Gay wins 2015 PEN USA’s Freedom to Write Award

US author Roxane Gay has won the PEN Center USA’s 2015 Freedom to Write Award, reports the Guardian. The annual award is presented to individuals or organisations for ‘producing notable work in the face of extreme adversity’ or showing ‘exceptional courage in the defense of free expression’. Gay is the author of several books, including the 2014 essay collection Bad Feminist (Corsair). In a statement to website Literary Hub, Gay said she was ‘thrilled and honoured’ to receive the award. ‘The freedom to write has been one of my life’s greatest blessings and it is a freedom that should be available to everyone who wants or needs to share their voice,’ she said. Gay will be presented with her award on 16 November as part of PEN USA’s annual literary awards festival.

Category: International news