Trapeze signs Hall’s ‘love letter to collaboration, coalition and solidarity’

Trapeze has signed Shoulder to Shoulder, “a love letter to collaboration, coalition and solidarity” by Jake Hall.

Katie Packer, editorial director, acquired world rights from Holly Faulks at Greene and Heaton. It will be published on 23rd May 2024 in hardback, e-book and audio and “explore the human stories of pioneers that led the way to create a more just future for all".

The publisher goes on: “A new global history of political solidarity, Shoulder to Shoulder will span movements from the Black Panthers coalition with the Gay Liberation Front in the US to queer solidarity groups in Argentina, Spain, France and Germany; from trans fights for abortion rights to the Pride support for the miners strikes in the UK.

“Illustrating astonishing real-life stories with fleshed-out characters, Hall will transport the reader into the worlds of these activists whose stories have long gone untold. It will platform the queer communities that led the way in their comradery and support for others and argue that in working through our differences we can build a better future for everyone.”

Packer said: “In a time where division and polarisation seems to lead every political conversation, this book is a beautiful and much-needed balm. Shoulder to Shoulder tells the stories of the people who are often missed out of the history books and shows how by embracing our intersections we can push for liberation for all."

Hall, journalist and author of The Art of Drag (Nobrow Ltd), said: “​Those in power have a tendency to pit marginalised groups against each other, but solidarity is everywhere, if we look closely enough. Forging coalitions isn’t easy, but it’s increasingly necessary. So, Shoulder to Shoulder is both an antidote to the single-issue narrative which divides us, and a reminder that the histories of marginalised activists have always been deeply intertwined.​​​​”