Description

Throughout the 1970s the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) initiated an anarchic campaign that permanently changed the face of Britain. Inspired by the Stonewall uprisings in the US, the GLF demanded a ‘Absolute Freedom For All’ worldwide. Yet half a century on, injustice is rife and LGBT+ inequality remains. Complete LGBT+ liberation means housing rights, universal healthcare, economic freedom and so much more. Although many people believe queers are now free and should behave, assimilate and become palatable – Dan Glass shows that the fight is far from over.

United Queerdom evocatively captures over five decades of LGBT+ culture and protest from the GLF to 2020s. Showing how central protest is to queer history and identity this book uncovers the back-breaking hard work as well as the glamorous and raucous stories of those who rebelled against injustice and became founders in the story of queer liberation.

Publisher Review

'One of the greatest global creative change-makers and activists in the world right now brings his incredible charisma, provocation and personality into this important book. A guide and toolkit, documenting his and others life-changing activism and methodologies. A must read for those who want to be inspired to change the world. Bold, honest and deeply moving.' Ruth Daniel, CEO and Artistic Director, 'In Place of War' 'An optimistic iconoclast, Dan Glass has brought enthusiasm and joy to this memoir of British Gay/HIV activism, rooted in a profound faith in relationships across difference. His insights are sometimes outrageous, often provocative, controversial, heartfelt, funny and motivated by a queer spirit and vision for a better world.' Sarah Schulman, writer 'United Queerdom is a thing of beauty. Dan Glass has penned a memoir that pulsates with existential rage, solidarity, and tactical hope.' Amin Ghaziani, author of There Goes the Gayborhood? 'Dan is cut from that special Glass; he exists to make a positive difference and this engaging book is evidence that he has delivered. His remarkable story is a walking masterclass in searing authenticity. Expect to be moved, grooved, enraged, and totally impressed with this enlightening non-fiction read and its truly awesome author.' Vernal Scott, author of God's Other Children: A London Memoir 'United Queerdom is an urgent, fierce and enthralling manifesto for queer fightback. Part memoir, part history, part how-to guide, it is by turns moving, enraging and laugh out loud funny. Glass (literally) drags Gay Liberation into the 2020s. A vivid call to fresh action.' Matt Cook, author of Queer Domesticities 'Part memoir, part manifesto, completely fierce, United Queerdom honors the history of London's LGBTQ and AIDS activists for the first time. Glass skilfully connects the traumas of the past to the current "Second Silence" - budget cuts, rising HIV transmission rates, and the belief that AIDS is history - by spotlighting the work of activists who have come together to advocate for themselves and others. A remarkable book.' Victoria Noe, author of Fag Hags, Divas and Moms 'Dan has put together a vital handbook for us queers, teaching us how to use queer history, rage, hope and humour as tools to fight for queer liberation.' Daniel Norman, Voices4 London 'With a raw, deeply personal clarity, Dan Glass articulates a rallying call that none of us can be free until all of us are free. This powerful memoir hands the megaphone to those who need it most. As we hear from those who have been beaten, deported and marginalised by bigotry, patriarchy and fascism across the planet, Glass's writing fills our hearts and souls with what he calls "queer rage". This is people power in action. It will help us change the world.' Matt Beard, Executive Director for 'All Out' 'This exuberant book by one of the UK's most imaginative queer activists is infused with joy, love, fury, passion and hope. Its stories of struggle and change celebrate the power of protest to fight injustice and confront prejudice and discrimination and offer inspiration to future generations of activists. A wonderful read.' Andrea Cornwall, co-editor of Women, Sexuality and The Political Power of Pleasure 'For anyone tipping their toe into activism for the first time, or those who wish to expand and deepen their understanding, Dan Glass's provides a fun but critical and ultimately loving approach to understanding ourselves and the world around us.' Ashley Joiner, Director of Queercircle 'A joy ride, albeit a very serious one.' David William Foster, Arizona State University 'A fascinating and inspiring tour through queer activism and beyond.' Meg-John Barker, author of Queer: A Graphic History 'Testimony of an extraordinary history that is recognizable, obscured, and deeply moving.' Tim Dean, author of Unlimited Intimacy 'A road map for the ongoing evolution of queer activism and organizing.' Ricky Varghese, author of Raw