Gerrie Schipske

Long Beach native, Gerrie Schipske, is the author of a series of eight books about her hometown: “Rosie the Riveter in Long Beach,” “Early Aviation in Long Beach,” “Early Long Beach,” “Historic Cemeteries of Long Beach,” “Historic Hospitals

of Long Beach,” “Remarkable Women of Long Beach," "Suffragists of Early Long Beach," and "The Case of the Missing Librarian."

Schipske served two terms on the Long Beach City Council and one term on the Long Beach Community College Board of Trustees. She is the only lesbian ever to be elected to public office in the city. In 2013, President Obama honored her as one of only seven “White House Champions of Change for Open Government.”

She served for several years as the President of the Long Beach Chapter of the National Organization for Women and received the “Susan B. Anthony” award for her leadership.

Gerrie is a Registered Nurse Practitioner and healthcare attorney. She and Flo Pickett, her partner of 41 years, reside in East Long Beach.