Sara Collins, Amrou Al-Kadhi and Dustin Lance Black among authors shortlisted for the 2020 Polari Prizes
A visionary exploration of trans identity, a re-interpretation of the gothic novel and a graphic guide to LGBTQ+ cultural history all feature on the shortlists for this year ’s Polari Prize and Polari First Book Prize, announced tonight in a digital ceremony hosted by author and founder Paul Burston.
The UK’s only award to celebrate LGBTQ+ literature, Polari marks its 10th birthday in 2020, and in this special anniversary year, Burston praised the exceptional writing talent, diverse styles and subject matter on show in this year ’s shortlists. The announcement included tributes from prize supporters including former prize-winner Paul McVeigh, and sponsors Fiona McMorrough (CEO, FMcM Associates) and David Headley (Managing Director, D.H.H. Literary Agency).
The winning books from both shortlists will be announced in October in association with the Southbank Centre.
The Polari First Book Prize 2020 shortlist are:
• Queer Intentions: A Personal Journey through LGBTQ+ Culture by Amelia Abraham (Picador)
• Life As A Unicorn - A Journey From Shame to Pride and Everything In Between by Amrou Al-Kadhi (Fourth Estate)
• Sensible Footwear: A Girl’s Guide- a graphic guide to lesbian and queer history 1950-2020 by Kate Charlesworth (Myriad Editions)
• Tell Me I’m Forgiven: The Story of Forgotten Stars Gwen Farrar and Norah Blaney by Alison Child (Tollington)
• The Confessions of Frannie Langton by Sara Collins (Penguin)
• The Private Joys of Nnenna Maloney by Okechukwu Nzelu (Dialogue Books)
The Polari Prize 2020 shortlist are:
• Mama’s Boy: A Story from Our Americas by Dustin Lance Black (John Murray)
• In At The Deep End by Kate Davies (The Borough Press)
• This Brutal House by Niven Govinden (Dialogue Books)
• Blue Wallpaper by Robert Hamberger (Waterloo Press)
• Trans Power: Own Your Gender by Juno Roche (Jessica Kingsley Publishers)
• Things We Say in the Dark by Kirsty Logan (Harvill Secker)
Paul Burston, Polari Prize Founder, said: “Faced with such strong longlists, the judges had a hard time deciding on this year ’s shortlists. Many discussions were had and tough decisions made. But eventually we agreed on the books which we felt best represented the aims of the prize and the quality and diversity of the entries. These are books with the power to entertain, educate and inspire, and we’re confident that readers will love them just as much as we do.”
Judges for the First Book Prize are Angela Chadwick, who won in 2019 for her dystopian thriller XX, alongside Rachel Holmes, Cerys Evans, and Keith Jarrett.
Judges for the Polari Prize are inaugural prize winner Andrew McMillan, who won the 2019 award for his intimate poetry collection Playtime, alongside Suzi Feay, Chris Gribble, and VG Lee.
Both prize panels are chaired by founder, journalist and author Paul Burston.
Notes to Editors
About the Polari First Book Prize
The Polari First Book Prize was launched in 2011 and previous winners include Angela Chadwick, Fiona Mozley, Saleem Haddad, Paul McVeigh, Kirsty Logan, Diriye Osman, John McCullough, Mari Hannah and James Maker. The Polari First Book Prize is sponsored by leading literary PR consultancy, FMcM Associates. The winner will receive a cheque for £1,000.
About The Polari Prize
The Polari Prize was established in 2019 and will award an overall Book of the Year. It is open to writers at any stage of their career (except debuts). It ’s inaugural winner is Andrew McMillan, won the awards in 2019 for his intimate poetry collection Playtime. The Polari Prize is sponsored by D H H Literary Agency. The winner will receive a cheque for £2,000.
About Polari Literary Salon
Polari Literary Salon began in 2007 in the upstairs room of a bar in Soho. Events are now held monthly at the Southbank Centre and regularly sell out. The salon also tours regularly, funded by Arts Council England. In 2013, Polari was named ‘LGBT Cultural Event of the Year ’ in the Co-op Respect Loved By You Awards. In 2016, the British Council named Polari founder Paul Burston as one of “33 visionary people who are promoting freedom, equality, and LGBT rights around the world.”
About Paul Burston
Paul Burston is an author and founder of the Polari Literary Salon and Polari Prizes. A founding editor of Attitude magazine, he has written for many publications including The Guardian, Time Out, The Times and The Sunday Times. He is the author of three books including Lovers and Losers, shortlisted for the Stonewall Award. In March 2016, he was featured in the British Council’s #FiveFilms4Freedom Global List 2016, celebrating 33 visionary people who are promoting freedom, equality and LGBT rights around the world. His latest novel The Closer You Get was published in 2019 as part of a two book deal with Orenda Books.
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