The Purple Golf Cart: Stories of an Unconventional Grandma

Back to a lighter note today…but for today’s author, it hasn’t all been sweetness and light!

In 1979, now author and LGBT education Ronnie Sanlo gave up 20 years of hiding and came out as a lesbian. As a result, she lost custody of her children, her job(s) and her dignity. She came out, in Florida, at the height of Anita Bryant’s crusade to pray the gay away from the world. Ronnie would go on to suffer other indignities as well.

Her 2010 book, published by her company, Purple Books Publishing, The Purple Golf Cart: Stories of an Unconventional Grandma, tells her incredible, unconventional story. Join her on her journey through ostracism by her family and the courts, homelessness, despair and bad relationships to the pinnacle of joy, social activism,  and living. She’s the definition of a survivor.

We’re blessed to live in a time when hearts and minds are opening to the idea of a gay lifestyle being an acceptable lifestyle in many areas of the country. It wasn’t that way in the 1970s and 80s. Ronnie suffered mightily for daring to be who she actually was. She goes from closeted, to depression, to angry and activist, to a point where she begins to fight back and ultimately to regain her family, become a leading LGBT educator and to feel the real joy of living.

Her book is fast paced and engrossing. It’s a page turner. Fair warning; parts of it will likely move you to tears but, you’ll also laugh out loud. Be prepared to end up enjoying this. One note: don’t let the title fool you. This is not just a book for the older generation nor is it a book directed at only the young. This one is for everybody.