Remembering Del Martin

Del Martin, a great fighter for LGBT equality who devoted her life to the struggle for justice, died on Aug. 28 in San Francisco. She was 87 years old.

Del Martin (right) and Phyllis Lyon at their wedding ceremony, San Francisco, July 16

Martin and her partner of 55 years, Phyllis Lyon, were married on June 16 in San Francisco. They were the first to be wed following the historic California Supreme Court ruling that upheld of the right of same-sex couples to marry. Moving and inspiring photos of the two elderly partners exchanging vows were seen around the world. These images have inspired millions of people and have helped add momentum to the ongoing struggle for marriage equality.

Del Martin’s struggle for equal rights for LGBT people spanned more than five decades. She co-founded the Daughters of Bilitis in 1955, when being “out” as gay or lesbian required great courage. In a period particularly rampant with anti-communism, racism and bigotry, the Daughters of Bilitis, along with the Mattachine Society, became the historic vanguard of what was later to become a mass movement for LGBT civil rights.

Demonstrating with determination and courage to raise the banner of equality for lesbians and gay men, her organizing highlighted the special oppression of lesbians in society. Her fight helped incorporate the struggle for women’s rights against male chauvinism and sexism into the fight for LGBT equality.

Del Martin will be remembered as a courageous and steadfast fighter for justice and equality. As the struggle intensifies in California against Proposition 8, the reactionary ballot measure that would overturn the Supreme Court ruling and ban same-sex marriage, the legacy of Del Martin will help inspire others to come out for civil rights and marriage equality.