Tribute

Del Martin passed away this week. Even if you don't recall the name, you'll no doubt have seen the iconic image above of her marrying her partner of more than 50 years, Phyllis Lyon, in June, the first gay couple to be legally married in San Francisco and one of the first gay couples to be legally married after an historic California Supreme Court decision earlier this spring. Del, who is on the left in the picture above, died at the age of 87. I have seen very little news coverage of her passing, perhaps due to the Democratic National Convention and the announcement of someone's odd choice of running mate. However, I do think she deserves a bit of our attention for what she managed to achieve in a very full life.

Del and Phyllis first met in 1950 and became lovers two years later. Their relationship lasted 56 years in all, a clear testament to the ability of lesbian and gay couples to maintain long-term relationships. They were both long-time activists, having founded one of the first organizations for lesbians in the country, the Daughters of Bilitis, as well as the Alice B. Tolkias Democratic Club. Del was also the first open lesbian elected to the National Organization for Women. And they were both strong advocates for the rights of gay couples to marry, a dream they came close to achieving several times. In fact, Phyllis wrote after a marriage license issued in 2004 had been voided that at their age, she and Del did not "have the luxury of time." How fitting then that they were finally able to spend their last two months together as legal spouses. Pioneers in the truest sense.

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, one of my new heroes in the straight world, ordered the city's flags flown at half staff in Del's honor this week. An even more fitting tribute would be the defeat of Proposition 8, the ballot initiative that would repeal the right of gay and lesbian couples to marry legally in the state of California. In honor of Del and Phyllis and all that they accomplished, and in memory of Del and her achievements, please vote against discrimination this November.