Written by:
Anna Lönnberg
Photographer:
Sweetheart Studios
Del Martin, a cherished lesbian rights activist and fixture in the community, died at the age of 87 in San Francisco. Her lifelong partner and spouse, Phyllis Lyon, was by her side. A pioneer in the lesbian rights movement, Martin devoted her life to raising awareness and fighting prejudice against members of the LGBT community, women and people of color.
Throughout their long careers as activists, Martin and Lyon tackled issues such as healthcare, domestic violence, senior citizen rights and lesbian rights. The pair are best known for helping to found the Daughters of Bilitis, the first lesbian rights organization, in 1955. They also began The Ladder, the United States’ first lesbian newsletter. Martin was the first lesbian woman elected to the board of the National Organization of Women. In 1995, Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Rep. Nancy Pelosi named Martin and Lyon delegates to the White House Conference on Aging.
Martin and Lyon were married on June 16, 2008. As the first same-sex couple married in California, they became strong advocates in the attempt to gain marriage rights for lesbian and gay couples. "Today the LGBT movement lost a real hero," said Kate Kendell, executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights. “For all of Del’s life, she was an activist and organizer even before we knew what those terms meant. Her last act of public activism was her most personal—marrying the love of her life after 55 years.”
“Del lived her life with great compassion, wit, tenacity, generosity and valor,” said Donna Hitchens, founder of the National Center for Lesbian Rights. “She inspired thousands of us to be more courageous and energetic than we thought possible. When faced with moments of fatigue, laziness or weakness, one had only to ask—‘What would Del and Phyllis do?’ While she will be greatly missed, her legacy will be cherished forever.”
“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.”
Martin is survived by wife, Phyllis Lyon, daughter Kendra Mon, son-in-law Eugene Lane, granddaughter Lorraine Mon, grandson Kevin Mon, sister-in-law Patricia Lyon, and the worldwide LGBT community.
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