Ten authors have withdrawn from this year's Polari prizes, a UK-based LGBTQ+ literary award, following the longlisting of John Boyne, who has described himself as a 'Terf' (trans-exclusionary radical feminist). Two judges have also resigned, and over 800 writers and publishing workers have signed a statement calling for Boyne's removal from the longlist.
Boyne, best known for his novel The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, was longlisted for the main Polari book prize for his novella Earth. His inclusion has sparked controversy due to his public statements on gender identity, including an article in which he expressed support for JK Rowling and identified as a 'fellow Terf'.
Among those who have withdrawn are author Nicola Dinan, who resigned from the debut prize jury, and Guardian journalist Jason Okundaye, who asked for his book Revolutionary Acts to be removed from the longlist. Andrew McMillan also withdrew his book Pity from the overall book prize longlist. Notable signatories of the statement include Heartstopper author Alice Oseman, Nikesh Shukla, Julia Armfield, Naoise Dolan, Seán Hewitt and Kirsty Logan.
The statement, organised by writers Niamh Ní Mhaoileoin and Emma van Straaten, says Boyne's 'public statements on trans rights and identity are incompatible with the LGBTQ+ community's most basic standards of inclusion'. It adds that the decision is 'inexcusable' given the context of 'rising anti-trans hatred' in the UK and worldwide.
The Polari prize, founded by journalist Paul Burston in 2011, responded by acknowledging the 'hurt and anger caused' and apologising. It stated it would proceed with this year's prize but conduct a full review of its processes ahead of next year's awards. The shortlists are due in late September, with winners announced on 27 November.
