Lesbian activist Del Martin dies at 87

[Starbucks Anarchist]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080827/ap_on_re_us/obit_martin

SAN FRANCISCO - Pioneering lesbian rights activist Del Martin, who married her lifelong partner in June on the first day that same-sex couples here gained that right, has died. She was 87.

Kate Kendell, executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, said Martin died at a San Francisco hospital Wednesday morning, two weeks after a broken arm exacerbated her existing health problems.

Her wife, Phyllis Lyon, was by her side, Kendell said.

Along with six other women, they founded a San Francisco social club for lesbians in 1955 called the Daughters of Bilitis. Under their leadership, the group evolved into the nation's first lesbian advocacy organization.


Rest in Peace.

[bicentennial_baby]

1. Oh no!

:cry:

Rest in Peace, awesome woman.

:(

[TechBear_Seattle]

2. I am deeply saddened. But on the up side

The Associated Press respected their legal marriage, and referred to Phyllis as her wife. No scare quotes, no dancing around with euphemisms.

I can think of no better tribute to everything that Del has worked to accomplish.


Fixed spelling. :blush:

[TechBear_Seattle]

15. Please donate in memory of Del Martin

Someone at Pam's House Blend suggested donating to the No On 8 campaign in California in memory of Del Martin and her work. As you no doubt know, Initiative 8 is a constitutional amendment which would strip same-sex couples of their right to marry.

If you live in California and there is a local organization in your town, please offer your time and resources. Otherwise, donate what you can to http://www.eqca.org/site/pp.asp?c=kuLRJ9MRKrH&b=4375153">Equality California.


(Why can't I catch spelling and grammar errors before I post?)

[Mabus]

3. I'm so glad that she got to marry Phyllis

:cry: This hurts. Good-bye dear Del. Thank you for everything.

K&R

[GreenPartyVoter]

12. And that they were together at the very end

[Mabus]

14. Now I'm crying all over again

I thought their wedding pictures were some of the most beautiful that I have ever seen. Two people, in love, is a beautiful sight. And it was so generous of them to let us share their union with them.

[NMDemDist2]

4. that's so sad

I loved the pics of her and her wife getting married.

:cry:

[EFerrari]

5. . . .

[LeftyMom]

6. :( I was just thinking of them last night.

I suppose there's no greater tribute to her life and her accomplishments than that she died a happily married woman whose wife did not have to struggle to get the right to be at her side, and helped give many thousands more the chance to do the same someday.

[Kadie]

7. A couple of pictures....

Lesbian activist Del Martin dies at 87
Del Martin (right) and Phyllis Lyon make history - again - as they are declared "spouses for life." Chronicle photo by Lacy Atkins


Lesbian activist Del Martin dies at 87
Phyllis Lyon, right, and Del Martin cut their wedding cake in June. Photo by Noah Berger, special to the Chronicle


Lesbian activist Del Martin dies at 87
A photo of Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin is shown in front of their wedding cake. Photo by Noah Berger, special to the Chronicle

[libnnc]

8. aw no.....

:cry:

Thank you Del...

:cry:

[emlev]

9. Thank you, Del and Phyllis

For those who don't know, they are really the mothers of the movement for the rights of lesbians. This is really sad. And I'm very glad Del got to see so much change happen during her lifetime.

[Jankyn]

10. We owe them so much...

May she rest in peace.

All love to Phyllis.

[MountainLaurel]

11. Oh no

Poor Phyllis.

[ColbertWatcher]

13. "Her wife, Phyllis Lyon, was by her side"

Finally.

Rest in peace, Del.

(EDITED TO ADD PIC)

[greeneyedboy]

16. Condolences to her partner of 55 years (and wife of ~10 weeks).

Del Martin was a true leader and my life is better because of her bravery.