LGBTQ+ prize cancelled after backlash over Irish author's views

RTÉ News​

a day ago

The organisers of the 2025 Polari Prize, a prominent literary award celebrating LGBTQ+ literature from writers born or based in the UK and Ireland, have paused this year's competition following widespread backlash over the inclusion of author John Boyne on the longlist.
Boyne, best known for The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, was longlisted for his novella Earth. However, his inclusion sparked intense controversy due to a recent article he penned in the Irish Independent on 27th July 2025, where he referred to himself as a "fellow TERF" (trans‑exclusionary radical feminist) in a tribute to Harry Potter author JK Rowling. In it, he defended Rowling's gender‑critical views and criticised those who oppose them.
Following the longlist's release on 1 August 2025, backlash escalated rapidly. Ten authors and two judges withdrew in protest, opposing Boyne's inclusion on principle. Notable names included Sacha Coward, Mae Diansangu, Jason Okundaye, and former First Book prizewinner and judge Nicola Dinan.
An open letter organised by authors Niamh Ní Mhaoileoin and Emma van Straaten, signed by over 800 writers and publishing industry professionals, condemned the decision to include Boyne, calling it "inappropriate and hurtful", citing a climate of rising anti‑trans sentiment.
Dr Avi Ben‑Zeev, the only trans author on the longlist, opted to remain in the competition, stating that withdrawal would silence his unique trans perspective and narrative, according to the BBC.
Boyne responded publicly, stating that the backlash had brought him "very close to the edge" and that he had endured "endless harassment" from both strangers and fellow writers. He later offered to remain on the longlist, but asked that his book not be considered for the shortlist if other authors rejoined, though they did not return.
On 18 August 2025, the Polari Prize organisers announced that the award would not proceed this year. In a statement they issued apologies, emphasised that "Polari is not and has never been a trans‑exclusionary organisation," and committed to a governance and management review. They also pledged to increase representation of trans and gender non‑conforming individuals on judging panels.
Founded in 2011, the Polari prize has honoured a wide range of LGBTQ+ voices and genres. It is expected to return in 2026.