Trailblazers: Profiles of America's Gay and Lesbian Elected Officials

A fine book by San Jose State University Professor Ken Yeager. Ken profiles a dozen gay and lesbian elected officials. I really enjoyed it, particulary the five chapters on women. Luckily, I read about the people I was most interested in first, because Ken's first chapter was about my state Senator Allan Spear. (Allan Spear is the only slightly boring chapter in the book) Ken provides too much information that only "political junkies" or "Minnesotian's" might appreciate. The chapter about California Assemblywoman Carole Migden is a hoot! You can tell that Ken knows Migden well because he tweaks her and shows respect for her at the same time. I appreciated his inclusion of two conservative (one Republican) gay officials who have taken a lot of bashing for being out in Iowa and Tempe, Arizona. Ken includes a lot of gee-whiz personal stories. You can tell he has journalism as well as political science experience. I found the stories touching and inspiring and I learned a few things. For instance, I learned of the political power wielded by gay men in West Hollywood, and the powerful Victory Fund, a gay version of Emily's List. The story of Ken's own failed state assembly campaign, involving an anti-gay hit piece, has an uplifting ending.