Del Martin Has Passed Away

August 27, 2008 / Posted by: Michael K

Lesbian activist, Del Martin (right), passed on to the big Home Depot in the sky this morning in San Francisco. She was 87.

Del captured a little piece of my coal heart when she married her partner of 55 years, Phyllis Lyon, on June 17th. They were the first gay couple married in San Francisco.

Kate Kendell, executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, told SFGate that Del checked into a San Francisco hospital two weeks after a broken arm messed with her existing health problems. Kate also said that Phyllis was by her side during her last moments.

Del and Phyllis were a major part of the early movement for gay and lesbian rights. They founded the first lesbian organization, Daughters of Bilitis, in 1955. Del was also the founded member of several other organizations.

Rest in peace, Del Martin. Thank you for your courage and all the work you’ve done. Sorry. I hate getting sappy. I’ll go eat a Twinkie now.

Thanks Momus

Tags: Brigitte Bardot, Gayelles, Sadness, TomKat

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