Del Martin
Posted by Spiritparticles on September 13, 2008
I meant to post this the several days ago. Del Martin was a leader who lead by example. Because of her activitism who knows how many were given the courage to step out the the closet and become the person they were meant to be.
She and her partner started the first lesbian social and political organization called the daughters of Bilitis, which they started as a alternative to lesbian bars. Even today starting a group as an altetrnative to gay bars is difficult, because drinking so much a part of our culture.
They also started the first Lesbian Publicantion call “The Ladder.”
They were also the first to be wed, when gay marriage became legal in California.
SAN FRANCISCO, California (CNN) — Lesbian activist Del Martin, at the forefront of the battle for same-sex marriage in California, died Wednesday in San Francisco. She was 87.
Martin’s partner of 55 years, Phyllis Lyon, was by her side at the UCSF hospice, the National Center for Lesbian Rights said.
Martin and Lyon, 84, tied the knot June 16 in a ceremony officiated by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom.
“Ever since I met Del 55 years ago, I could never imagine a day would come when she wouldn’t be by my side. I am so lucky to have known her, loved her and been her partner in all things,” Lyon said. “I also never imagined there would be a day that we would actually be able to get married.
“I am devastated, but I take some solace in knowing we were able to enjoy the ultimate rite of love and commitment before she passed.”
Long before Massachusetts and then California legalized same-sex marriage, Lyon and Martin were integral parts of the early movement for lesbian and gay rights. They met in 1950 in Seattle, Washington, where they worked as editors of construction trade publications. They fell in love, moving in together on Valentine’s Day 1953.
Martin fought to have the American Psychological Society declare that homosexuality is not a mental illnesses and advocated on behalf of battered women.
Lesbian activist who fought for marriage rights dies – CNN.com.
