Friends & Family: True Stories of Gay America's Straight Allies

As a long time activist, I was heartened to read this book (Strongly reccomended by various literary reviews). In high school, I was one of the few Heterosexuals who would openly agitate for GLBT equality. I really think my friends and I could have used this book as an inspirational tool. Although I still can occasionally get discouraged with the rather slow pace of GLBT equality, this book reminded me that my friends could have lived in a much more hostile climate, and that I and my parents and straight friends are not the only ones concerned about injustice perpetuated in the name of "family values" I was also impressed with how many of the people I knew from conversation and/or newspaper headlines. If there was any proof that GLBT issues are becomming mainstreamed into society, this was definently it. Contributors include some of the headliners in the past 10 years from safe schools, to marriage and scouting. What prevented the book from being redundant was the fact that each of the stories were presented in (at least for me) unprecedented depth. I really got a good sense of what these people were feeling from outrage to defiance and justice. Varying in sex, race, age and geographical background, each contributor has an important goal. Even North Carolina, home to the infamous Jesse Helms, is not imumne from diversity organizing. Simmilarly, neither is an avowedly "liberal" Texas private school when one teacher realizes even that place contains homophobia. Knowing news outlets (including the sympatheic ones) have to use soundbites and abreviated stories because of space contraints, I really appreciated the hollistic portrayal of each of the individuals. I really got a good sense of how much they had to endure (and still do in some cases) to remind the world that it really is not us vs. them.

I just got done reading this book, and cannot adequately praise the depth and scope of the essays. Some of the contributors are already infamous, others are starting out, but they are connected by an unyielding spirit of equality and justice. The seriousness of the message is lightned up by antecedotes. While this is uncessary for seasoned activists, it is a practical method to draw potential allies in. GLBT rights remains a controversial subject despite progress and the open minded majority need to break the ice and show newcomers that it is not "their" problem alone. Although I am a seasoned activist who had already read on gay and lesbian studies, I appreciated that there was a professional anthology for people like me. This book is a direct rebuttal to the Christian Reich that support for GLBT rights is incompatable with heterosexuality.Each of the speakers is clear headed, articulate and compassionate. Because the above traits have been used by discriminatory forces, it was refreshing to see them applied in a sensible context.

At a time when equality and social justice are at a premium in Hawaii, this book gives me a much needed boost. I wish I would have thought to send a copy to each Hawaii Supreme Court Judge before they choose on the side of hatred and injustice. Being a pollyanna, I keep thinking that such narrow mindedness is just a lack of information. Thank you Dan for reminding us of hope for tomorrow.