10/02/2008
Friends Remember Life of Del Martin in San Francisco
A public celebration of the life of Del Martin open to the public packed San Francisco's City Hall rotunda yesterday afternoon as speakers and performers remembered the gay rights pioneer who in 1955 helped found the Daughters of Bilitis, which would become one of the nation's first gay rights organizations. Her longtime partner, Phyllis Lyon (above) sat next to San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom during the ceremony.
The SF Chronicle reports: "Martin, 87, died in San Francisco on Aug. 27 - less than three months after she and her partner of 55 years, Phyllis Lyon, were among the first same-sex couples to legally wed in California, putting a public face on a social and political battle being waged in statehouses, courtrooms, voting booths and at the pulpit. There was only one overt mention of the state ballot measure that asks voters to decide whether to overrule the state Supreme Court and write a same-sex marriage ban into the California Constitution. 'Out of respect for (Martin's) work and for her legacy, each of us needs to double our commitment to ensure that on Nov. 4, Phyl and Del's marriage will be upheld by the voters,' said Assemblyman Mark Leno, D-San Francisco."
Leno was the author of the measure that would have created an annual special day of recognition for gay rights pioneer Harvey Milk in California. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed the bill on Tuesday.
(image Lea Suzuki / The Chronicle)
PReviously
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Posted 9:36 AM EST by Andy Towle in California, Gavin Newsom, Gay Marriage, News | Permalink
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What a great American. It's a tragedy that we lost her, but how wonderful that she got to benefit from the fruits of her life's work, even if for only a short while.
And on a more superficial note... dang, Gavin Newsom is pretty.
Posted by: The Milkman | Oct 2, 2008 9:58:03 AM
For the 9 thousandth time, it is pictures of Phyllis & Del, their story, that the folks at No On Prop 8 should be building all TV and print ads around!!!!
The "moveable middle" would surely be touched by nonthreatening them and offset the deep damage that the exploitation of Gavin's words in Yes On 8's commercial that has resurrected all the insane "homosexual agenda" terror and wreaking havoc in our changes of winning.
Posted by: Leland Frances | Oct 2, 2008 10:38:44 AM
I believe that should read, "her WIFE (or SPOUSE) and partner of over 55 years..." They were after all a MARRIED couple; in fact they had to get married TWICE before the state would recognize it.
I'm so glad that the city of San Francisco and Mayor Newsome honored this noble, courageous, historic and heroic woman in such a befittingly public and reverent way.
Posted by: Zeke | Oct 2, 2008 10:52:05 AM
in other words leland, dahling, middle america would be less threatened by the saga of two old dikes as opposed to the profound and oh so lusty amours of a couple of young hot studs ... hmmm...
Posted by: the queen | Oct 2, 2008 11:53:55 AM
Probably... Just don't tell Jason.
Posted by: anon | Oct 2, 2008 12:03:06 PM