Stella prize 2026: Lee Lai becomes first non-binary person and first graphic novelist to win with Cannon
Summary
Lee Lai won the 2026 Stella Prize, becoming the first non-binary person and first graphic novelist to receive this $60,000 Australian literary award. Her book Cannon tells the story of a queer Chinese woman in Montreal and explores themes of responsibility and personal struggles.Key Facts
- Lee Lai is the first non-binary and first graphic novelist to win the Stella Prize.
- The Stella Prize awards $60,000 to women and non-binary writers for outstanding books.
- Cannon follows a queer Chinese woman named Lucy, also called Cannon, living in Montreal.
- Lai was nominated before for her debut Stone Fruit, which won several LGBTQ and comics awards.
- The Stella Prize began accepting non-binary writers in 2021.
- Judges praised Cannon for its emotional depth and artistic storytelling.
- Lai hopes this win encourages more readers to explore graphic novels.
- The prize money gives Lai time to focus on her writing, as comic artists often have little financial support.
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