Rebel Friendships (PDF)

Benjamin Shepard is Associate Professor at New York City College of Technology at the City University of New York, USA.

"Rebel Friendships delves deep into a phenomenon that every activist, and student of activism, is aware of, but not enough of us acknowledge: at the core of every collective and at the center of every social movement are individual friendships radical friendships. Kudos to Shepard for writing this perceptive and moving book!" - Stephen Duncombe, Professor of Media and Culture, New York University, USA, and Co-Director, Center of Artistic Activism

"Rebel Friendships is a masterpiece, weaving together the lived experiences of activists critical to important movements for social justice. In lucid prose, Shepard vividly details the dialectical interplay among key individuals engaged in activism through friendships the magical elixir of sustainable movement making. This compelling analysis is a must read! " - Ron Hayduck, Professor of Political Science, Queens College, City University of New York, USA

"Friendship is a central social and psychological force in people's lives. Yet it also has political dimensions, as Shepard so vividly demonstrates. Through his own personal stories, and interviews and biographies of friends, Shepard gives meaning to the oft-quoted feminist phrase that 'the personal is political.' In Rebel Friendships, we experience the many profound ways friends create community activism, develop families of choice, mentor each other, and perform rituals. This is indeed the book that illustrates the transformative political and personal power of friendships." Peter M. Nardi, author of Gay Men's Friendships: Invincible Communities (1999)

"Shepard's big-hearted book is a galvanizing reminder that the search for and maintenance of human connections lie at the center of any valid fight for change. Through well-researched historical analysis and engaging personal anecdotes, Shepard reimagines community organizing by simply reminding us who we have been, who we are, and who we can become. This book makes me want to befriend everyone."