TL;DR
- Shoulder to Shoulder is a men’s support group marching at Pride in London.
- Founded by Tom Stroud and Dan Shrigley, it combats male loneliness.
- The group welcomes gay and trans men, promoting inclusivity.
- Members share experiences of friendship and support.
- S2S hosts events throughout Pride Month to celebrate diversity.
In a world where male friendships often take a backseat to toxic masculinity and loneliness, a group of mostly straight men is stepping up to show their support for the LGBTQ community at this year’s Pride in London. Meet the Shoulder to Shoulder (S2S) men’s community, a vibrant group founded by Tom Stroud and Dan Shrigley, dedicated to fighting isolation among men while embracing all identities.
Stroud and Shrigley realized something crucial: making friends as an adult man can feel like an uphill battle. “Why is it so hard for men to make friends as adults?” Stroud asks, highlighting a societal issue that many men face. Their fathers struggled with this too, and they didn’t want to repeat that cycle. “We watched them carry that burden, and we could see the cost of it,” Stroud explains. Thus, S2S was born, starting as a WhatsApp group and evolving into a community of around 2,000 members who participate in 25 to 30 events each month.
What’s refreshing about S2S is its rejection of the toxic narratives often propagated in the so-called “manosphere.” Stroud points out that while figures like Andrew Tate may acknowledge men’s loneliness, their solutions are catastrophically wrong. “Telling men that vulnerability is weakness… doesn’t fix anything. It just makes the loneliness worse,” he asserts. Instead, S2S offers real friendship and belonging, a safe space where men can drop the mask and just be themselves.
Inclusivity is at the heart of S2S’s mission. Stroud emphasizes that healthy male friendships should not be confined to a single sexual identity. “If we’re serious about helping men, we can’t just talk about connection, growth, authenticity to men that look like our founders, or the majority of our members,” he says. This year, they’ll be marching at Pride to demonstrate their commitment to all men, especially those whose experiences differ from traditional notions of masculinity.
With over 100 members identifying as gay, bisexual, or trans, S2S is creating a community where everyone can thrive. One member, Jonathan, shares his experience: “It’s been good for me to be part of S2S. I’ve been so used to feeling on the outside of things as a gay man, and that’s probably one of the reasons I joined.” He appreciates the support from straight allies, proving that genuine allyship is not a myth.
As they prepare for Pride, S2S is not just making a one-time appearance. They’re hosting a series of GBT-themed events throughout June, including a Queer History of London Walking Tour and visits to local LGBT+ landmarks. Stroud notes, “We have a longer-term advocacy strategy which is being worked on at the moment,” inviting the community to submit causes they want to support.
Ultimately, S2S is about more than just marching in a parade; it’s about fostering connections and breaking down barriers. They aim to educate straight men about the diversity of male experiences, including interactions with trans men. Stroud says, “The whole point of the community is to allow men to connect with other men and learn and grow with each other.” By embracing all identities and promoting healthy friendships, Shoulder to Shoulder is paving the way for a more inclusive future.