Picture a Welsh storyteller who spun tales of love, loss, and LGBTQ+ life with wit and heart—meet Paul Burston! A celebrated author, journalist, and champion of queer voices, Burston has carved a unique path in literature. From his gripping novels like Shameless to founding the vibrant Polari literary salon, his work pulses with authenticity and advocacy, making him a beacon for diverse stories.
Born in York and raised in South Wales, Burston’s journey from activist to literary trailblazer is as compelling as his books. His ability to weave personal experiences into universal themes has earned him accolades and a spot on the British Council’s Global List of visionaries promoting LGBTQ+ rights. Ready to dive into his world?
The Making of Paul Burston
Paul Burston’s story begins in York, but it was the vibrant culture of South Wales that shaped his early years. Raised in a working-class family, he attended Brynteg School before studying English, Drama, and Film at university. His passion for storytelling emerged early, fueled by a love for writing short stories and plays. In his twenties, Burston moved to London, diving into activism with groups like ACT UP and GALOP, fighting for gay rights during the AIDS crisis. This fiery spirit carried into his journalism career, where he edited the LGBTQ+ section of Time Out magazine and co-founded Attitude, amplifying queer voices in mainstream media.
Paul Burston’s Unforgettable Stories
Burston’s novels are bold, heartfelt, and unapologetically queer, blending sharp humor with raw emotion. His debut, Shameless (2001), a witty exploration of gay life, was praised by The New York Times and shortlisted for the State of Britain Award. Lovers & Losers (2007), a tender yet biting tale of relationships, earned a Stonewall Award nomination. The Black Path (2016), his first crime novel, became a WH Smith bestseller and was longlisted for The Guardian’s Not the Booker Prize. Perhaps most personal is The Closer I Get (2019), a psychological thriller inspired by Burston’s own experience with a stalker, weaving themes of obsession and digital-age relationships.
His writing style is conversational yet incisive, often tackling underrepresented LGBTQ+ narratives. Burston’s memoir, We Can Be Heroes (2023), is a standout, chronicling his survival through the AIDS crisis, addiction, and personal triumphs. Praised by Russell T Davies as “brutally honest,” it’s a testament to his resilience and storytelling prowess.
Why Paul Burston Matters
Paul Burston’s impact extends far beyond the page. In 2007, frustrated by the lack of platforms for LGBTQ+ writers, he founded Polari, a literary salon that began in a Soho bar and grew into a cultural institution at the Southbank Centre. Polari has showcased countless queer voices, from poets to novelists, earning acclaim as “London’s most exciting literary movement” by HuffPost. The Polari Prize, launched in 2011, further cements his legacy, celebrating new and established LGBTQ+ writing at the British Library.
His activism, journalism, and mentorship—through workshops and masterclasses—have empowered diverse storytellers. Recognized in 2016 by the British Council as a global visionary, Burston continues to advocate for equality and representation, making literature a more inclusive space.
- Born: York, UK
- Key Works: Shameless, The Closer I Get, We Can Be Heroes
- Awards: Shortlisted for State of Britain and Stonewall Awards; British Council Global List (2016)
- Fun Fact: Burston once DJed and dived as hobbies!
Snag We Can Be Heroes or The Closer I Get and dive into Paul Burston’s vibrant, queer storytelling. You won’t be disappointed!