The Polari Prize's decision to pause the 2025 awards has left trans author Dr. Avi Ben-Zeev heartbroken, as it halts the recognition of his memoir. The cancellation follows significant backlash over the inclusion of John Boyne, a self-identified TERF, who has defended controversial views regarding trans issues. Many authors, including Sacha Coward, withdrew in protest against Boyne's nomination. This situation has led to claims that such decisions represent another form of erasure for marginalized voices in the literary community.
Dr Avi Ben-Zeev expressed heartbreak over the Polari Prize being cancelled, stating that his memoir has also been 'put on pause,' which feels like another form of erasure.
John Boyne defended his TERF stance in a column, asserting that women criticizing Rowling are 'astonishingly complicit in their own erasure,' comparing them to characters in The Handmaid's Tale.
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