Authors and Judges Withdraw in Protest of TERF Author’s Statements

The Polari Prize , one of the U.K.’s best-known LGBTQ+ literary awards, is under fire ahead of its 15th anniversary after longlisting novelist John Boyne, prompting withdrawals by multiple nominees and two judges.

The dispute erupted after the Aug. 1 longlist named Boyne’s novel “Earth.” Critics cite Boyne’s past statements, he has described himself as a “TERF,” or trans-exclusionary radical feminist, and a recent birthday essay praising J.K. Rowling, whose views on transgender issues have drawn protests.

Prize organizers acknowledged the “hurt and anger” the decision sparked but defended the nomination, saying, “We can at times hold radically different positions on substantive issues. This is one of those times.” The c

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