Polari, the award-winning LGBT literary salon, returns to Bradford with a panel of exciting writers.

Known for its high-energy, thought-provoking performances and unique mix of perspectives, Polari has provided queer voices with a laid-back, open-minded platform for over a decade. Not your average literary event, each salon showcases the best in established and emerging LGBT talent.

“Think of it as a cabaret,” founder Paul Burston has said, “in which the performers happen to be writers.” Burston will be joined by poets Dean Atta and PJ Samuels, and author VG Lee, for a lively evening that is guaranteed to inspire and enchant.

About The Host

Paul Burston

Paul Burston is the author of six novels including his latest, The Closer I Get. He is the curator and host of Polari LGBT+ literary salon and the founder and chair of The Polari Prize for LGBT writers.

About The Authors

Dean Atta

Dean was shortlisted for the Polari First Book Prize for his poetry collection, I Am Nobody’s Nigger. He was named as one of the most influential LGBT people in the UK by the Independent on Sunday. His novel, The Black Flamingo, will be published in August by Hodder Children’s Books.

VG Lee

VG Lee is a comedian and author of five novels and a short story collection. In 2012 she was nominated for a Stonewall Award for writing and in 2014 won The Ultimate Planet award for Best Established Author. Her work has appeared in anthologies and magazines including The Lady Magazine.

PJ Samuels

PJ Samuels is a poet, spoken word artiste, educator, and LGBTI human rights activist. Her writing interrogates issues of race, gender, patriarchy and identity and explores facets of belonging. Her work appears in magazines, academic books and various anthologies.