Jim Yeadon


Jim Yeadon is an American activist and politician who served on the Madison, Wisconsin common council. First elected in 1977, Yeadon was the sixth openly gay or lesbian elected official in the United States, and the first male candidate who was openly gay at the time he was elected.

Early life and education

Yeadon was born and raised in Ontonagon, Michigan. Yeadon's father was an inventor, and his family moved frequently throughout his childhood. Yeadon's family moved to Manitowoc, Wisconsin when he was in the ninth grade. Yeadon graduated from Lincoln High School in 1967. Yeadon attended UW-Madison for his undergraduate degree in Indian Studies and later attended the University of Wisconsin Law School.

Advocacy and public office

Yeadon became a gay activist in the 1960s, becoming involved with the first Wisconsin LGBTQ organization called The Madison Alliance for Homosexual Equality. While a student at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Yeadon was also involved with the Gay Law Student Association. During this time, Yeadon was appointed to the city Equal Opportunities Commission.

Common Council (1976-1980)

After his appointment and subsequent election to the common council at the age of 26, Yeadon was instrumental in framing the revised equal opportunities ordinance which extended protections against discrimination in housing and employment to gays. It was a landmark achievement for LGBT rights in Wisconsin and across the nation. Yeadon was considered an authority on municipal gay rights ordinances in the mid 1970s.
Yeadon was the force behind the May 1977 "anti-Anita Bryant Bash" which attracted over 600 people to the UW Madison Memorial Union Great Hall. On the council, Yeadon worked on issues such as reforming the health department, completing the State Street Mall, legalizing marijuana and extending bar hours until 2 a.m. A fellow alderman nicknamed him "the alderfaggot." Death threats and letters of encouragement came from across the United States during his time on the council.
Yeadon began practicing law in 1975, and began specializing in real estate law when he completed his council term in 1980. In addition to his law practice, Yeadon has served as the director of the client rights office in the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse.

Personal life

During his early years in public life and activism, Yeadon was in a private relationship with David Clarenbach, a member of the Wisconsin Legislature and advocate for LGBT rights in Wisconsin.