Organisers of the award for LGBTQ+ writers have paused the prize this year, after controversy over the longlisting of John Boyne meant it was ‘overshadowed by hurt and anger’

Hundreds of authors called for John Boyne’s novel to be dropped and fellow contenders withdrew in protest

Several authors withdrew from the Polari Prize longlist following comments made by writer John Boyne.

Organisers of the award for LGBTQ+ writers have paused the prize this year, after controversy over the longlisting of John Boyne meant it was ‘overshadowed by hurt and anger’