Run! is an engaging memoir where you share not just the highlights of your political career but the struggles you faced because of being a member of the LGBTQ+ community. How hard was it to put this story out in the world for people to read?

Given my own circumstances of coming out, it was not hard for me to put my story out to the world. For many queer people, coming out is a slow and laborious process involving one-on-one conversations with family and friends. I chose a different path. On a March 1984 morning, I came out to the entire readership of the San Jose Mercury News when I wrote an opinion piece denouncing the statements of an anti-gay state legislator. While I might have trouble telling people individually about my sexual orientation, I was comfortable notifying the whole town.
Another reason I was okay with telling my story is from being an elected official for 26 years. When I first ran, I knew there would be a spotlight on my personal and professional life. Most people want to protect their privacy and shun publicity. For whatever reason, I accepted the public exposure because of what I wanted to accomplish once in office.

For all these reasons, I was comfortable telling my story. That isn’t to say I wasn’t nervous about it. I didn’t know if colleagues would agree with my version of history or if critics would find fault with my political strategies. Ultimately, I decided to tell my story as accurately as possible, remembering things as they were without a revisionist history.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

One main reason for writing Run! was to show that regardless of how bleak things look politically, a group of like-minded people can make a difference over time, even if it takes years. To bring about social change, you have to be in the fight for the long haul. For me, that meant the last 40 years.

Also, I wanted to demystify running for office. I do this by covering all aspects of my four competitive races so others can learn how it’s done. In the chapter titled “Run, Baby, Run: Planning and Executing a Winning Campaign,” I offer advice for how LGBTQ+ candidates can survive negative attacks against them by deploying various strategies to attract voters’ support.

Last, I wanted to emphasize that winning isn’t enough. It’s what you do while in office that matters most. Many elected officials serve for years and never leave a mark. This should never be the fate of queer politicians. I think one reason why LGBTQ+ officials can be so successful is due to the discrimination and stereotypes that they have to overcome to win elections in the first place.

What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger?

I’m not sure it was ever articulated to me, but looking back, I think one thing that saved me from doing or saying any number of stupid things was surrounding myself with people I trusted and could bounce ideas off of. Politics can be a pretty unforgiving profession, and mistakes aren’t always forgiven or forgotten. To avoid that, be sure to talk things through with your advisors. Once everyone agrees on the appropriate action, you can go forward with confidence.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?

From the beginning, I saw my audience being two groups of people: First, younger queer people who are just starting out and want to take up the mantle to fight social and political injustices. It can often be hard to know how to go about that, especially in more rural or suburban towns without a large queer community. I hope the book inspires them to take action either by forming a political organization, working to elect allies to office, or running for office themselves.

Second, I want Run! to serve as a recollection for older queer folx of how far we have all come. Our battles may have been different depending on our cities and states, but we were all headed in the same direction. This led to the legalization of same-sex marriages and the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, along with many other significant victories both large and small. I don’t want any of that history to be lost or go untold.

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