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Entertainment writer John Boyne, the acclaimed author of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, was recently longlisted for the Polari Prize for his newest novel Earth. However, his nomination sparked controversy as some other authors on the list requested to be removed due to an article Boyne penned in support of JK Rowling’s views on trans issues and women’s rights. In response to the backlash, the organisers of the Polari Prize announced that the prize would not be awarded this year, but they expressed hope for its return in 2026. Prior to the cancellation, Boyne defended his stance on trans rights, emphasizing that his opinions have remained consistent despite facing criticism and harassment.
The Polari Prize, initially established in 2011, is open to writers from the UK or Ireland who explore LGBTQ+ life experiences in their works. Originally intended as an acknowledgment of debut books, the prize expanded in 2019 to include an award for the overall book of the year. This year’s controversy surrounding Boyne’s nomination has led to significant unrest within the literary community, with numerous authors withdrawing from consideration in protest against his inclusion.
In his article published in the Irish Independent, Boyne expressed solidarity with JK Rowling and identified himself as a “fellow Terf”, supporting her in the debate on trans rights and women’s spaces. The article garnered widespread criticism, leading to a cascade of withdrawals from the Polari Prize longlist. Although Boyne staunchly stood by his beliefs, the impact of the controversy ultimately led to the prize’s cancellation for this year. Both Boyne and the Polari Prize organizers have faced backlash and have undergone significant scrutiny in the wake of the events surrounding this year’s nomination process.
As the situation unfolded, Boyne faced intense backlash and felt the brunt of public scrutiny for his opinions. Despite attempts to quell the controversy, the Polari Prize ultimately made the decision to forego the prize for this year. The fallout from the nomination controversy prompted a reevaluation of the prize’s structure and governance, with a commitment to increasing representation of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals in the judging panels. The future of the Polari Prize remains uncertain, with organizers striving to navigate a path forward in a manner that upholds the values of inclusion and respect for diverse voices in literature
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