UK’s LGBTQ+ literary prize cancelled after controversy over ‘gender critical’ author John Boyne

The Polari Prize, a prestigious UK literary award for LGBTQ+ literature, has announced a pause to its 2025 competition following backlash over the inclusion of author John Boyne.

Boyne, best known for his best-selling novel "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas" – which was adapted to the big screen in 2008 - has a novel, “Earth”, which was longlisted for the Polari Prize. 

The decision to include Boyne sparked outrage across the LGBTQ+ community, as the author has publicly described himself as a “TERF” (trans-exclusionary radical feminist) and has repeatedly voiced support for gender-critical views.  

In a July column for the Irish Independent, he defended controversial Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, who has in recent years been vehemently outspoken with her views about trans rights. In the article, Boyne criticised women who oppose Rowling’s stance, likening them to characters in "The Handmaid’s Tale" who enable abuse. 

"Rowling's critics claim she is transphobic, the greatest sin of our time, and use the usual tedious hyperbole to demonise her," Boyne wrote. 

Author Sacha Coward (“Queer as Folklore: The Hidden Queer History of Myths and Monsters”) withdrew their Polari nominations in protest, stating they could not “continue in good faith” with the competition.  

Another longlisted writer, Jason Okundaye, wrote an article in the Guardian describing Boyne's views as "abhorrent", also withdrawing his nomination because he felt "misled about the principles underpinning the organisation".

Judges and stakeholders voiced concern, with two of the awards judges announcing their resignation, and the situation escalated into a mass boycott. 

More than 10 longlisted authors pulled out - out of a total of 24. 

Now, Polari organisers acknowledged the “hurt and anger” caused and confirmed the awards would be paused.  

“This year’s ceremony has been overshadowed by pain and distress,” the statement read. “We extend our heartfelt apologies to everyone affected.”

“Polari is not and has never been a trans exclusionary organization,” organisers added. “We condemn all forms of transphobia. What was meant to be a celebration of exceptional LGBTQ+ literature has instead been overshadowed by hurt and anger.”

The organisation pledged to undertake a full review of its policies, including its aims and values, with a renewed focus on supporting trans and non-binary authors.

As for Rowling, she reacted - with profanity - to the controversy by saying: “Oh, f*ck off. I hope everyone buys twice as many @JohnBoyneBooks, a) because he’s brilliant, and b) to piss off the Gender Taliban.”

The Polari Prize is expected to return next year.