Shropshire best-selling author celebrates success of solidarity campaign
“A book on a shelf can tell someone that they’re not alone”
Whitchurch-based engineer, author, and Queer activist, Poggy Murray Whitham, has celebrated the success of the “Moments of Solidarity” campaign to get more LGBTQIA+ books onto shelves across the country.
Poggy’s debut book, Inclusion Moments, became a best seller in multiple Amazon categories following its release in October 2025. The book was widely acclaimed, with Fatima Whitbread MBE describing the book as “A thoughtful, honest and deeply human read.”
This year, however, Poggy had a different ambition.
In response to calls to restrict books and displays celebrating Pride across the country, Poggy launched the “Moments of Solidarity” campaign. Its aim was to get more LGBTQIA+ authored books and literature into libraries, workplaces, schools, universities, charities, community spaces, and other organisations.
In an interview with Hits Radio’s Oliver Morgan, Poggy discussed Pride flags being taken down and books removed, often with the protection of children being used as justification.
Poggy said: “I really strongly believe that our community deserves to be heard. We deserve to be seen. Our stories matter.”
The campaign launched in Whitchurch’s Ritual Reads, where Poggy committed to giving away free copies of Inclusion Moments until the end of June to individuals and organisations wishing to show solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community. Poggy also called on other Queer authors to take part by offering copies of their own books.
By the end of June, books from LGBTQIA+ authors from had reached a wide range of businesses, from Newport Community Library in Shropshire, to workplaces, institutions, and universities across the country. Supporters also shared photographs, videos, and messages of solidarity online.
The campaign reached considerably further than Poggy had initially expected, with former Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar taking part in one of the campaigns moments of solidarity with his own book.
Poggy said: “One book might feel like a small act, but those small acts matter, and that’s what this campaign was about.
“A book on a shelf can tell someone that they’re not alone, that people like them exist, that their identity is nor something to hide. Importantly, it can tell a community that queer stories belong in public life.”
Although the Moments of Solidarity campaign officially finished at the end of June, support has continued. Poggy continues to encourage businesses, libraries, schools, universities, community organisations, and individuals across the country to create their own moments of solidarity by making LGBTQIA+ stories visible and accessible.