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

Dan Woog's inspiring and in some cases astonishing stories of heterosexual activists will banish for a few hours those images of homophobes closing in with pitchforks that television coverage of gay issues so often conjures. Most of the friendly crusaders in Friends and Family have conversion stories, moments when they were shaken from their complacency or prejudice, such as 80-year-old Frannie Peabody, who returned from her grandson's funeral in 1984 and helped found the AIDS Project of Portland, Maine. Tom Potter, the former chief of police in Portland, Oregon, announced at his swearing-in ceremony his commitment to fighting racism, sexism, and homophobia; his daughter, also a cop, had come out to him shortly before. Rabbi David Horowitz, whose daughter is a lesbian, keeps 17 gay-related pamphlets on his desk, just in case people want to talk about the issue. Described by one gay activist as "the mother of all moms," Carolyn Wagner sprang to her son's defense after he was beaten in the street, eventually suing the school he had attended and forcing policy changes. Not only have these people helped advance gay rights and visibility but their involvement with the movement has in many instances helped them as well, they argue, providing a focus--a mission--they may not otherwise have found. --Regina Marler

With this collection of personal interviews, Woog (Jocks: True Stories of America's Gay Male Athletes) highlights the contributions of the many devoted heterosexual activists who give their time and energy to gay rights, but who are often overlooked in the lesbian and gay community's struggle for equality and acceptance. The book features outspoken, touchingly honest stories of families and individuals, from a self-proclaimed "former redneck" whose life changed when his son died of AIDS to the 12-year-old daughter of two lesbians who testified before her state legislature during a debate over same-sex marriage, to a Mormon couple who took on their church when two of their six children came out as gay. Looking beyond these activists' impressive victories, such as reversing harassment laws or starting groups that affected numerous families in their area, the book also provides valuable insight into the culture and the prevalence of homophobia today. Most of the battles that these individuals face are with school boards or church groups, showing that disputes over gay rights are frequently fought at the local level and often involve straight people who have friends or family members who are gay. By presenting activists from different religious and cultural backgrounds, and exploring their motivation for becoming involved in gay issues, Woog uncovers not only a strong political force, but also an array of ordinary people who deserve recognition. (Sept.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.