Lessons from the Front Lines

After three decades as an activist, Syrus Marcus Ware reflects on his experiences and impact in various momentous movements

In Lessons from the Front Lines, Syrus reflects on what he has learned in the last three decades through a series of essays across four key aspects of his experience: activism, life, art, love, and gratitude. From the front lines of the Black Lives Matter movement to mobilization for abolition and prisoner, disability, trans, and queer justice, to being a twin, a pregnant dad, an academic, an author, and an artist, Syrus shares his story of being a Black, queer, trans, disabled, Mad, and psychiatrized individual.

Syrus calls this book a love letter to moments in time, to people, to places, and to non-human beings, to the Land and to the water. He offers these reflections to honour the time and the amazing people he has worked with. These experiences have shaped his understanding of justice and the fundamental belief that it is possible to change the world, to build a world where everyone can thrive, and where everyone can have the opportunity to live long enough to become an elder.