Run!: My Story of LGBTQ+ Political Power, Equality, and Acceptance in Silicon Valley

by Ken Yeager Ph.D.

Run! tells the story of how LGBTQ+ people in San Jose/Silicon Valley progressed from being political outcasts to becoming a force that gained political power, equality, and acceptance.

Having lived and breathed queer activism for almost 40 years, Ken Yeager is uniquely positioned to tell the story of how this happened. The strategies he used and the lessons he learned will serve as a guide for activists organizing to counter the current uptick of anti-gay and anti-trans hostilities in their communities.

Run! also serves as a primer for LGBTQ+ people thinking of running for office. As the first openly gay elected official in Santa Clara County who served 26 years in public office, Ken Yeager details his numerous campaigns and provides a checklist for how to achieve electoral victory.

Winning by itself isn’t enough. It’s what you do while in office that matters. Known as one of the most effective local elected officials, read how Ken Yeager crafted landmark legislation to improve the quality of life of LGBTQ+ people and all residents of Santa Clara Valley.

After reading his book, you’ll be inspired to take him up on his call to Run, Baby, Run! for office.

322 pages, Paperback

Published July 19, 2023

Reviews

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

LGBTQ+ individuals are found in every corner of the globe, intertwined in the very fabric of our societies. They are our neighbors, family, colleagues, and those we might pass by without a second thought. Yet, for many, the simple act of loving someone can lead to profound discrimination, whether at work or in everyday life. Ken Yeager's Run! dives deep into this narrative.

In Run!, Yeager takes us on an intimate journey of his life as an LGBTQ+ individual, detailing the challenging path he navigated to eventually secure a seat on the San Jose City Council from 2000 to 2006. His unwavering advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, even during times when such advocacy was viewed with skepticism, is beautifully chronicled. This enlightening book provides invaluable insights into his fight for acceptance and equality, making it an essential read not only for LGBTQ+ individuals aspiring to enter politics but also for a broader audience.

Yeager paints a vivid picture of the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community, confronting head-on the negative rumors and misconceptions and addressing pressing issues like HIV and AIDS without hesitation.

One of the book's most empowering features is its practical guide for those intrigued by the political arena. While Yeager does not sugarcoat the difficulties, his testament to hard work and perseverance inspires others to follow. His narrative, at times, may be emotionally taxing due to its raw depiction of discrimination, but therein lies its strength. Ken Yeager's memoir, Run!: My Story of LGBTQ+ Political Power, Equality, and Acceptance in Silicon Valley lays bare his battles and triumphs, urging readers to appreciate the resilience and courage of those who fight for their place in the world.

[Jaria Jaug · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful love letter for the queer community in Silicon Valley, this book provides the history that our local history textbooks left out. I loved reading every page as it gave me hope that things can change for the better. Highly recommend for anyone who is a fellow political nerd, a young person aspiring for better change, or anyone who wants to know an amazing story about pride and progress

[Linda Dittes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well having lived through some of this history may have made it a better book for me, but it was a darn good living history of what it was like being gay and running for office.

Yeager's notes are impeccable on occurrences and details.

Great read. So glad you wrote it for future generations.