The Fair Way
The True Story of a Landmark Case for Equality“Let it spark change!”
– Billie Jean King
THE TRUE STORY
Love. Justice. A Landmark Court Battle.
The Fair Way is the gripping true story of Birgit Koebke and Kendall French—two women who refused to be sidelined by discrimination. When their country club denied Kendall the same rights given to other spouses, they didn’t walk away quietly. They fought back.
What began as a simple plea for fairness became a decade-long legal struggle that would reach the California Supreme Court and change civil rights law forever.
More than a memoir, The Fair Way is a story of love, resilience, and the power of standing up—no matter the odds.
She has a BA in business and an MA in counseling. B spent the majority of her career selling advertising, starting with print advertising and radio. She then moved to television and worked at CBS 8 in San Diego as a senior account executive for thirty-six years. She speaks fluent German and has a good understanding of Spanish. B loves travel, the ocean, golf, and skiing. B lives by the principles “Fun is first” and “Work hard and play harder,” and always remembers that, in life, there are no shortcuts.
B and Kendall have been together for over 30 years. They live in San Diego with their two Chihuahuas, Patron and Mavrik.
REVIEWS
“In THE FAIR WAY, Birgit Koebke and Kendall French take us on a journey that is both deeply personal and universally important. This book will inspire anyone who believes in the power of showing up and speaking out. Let it spark change.”
—BILLIE JEAN KING,
Sports Icon and Equality Champion
This illuminating and gripping account of their journey is sure to inspire others to stand up for the justice and respect we all deserve.”
—JON W. DAVIDSON,
Senior Counsel, ACLU Foundation
“THE FAIR WAY is a testament to the many forms servant leadership can take. B. Koebke and Kendall French’s commitment to justice goes beyond their own fight, furthering the cause of so many others. Their courage, resilience, and dedication to fairness serve as an inspiring reminder that true leadership is about lifting others up. A compelling and important read!”
—KEN BLANCHARD,
NYT bestselling coauthor of The One Minute Manager® and Leading at a Higher Level
“Over two decades ago, I covered the story of two courageous women fighting for equality in the face of relentless opposition. THE FAIR WAY is their candid and powerful true story—a decade-plus-long battle that led to a landmark case for equality. Their fight was as inspiring as it was hard-fought, and the impact of their victory still resonates today. This story has never been more relevant, serving as both a testament to perseverance and a reminder of the work still to be done.”
—ARMEN KETEYIAN,
11-time Emmy award winner and six-time NYT bestselling author
“THE FAIR WAY invites readers to join B and Kendall on their journey from golf clubhouse to California’s highest courthouse, along the way meeting fair-weather friends and stubborn prejudice before the satisfaction of helping to bend the long arc of the moral universe toward justice. Theirs is an engaging story of two women in love with each other and with the fun and camaraderie of golf. They simply asked for fairness but had to persevere through years of rejection before achieving their high-profile court victory and ultimate vindication. Then, with love and determination having carried them through, they came full circle, returning to warm welcomes from new and old friends in their original clubhouse. Lambda Legal was proud to represent them in securing their legal breakthrough that helped pave the way for marriage equality.”
—JENNIFER C. PIZER,
Chief Legal Officer and Eden/Rushing Chair, Lambda Legal
B and Kendall are available for select media opportunities and events. If you’d like to submit a request, please complete the following form: