RIP Del Martin - Civil Rights Pioneer

TichMarie

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Wednesday August 27, 2008 · 2:32 PM PDT

2008/08/27 · 14:32

I am truly sorry to announce that LGBT civil rights activist and pioneer Del Martin passed away today with her spouse and companion of 55 years, Phyllis Lyon, at her side.

The LGBT community -- the civil rights community -- has lost a great leader. For those of you unfamilar with Del Martin, she and Phyllis were married on February 12, 2004 by San Francisco Mayor, Gavin Newson. This act led to a protracted lawsuit that culminated in the recent California Supreme Court Decision striking down the ban on same-sex marriage in California.

While we still face many, many challenges in the LGBT community, it is hard to grasp where we would be without Del's courage. She was brave enough to face down bigotry in an era long before politicians ever dared claim they were in favor of equal rights for the LGBT community.

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