Polari Prize cancels award after backlash over John Boyne's inclusion
- The Polari Prize faced backlash for including John Boyne on its longlist this year.
- Numerous authors and stakeholders withdrew in protest due to Boyne's gender critical views.
- The organization announced a pause in this year's competition to reflect on the principles of inclusion.
In mid-August 2025, the Polari Prize, an LGBTQ+ literature award in the United Kingdom, announced it would pause this year’s competition due to a significant backlash over the inclusion of author John Boyne on the longlist. Boyne, known for his book 'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas', has drawn criticism for his alignment with gender critical views and his self-identification as a 'terf'. Following his longlisting, numerous authors and stakeholders expressed their discontent, leading many longlisted authors to withdraw, including Nicola Dinan, last year’s winner. The controversy has raised significant concerns about inclusion in the LGBTQ+ community, particularly regarding transgender rights. This incident has prompted the Polari Prize to reconsider its judging panel and their governance structure, committing to increasing representation of trans individuals. The organization condemned transphobia and acknowledged the distress caused by the controversy. The decision to pause the award will allow for reflection on the balance between freedom of expression and the creation of inclusive spaces. A collective statement signed by over 800 writers indicated disappointment with Boyne’s inclusion, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging trans identities and rights. The Polari Prize aims to use this period to learn from the situation and engage in dialogues about inclusivity and support for the trans community while addressing the broader implications of such divisions within the LGBTQ+ community.