Former New Jersey governor, James McGreevey, makes a highly anticipated appearance in San Francisco to discuss his new memoir, The Confession. The former governor discusses personal recollections of his political rise and fall, his spirituality, and his lifelong struggle to come to terms with the sexual identity he kept secret for years.
McGreevey's new book traces his life through two failed marriages, his rapid political rise to the governor's office, and the sudden, public implosion of his political career. Governor McGreevey made history in August 2004 when he declared, "I am a gay American" on national television, and announced his resignation from office. The story made headlines worldwide - but what led to that moment was a human and political drama more complex and fascinating than anyone could know.
Moderator for the evening is Dudley Clendinen, New York Times contributor and co-author, "Out for Good: The Struggle to Build a Gay Rights Movement in America." This event consists of a conversation between McGreevey and Clendinen, followed by Q&A from the audience. The event, part of the "TimesTalks" Speaker Series, is co-presented by The New York Times and The San Francisco Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center.
Bio
Dudley Clendinen
Dudley Clendinen is an editorial writer for The New York Times. He is co-author, with Adam Nagourney, of “Out for Good: The Struggle to Build a Gay Rights Movement in America.†Mr. Clendinen has edited essays on the American South and wrote the text for the photographic book, “Homeless in America.†He lives in Baltimore, MD.
Tom Kulaga
Tom Kulaga is the Executive Creative Director of Special Projects, a NY Times Company.
Thom Lynch
Thom Lynch is the Executive Director of The San Francisco Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Community Center in San Francisco, California.
James E. McGreevey
James E. McGreevey was the governor of New Jersey from January 2002 to November 2004. Born in Jersey City, he earned degrees from Columbia, Georgetown, and Harvard before serving three terms as the mayor of Woodbridge, New Jersey. After a narrow defeat in 1997, he was elected to the governor's seat in 2001. He lives in Plainfield, New Jersey with his partner, Mark O'Donnell. He has two daughters, Jacqueline and Morag.
Real bravery and obvious honesty in politics is so rare in these heavily mediated days of hustle and show. McGreevey is the good news an exception for us to savor! See the latest NJ court ruling that insists on clarifying gay marriageâ€â€equal rights are inevitable.