Gay Rights Pioneer Del Martin dies at 87

[Matt Algren]

About half an hour ago I got an update from the Box Turtle Bulletin that Del Martin passed away this morning.

Condolences to her wife Phyllis Lyon and daughter Kendra Mon.

I'm still looking for the source, but here's a statement from Del's wife.

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. 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.

[BishopIoan]

I was very sad to receive this news in my e-mail today. Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon have given so much to our community over the years and did so long before many of us felt safe being activistis. My sadness is tempered by the fact that Del and Phyllis were finally able to be legally wed this past June. My condolences to her wife. As they say in Orthodoxy: "Memory Eternal!"

[BruceChris]

For Del Martin

Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon will long be remembered as pioneers in the gay community, and as activists for gay rights. They were together for 55 years, and not many straight couples can make that claim. They started the Daughters of Bilitis, an organization for lesbian rights back in 1955. She will be dearly missed.

Love, only Love, Bruce Chris

[BruceChris]

Ms. Martin, whose given name was Dorothy but who went by Del, was born in San Francisco on May 5, 1921. Her first marriage, at age 19, was brief, but produced a daughter, Kendra Mon, who lives in Petaluma. She is also survived by two grandchildren.

Truly, we are all friends of Dorothy


Bruce Chris

[tdogg]

I got the news last nite and it made me cry. It's hard to believe that one of my all-time heroes is no longer with us. I'm sad, because the love of her life, Phyllis must carry on with her beloved Del. But I'm happy because after all these years, they finally were legally married. Their ability to do that is in huge part to what those two wonderful ladies accomplished in their lives. They were courageous pioneers, taking on the world so that we could see the day when equality was near.

I celebrate Del Martin. Though her physical body has passed from this life, her spirit and love will live on as we continue to progress towards full equality. Condolences and prayers to Phyllis and all their family in this very difficult time.