Per Larson knows that money makes the world go 'round, and he's tired of watching the gay community running to catch up. In
Gay Money, he tackles the financial problems and overlooked opportunities facing gay America. The first part of the book highlights the money-related pitfalls common to certain decades of a gay person's life, and the reparative actions that can be taken. Short, real-life examples are used to illustrate coming out and partying in one's 20s, the financial wake-up call of one's 30s, and the possible stability of one's 40s. Larson offers advice on such topics as coming out at work, breaking out of the gay ghetto, legal protection for sharing arrangements, coverage of assets and final wishes, and which gay-related organizations are worthy of your contributions.
The second part of the book tackles more general financial obstacles and surfaces some perhaps unforeseen opportunities to hurdle them. While the broad strategy to financial success is not so different for gays and lesbians (referred to in the book as "the 90%") than for straights (invest early, plan for retirement, spend disposable income wisely, buy real estate), Larson takes great care in illustrating what distinguishes the experience of gays and lesbians from that of straights. He covers the laws and tax codes that often place gays and lesbians at a financial disadvantage; he also addresses access to assets that married heterosexual couples with children do not have.
Despite a great effort to be evenhanded, the book is male-focused. One of Larson's key ingredients for gay financial success is the absence of dependent children or spouses--an approach that does not take into account past straight relationships or simply a desire to have children and financial independence. While there is a section on breast cancer, HIV takes obvious precedence when talk turns to financial health and illness. Also, the lack of an index is an especially noticeable missing element. Regardless of these gripes, the book is an empowering how-to in combating the social, political, and economic barriers that repress gays and lesbians. Success, of course, is the best revenge. --Manine Golden
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