Lambda Legal Mourns the Loss of Civil Rights Giant Del Martin
Lambda Legal Mourns the Loss of Civil Rights Giant Del Martin
'Del Martin led the way for all of us who came later.'
(San Francisco, August 27, 2008) – Civil rights leader Del Martin, who made
international headlines in June when she and her partner became the first
same-sex couple to legally marry in California, died today in San
Francisco. She was 87. Martin's spouse and partner of more than 50 years,
Phyllis Lyon, was at her side.
"It's impossible to overstate Del's importance in the struggle for LGBT
rights and dignity," said Lambda Legal Senior Counsel Jennifer C. Pizer.
"When she and Phyllis started Daughters of Bilitis, they were nearly alone
in Joe McCarthy's America. Del Martin led the way for all of us who came
later. Everything we've accomplished – marriage rights,
anti-discrimination protections in the workplace, even the ability to visit
our partners in the hospital – owes a vast debt to her work and example.
Her quiet, bold courage and steadfast purpose have inspired us for half a
century, and will continue to inspire us for many generations more. Our
thoughts are with Phyllis and their loved ones."
On June 16th, 2008, the two became the first same-sex couple to marry in
California as San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom presided over the ceremony.
Martin and Lyon were used to being pioneers: in 1955, they helped found the
nation's first lesbian organization, the Daughters of Bilitis (DOB. Martin
and Lyon were also active in the National Organization of Women (NOW), and
Martin was the first open lesbian to be elected to NOW's board. Besides
working tirelessly for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT)
equality, the two have been strong advocates against domestic violence, for
access to affordable healthcare, and for the elderly. In 2004, after their
first marriage was voided by the California Supreme Court, the National
Center for Lesbian Rights, Lambda Legal, and the American Civil Liberties
Union represented them as plaintiffs in the California marriage lawsuit
that succeeded this May.
'Del Martin led the way for all of us who came later.'
(San Francisco, August 27, 2008) – Civil rights leader Del Martin, who made
international headlines in June when she and her partner became the first
same-sex couple to legally marry in California, died today in San
Francisco. She was 87. Martin's spouse and partner of more than 50 years,
Phyllis Lyon, was at her side.
"It's impossible to overstate Del's importance in the struggle for LGBT
rights and dignity," said Lambda Legal Senior Counsel Jennifer C. Pizer.
"When she and Phyllis started Daughters of Bilitis, they were nearly alone
in Joe McCarthy's America. Del Martin led the way for all of us who came
later. Everything we've accomplished – marriage rights,
anti-discrimination protections in the workplace, even the ability to visit
our partners in the hospital – owes a vast debt to her work and example.
Her quiet, bold courage and steadfast purpose have inspired us for half a
century, and will continue to inspire us for many generations more. Our
thoughts are with Phyllis and their loved ones."
On June 16th, 2008, the two became the first same-sex couple to marry in
California as San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom presided over the ceremony.
Martin and Lyon were used to being pioneers: in 1955, they helped found the
nation's first lesbian organization, the Daughters of Bilitis (DOB. Martin
and Lyon were also active in the National Organization of Women (NOW), and
Martin was the first open lesbian to be elected to NOW's board. Besides
working tirelessly for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT)
equality, the two have been strong advocates against domestic violence, for
access to affordable healthcare, and for the elderly. In 2004, after their
first marriage was voided by the California Supreme Court, the National
Center for Lesbian Rights, Lambda Legal, and the American Civil Liberties
Union represented them as plaintiffs in the California marriage lawsuit
that succeeded this May.
posted by Tom Jackson @ 8/27/2008 02:48:00 PM
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