Shoulder to Shoulder

This is a love letter to the pioneers of solidarity and coalition. It's a new global look at those bold moments where marginalised voices came together to say 'enough is enough'. It's the story of those who sacrificed individual gains to fight for collective freedom.

'Incredibly useful in our current times. Enticing and nuanced.' TRAVIS ALABANZA

'Full of incredible detail, I learned so much about the history of the fight against oppression. A revelation and an important book to read in today's world.' JILL NALDER

'An inspirational and much-needed examination of the power of solidarity. A great read.' DIPO FALOYIN

'An antidote to despair, Shoulder to Shoulder reminds us of the battles that came before, of their interconnection and their heart. A joy to read.' FRANKIE MIREN

'A profoundly beautiful, humanising and necessary road map to freedom.' DAN GLASS

Through astounding research and fascinating storytelling, Shoulder to Shoulder, transports us through time and into the world of these trailblazers, bringing their tales to life and exploring both the inexplicable joys and brutal realities of their fights for justice.

Spanning movements from the Black Panthers coalition with the Gay Liberation Front in the US to the Pride support for miners strikes in the UK, Shoulder to Shoulder shows how marginalised activists have always been intertwined in their pursuit of joint liberation.

A beautiful celebration of our often chaotic, and always messy, human history and those incredible, ordinary people who pushed for equality no matter the cost. Shoulder to Shoulder is for anyone who loved Bad Gays, Natives or Poverty Safari and is hungry for a fresh perspective on our shared human history.

'Shoulder to Shoulder makes me hopeful for the future.' ANNA SULAN MASING

Jake has written a book that is incredibly useful in our current times. Creating an enticing and nuanced exploration of solidarity, helping us to learn about those who have changed history - and inspiring us to positively impact our future Travis Alabanza, author of NONE OF THE ABOVE
Jake Hall's Shoulder to Shoulder is a profoundly beautiful, humanising and necessary road map to freedom. It is a rich tapestry platforming some of the most courageous people and movements that have created connection and utopia out of a world hellbent on division and destruction. Written by one of the most inspiring visionaries today, you will be sure to be as mesmerised as I was at the turn of every page. Dan Glass, author of QUEER FOOTPRINTS and UNITED QUEERDOM
Captures and distils complex narratives, stories and histories in an engaging way, without losing any of the nuance. The writing never shies away from difficult subjects and topics, whilst weaving a thread of humour, fun and pure joy. This book makes me hopeful for the future. Anna Sulan Masing, author of CHINESE AND OTHER ASIAN
Shoulder to Shoulder is full of incredible detail and is in so many ways a revelation. I learned so much about the history of the fight against oppression that was taken up by so many. An important book to read and think about in today's world. I enjoyed it immensely. Jill Nalder, author of LOVE FROM THE PINK PALACE
Jake Hall pours their heart and soul into Shoulder to Shoulder, recounting the exhilarating journey of activists who have fought tirelessly. With meticulous detail and flair, Hall illustrates how activism can be both fun and fierce, delivering tangible results. As queers who understand that freedom isn't free, Hall's work serves as inspiration, reminding us that Shoulder to Shoulder is not just a choice, but a vital path forward. Annie Sprinkle and Beth Stephens, authors of ASSUMING THE ECOSEXUAL POSITION
Shoulder to Shoulder is an inspirational and much-needed examination of the power of solidarity and a reminder for minority voices to stand together. A great read. Dipo Faloyin, author of Africa is Not a Country
An antidote to despair, Shoulder to Shoulder reminds us of the battles that came before, of their interconnection and their heart. Jake writes beautifully and this book is a joy to read, eye-opening, angry but full of hope. A testament to the human will for justice and revolution. Frankie Miren, author of THE SERVICE

Jake Hall (they/them) is an author and journalist who has been writing about intersectionality and queer culture for over a decade and who has written extensively for publications like British Vogue, The Independent, Pink News, Dazed, i-D, VICE, Refinery29 and Slate. Their first book, The Art of Drag, published in 2020 and has become an award-winning success, translated into Chinese, Italian, Spanish and German. As a working-class queer kid from Doncaster, Jake Hall has always been interested in the experience of marginalised groups and their aim is to uncover histories that have long gone untold.

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