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Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

Polari prize nominees withdraw over inclusion of 'terf' John Boyne

235 replies

QAOPspaceman · 11/08/2025 16:57

A third of the nominated authors and a judge have withdrawn from the Polari prize because John Boyne, apparently a self-confessed terf (!) and friend of JK Rowling (!!!), is nominated. He wrote The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas and has previously said "while I will happily employ any term that a person feels best defines them... I reject the notion that someone can force an unwanted term on to another" so is clearly a fascist.

Have never read his stuff but am tempted to order his complete works immediately.

https://www.thebookseller.com/news/polari-prize-will-review-processes-after-a-third-of-nominated-authors-withdraw-books-from-longlist

https://archive.ph/J39nH

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considertheravens · 16/08/2025 16:23

I always feel powerless when this type of shit happens to those who refuse to meekly follow the TRA line, so I do the only thing I can do and buy their books, music, etc.

I now own several versions of JKR's series (hardcopy, audio - different narrators, kindle)😂 Am now doing the same for John.

We support you John!Flowers

CarpeVitam · 16/08/2025 16:14

pontefractals · 16/08/2025 14:31

Everyone's favourite ex-tax-lawyer has now weighed in. I am not sure it's going to end well for him.

Was going to respond to that post then realised I’m blocked 🙄

TheUnusuallyQuerulentMxLauraBrown · 16/08/2025 16:01

pontefractals · 16/08/2025 14:31

Everyone's favourite ex-tax-lawyer has now weighed in. I am not sure it's going to end well for him.

Jolly-On once again proving that his legal expertise is in Tax, not Defamation or Equalities.

Ngl, I’m hoping Boyne takes Rowling up on that offer - one GC author supporting another, in the spirit of friendship (with a side order of a financial spanking for Mr Maugham. Shame he’s already sold his windmill because I think John Boyne would look rather spiffing in that Mid Century Modern interior).

WhatterySquash · 16/08/2025 15:49

Since believing in gender ideology involves denying the existence of women (or men) as a sex class, AND denying the existence of same-sex-attracted people, I’d say on that basis all genderwoo believers should be excluded surely.

pontefractals · 16/08/2025 14:31

Everyone's favourite ex-tax-lawyer has now weighed in. I am not sure it's going to end well for him.

Polari prize nominees withdraw over inclusion of 'terf' John Boyne
Polari prize nominees withdraw over inclusion of 'terf' John Boyne
Polari prize nominees withdraw over inclusion of 'terf' John Boyne
tiddletoddles · 16/08/2025 13:38

Hanako Footman also withdrew: www.instagram.com/hanakofootman/p/DNQXB3Zotpk/?hl=en

PachacutisBadAuntie · 16/08/2025 09:44

newrubylane · 16/08/2025 08:36

I was just reading an opinion piece about this in the Guardian and came here to see of there was already a thread running.

Reading the article I found myself reflecting on the unintended consequences of the conflation of the LGB and the TQ. As a result being gay seems to now require a particular political stance, despite being a simple matter of sexual preference.

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/aug/15/book-lgbtq-literary-polari-prize-trans-rights?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

I read this and was particularly struck by the last sentence:
'Perhaps bridges will be rebuilt and the community will return, or we will go off and build something else.'
The trans community in particular not being known for building something for themselves rather than nicking other people's stuff.

TheAntiGardener · 16/08/2025 09:28

Yes, I read it, @newrubylane. He quotes the prize saying that political opinions are not a reason for exclusion and also acknowledges that the "prize have always been for the entire LGBTQ+ community". I would interpret this to mean all gay, trans, etc., voices are represented, whether their views are palatable or not. His wording that being for the entire community is evidenced by the inclusion of trans writers is wholly aligned with that reading, but he goes on to say this is at odds with the inclusion of 'TERF' viewpoints. He seems to interpret "for the whole community" as meaning no offence may be caused to part of that community from within.

To be fair, Polari seem to be confused themselves; he mentions Julie Bindel not being welcome at the end of his article.

However, I'm a straight woman and arguments among this group really are none of my business. What is, is the usual misrepresentation of the debate around trans issues. The "unprecedented levels of harassment and political antagonism" he mentions is unaccompanied by any reference to women and women's rights. He may disagree with our views, but I'm fed up with the vague dismissal of dissent as bigotry and aggression, leaving women and the arguments we are making out altogether.

He also states at the end that "the swell of public support is behind those who are supportive of the LGBTQ+ community". What does that mean? I would say I am supportive - but not of self-ID, removal of female-only spaces and all the rest. The usual sleight of hand to paint an only-bigots-are-against-us picture.

newrubylane · 16/08/2025 08:36

I was just reading an opinion piece about this in the Guardian and came here to see of there was already a thread running.

Reading the article I found myself reflecting on the unintended consequences of the conflation of the LGB and the TQ. As a result being gay seems to now require a particular political stance, despite being a simple matter of sexual preference.

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/aug/15/book-lgbtq-literary-polari-prize-trans-rights?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

Why I withdrew my book from an LGBTQ+ literary prize | Jason Okundaye

The Polari first book prize claims to promote trans rights and trans voices. But when I saw the longlist, I had to act, says Guardian writer Jason Okundaye

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/aug/15/book-lgbtq-literary-polari-prize-trans-rights?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

CarpeVitam · 15/08/2025 18:08

This reply has been withdrawn

Withdrawn at authors request

CarpeVitam · 15/08/2025 16:54

Boyne’s writing is sublime.

My favourite is The Heart’s Invisible Furies.

@Cazziebo Will read All the Broken Places next.

MrsOvertonsWindow · 15/08/2025 06:08

Another one who felt so emotional reading his letter. In the face of relentless bullying, harassment and abuse from the apparently talentless, his letter is a master class in compassion and insight. What a wonderful man.

Gives a bit of hope that society may not be completely wrecked by these muppets.

TheUnusuallyQuerulentMxLauraBrown · 15/08/2025 02:04

RayonSunrise · 14/08/2025 23:15

He is genuinely brave, unlike the sneery entitled children criticising him.

I agree.

Joolsin · 15/08/2025 00:08

Thanks for the link to the podcast, @Nebulousbiologist , I enjoyed it. Some very good points, from both interviewer and interviewee.

RayonSunrise · 14/08/2025 23:15

He is genuinely brave, unlike the sneery entitled children criticising him.

IwantToRetire · 14/08/2025 17:31

Sorry image didn't load
https://x.com/johnboynebooks/status/1955917315029262792?s=46&t=ZXbLozRqm8etdGICMcAvA

Polari prize nominees withdraw over inclusion of 'terf' John Boyne
Nebulousbiologist · 14/08/2025 15:33

I linked this podcast on another thread a couple of months ago but, for anyone not familiar with Boyne's story, background and career,it's really worth listening to.
https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/john-boyne/id1815702000?i=1000714427863

Boyne talks about his experience child abuse in school and how a culture of fear enabled this abuse.
I think it gives an sense of why he refuses to be silent or intimidated and how it shaped the person he is now.

He talks about TBITSP and I think gives a very good perspective of the later controversy surrounding it.
He discusses MBNIJ and discusses his journey from being an ally to becoming a TERF.
As someone who experienced abuse and grew up as a gay man in very dark times in Ireland, he is also fairly scathing of the culture of victimhood that is so prevalent today.
While he isn't at the same level of stratospheric success as JKR, he has been hugely successful in his career, despite ongoing attempts at cancelling him. I think that really infuriates the TRA's but the neverending attempts at cancellation of him has clearly has taken a toll on him.

He comes across as being someone who is very principled and I think his statement earlier today gives a sense of the person he is.

As an aside,that entire podcast series of interviews by Irish journalist Ian O'Doherty is really good.

John Boyne

John Boyne

Podcast Episode · The State of Us · 25/06/2025 · 1h 10m

https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/john-boyne/id1815702000?i=1000714427863

Abhannmor · 14/08/2025 15:10

TheKeatingFive · 14/08/2025 14:33

Do not underestimate how woke the young, Irish, creative, lefty scene is.

She'll have been chomping at the bit to signal her credentials.

This. Tragically. The Shleeveen Tendency . At least the Legion of Mary actually helped women , despite all that religious mania. Or because of it ? Who knows. Unlike this new crowd : the Sisters of No Mercy.

Joolsin · 14/08/2025 14:37

TheKeatingFive · 14/08/2025 14:33

Do not underestimate how woke the young, Irish, creative, lefty scene is.

She'll have been chomping at the bit to signal her credentials.

True, @TheKeatingFive . So depressing.

WhatterySquash · 14/08/2025 14:37

Joolsin · 14/08/2025 14:26

I'm just puzzling over the sheer nerve of writers trying to force censorship of other writers' work. The absolute gall of them to think it's any way appropriate. Can you imagine the smug, purity-spiralling thought process whereby someone, a newish writer, would go about to come to the conclusion that they should withdraw from a prize list and announce same to the world, all because they disapprove of another contender's views? The pomposity is mind-blowing!!!

P.S. JB's letter is so sad. I know he has a certain level of protection afforded by his fame and level of sales, etc (like JKR!), but this is clearly still affecting him very much.

Edited

I think this is where "no debate" leads, isn't it. People like this are not exposed to the rigours of debate, logic and the reasons other people may have views different from their own. They 100% know they are right because that's what they have been told to think, unhindered by nuance, plurality or anything resembling a thought process. And being on the right side of history and waving pitchforks at "bigots" is deeply entewined with their identity and sense of being a moral person - evidently more important to them than actual literature or learning. It's all about performing righteousness for plaudits.

TheKeatingFive · 14/08/2025 14:33

Joolsin · 14/08/2025 14:31

Also, I'm especially disappointed about Niamh Ni Mhaoileoin's involvement. I really want to go all Irish Mammy on her, the absolute eejit!

Do not underestimate how woke the young, Irish, creative, lefty scene is.

She'll have been chomping at the bit to signal her credentials.

Joolsin · 14/08/2025 14:31

Also, I'm especially disappointed about Niamh Ni Mhaoileoin's involvement. I really want to go all Irish Mammy on her, the absolute eejit!

Joolsin · 14/08/2025 14:26

I'm just puzzling over the sheer nerve of writers trying to force censorship of other writers' work. The absolute gall of them to think it's any way appropriate. Can you imagine the smug, purity-spiralling thought process whereby someone, a newish writer, would go about to come to the conclusion that they should withdraw from a prize list and announce same to the world, all because they disapprove of another contender's views? The pomposity is mind-blowing!!!

P.S. JB's letter is so sad. I know he has a certain level of protection afforded by his fame and level of sales, etc (like JKR!), but this is clearly still affecting him very much.

SingleSexSpacesInSchools · 14/08/2025 14:16

buying his book based off this
https://www.reddit.com/r/transgenderUK/comments/1mpxcr0/john_boyne_gives_statement_after_more_than_half/

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