Archive · 21 Aug 2025
Polari Prize Cancelled Due to Boyne Inclusion Debate
The Polari Prize, a book award for LGBTQ+ writers, had to stop its award for 2025.
It all started when they included an author named John Boyne on a list of potential winners.
Some people didn't like this because Boyne has said things that make them feel unwelcome.
A lot of authors and judges quit in protest.
The people in charge of the prize tried to calm things down, but it didn't work.
Eventually, they decided to cancel the prize for the year.
The author said he was upset and that new authors would be harmed by the cancellation.
The Polari Prize, a UK LGBTQIA+ literary award, was canceled due to controversy over the inclusion of author John Boyne on the longlist.
Boyne, known for 'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas', identifies as a 'TERF' and holds views that some LGBTQ+ individuals consider exclusionary.
Several authors and judges withdrew in protest, citing Boyne's views as incompatible with the award's mission.
The prize organizers initially defended the longlist but later apologized and canceled the 2025 prize.
Boyne expressed frustration and argued the cancellation harmed debut writers, while also reiterating his stance on trans rights.
- Who
- The Polari Prize organizers, author John Boyne, and various writers and judges involved in the award.
- What
- Cancellation of the Polari Prize, a UK LGBTQIA+ literary award.
- When
- 2025, with the longlist announcement and subsequent events unfolding in August.
- Where
- United Kingdom
- Why
- Due to controversy over John Boyne's inclusion on the longlist and his views on gender identity, leading to protests and withdrawals.
Those Supporting Cancellation
Those Opposing Cancellation
Inclusion
Those Supporting Cancellation
Boyne's views are harmful and incompatible with an award meant to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.
Those Opposing Cancellation
Boyne's views should be included, and the prize should have a wider range of views.
Artistic Merit vs. Inclusivity
Those Supporting Cancellation
The decision to exclude Boyne was a necessary act of solidarity with trans writers and readers.
Those Opposing Cancellation
Excluding Boyne was an abandonment of artistic merit and a narrowing of space for disagreement within queer culture.
- Award Name
- Polari Prize
- Year of Cancellation
- 2025
- Reason for Cancellation
- Controversy over author inclusion
- Controversial Author
- John Boyne
- Boyne's Stance
- TERF views
- Number of Withdrawals
- 16 authors and 2 judges