The Polari Prize 2022 Winners
It is our great pleasure to confirm C+nto & Othered Poems by Joelle Taylor as the winner of the 2022 Polari Book Prize and Deep Sniff by Adam Zmith as the winner of the 2022 Polari First Book Prize, while Nen and the Lonely Fisherman by Ian Eagleton and James Mayhew wins the inaugural Polari Children’s and YA Prize.
The Polari Prize is the UK’s first and largest LGBTQ+ book award. Established to promote writing that explores the LGBTQ+ experience, Polari also focuses on amplifying diverse voices through a series of literary events, including the regularly touring Polari Salon.
The Polari Book Prize 2022 Winner
Uncovering underground communities forged by women, Joelle Taylor’s imagist and intimate cantos explore sexuality, gender and protest through the lens of the counterculture of the 1990s.
'Joelle Taylor has a Midas touch with words. Here is poetry that defends our right to walk without fear, wear what we choose, be who we uniquely are. A clear Polari Prize winner.'
DIANA SOUHAMI, JUDGE OF THE 2022 POLARI BOOK PRIZE
The Polari Book Prize 2022 Shortlist
The Polari Book Prize 2022 Longlist
The Polari First Book Prize 2022 Winner
A fascinating deep dive into the history of poppers and their relationship to LGBTQ+ culture, Zmith’s impressive debut delivers an expansive popular history of desire across time.
'The judges all agreed that this was a witty, well researched and ground-breaking book which honours our queer past while also looking to the future.'
PAUL BURSTON, JUDGE OF THE 2022 POLARI FIRST BOOK PRIZE
The Polari First Book Prize 2022 Shortlist
The Polari First Book Prize 2022 Longlist
The Polari Children's & Young Adult Prize 2022 Winner
Recounting the spark ignited between a merman and the titular angler, Eagleton and Mayhew's stunning picture book is a celebration of love and acceptance with a vital conservationist message rippling throughout.
'This book does something important and radical by centring a queer love story in a picture book for young children. The story is innovative and moving, and the artwork truly stunning.'
JODIE LANCET-GRANT, JUDGE OF THE 2022 POLARI CHILDREN’S & YA PRIZE
The Polari Children's & Young Adult Prize 2022 Shortlist
The Polari Children's & Young Adult Prize 2022 Longlist
Previous Winners
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