMillan (Pity), Dean Atta (Person Unlimited: An Ode to my Black Queer Body), Sacha Coward (Queer As Folklore), Amy Twigg (Spoilt Creatures), Mae Diansangu (Bloodsongs), Hanako Footman (Mongrel), Rhian Elizabeth (Girls etc), Ciara Maguire (Impossible Heat), Sanah Ahsan (I Cannot Be Good Until You Say It) Curtis Garner (Isaac), Robert Hamberger (Nude Against A Rock), Olumide Popoola (Like Water Like Sea) have withdrawn their work from the prize.
In response, the Polari Prize issued a statement across their Instagram channels stating that “It is inevitable given the challenges we face and the diversity of the lived experience we now represent under the LGBTQ+ Polari umbrella that even within our community we can hold radically different positions on substantive issues.” The prize also added that they are still committed to supporting trans rights and amplifying trans voices.
The reaction from both authors and readers has shown how the LGBTQ+ community will continue to stand against transphobia in all its forms, even within LGBTQ+ designated spaces. Despite the hours of attention to detail and dedication – and often personal vulnerability that these authors have put into works – removing them from the prize is an act of solidarity not just with the trans authors involved but for trans people everywhere. LGBTQ+ bookshop and community space The Common Press have announced solidarity with those who withdrew their books too, offering 15% off their titles in support.
Dean Atta, who like many shared his decision to withdraw his book Person Unlimited: An Ode to my Black Body from the running shared in an Instagram post that “As an LGBTQ+ organisation, Polari must take an unequivocal stance against transphobia”, adding that longlisting a self-proclaimed ‘TERF’ “cannot be brushed under the carpet.”
“Being an LGBTQ+ author is exceptionally hard” – Ellen Jones, author of Outrage: Why The Fight For LGBTQ+ Equality Is Not Yet Won and What We Can Do About
Eleanor Medhurst, whose book Unsuitable: A History Of Lesbian Fashion was longlisted for the First Book Prize shared how, despite the difficult decision, community comes first. “It was a difficult choice because as authors we all want our work to be recognised – but ultimately trans rights and the cultivation of safe spaces for trans people comes first.” She continued, citing the solidarity she has felt from fellow authors and readers. “The response to this mass withdrawal has been really heartening and a true show of solidarity. After all, if we don’t support each other then who will?”
Ellen Jones, author of Outrage: Why The Fight For LGBTQ+ Equality Is Not Yet Won and What We Can Do About It said how across the literary landscape, it is not just The Polari Prize that has been questioned on its longlisted authors. “The Polari Prize is not unique in being called out for platforming anti-trans voices,” she shared. “The Women’s Prize was similarly called into question earlier in the year for continuing to longlist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie despite her expressing anti-trans statements.”
As an author, it’s clear she and the wider community feel anger at the prizes’ decision too, identifying the hurdles trans authors still face within the industry. “Being an LGBTQ+ author is exceptionally hard, particularly in this political context … I know [the authors] have withdrawn their books from the prize at substantial personal and professional risk.”
Polari Prize founder Paul Burston declined to comment however as per an official statement from the Polari Prize Instagram on Monday 18th August, the team have decided to “pause the prize this year while we increase representation of trans and gender non-conforming judges on the panels for all the awards and undertake a governance and management review.”