Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Lesbian rights pioneer Del Martin dies

Lesbian rights pioneer Del Martin dies

(08-27) 12:29 PDT SAN FRANCISCO -- Del Martin, a lesbian rights pioneer who took part in one of California's first same-sex weddings, died today in San Francisco after a long period of declining health. She was 87.

Ms. Martin's political activism began in the 1950s when she
co-founded a ground-breaking lesbian rights organization. On June 16,
she and her partner of 55 years, Phyllis Lyon, were married at San
Francisco City Hall by Mayor Gavin Newsom, her last public act of
political activism.


Ms. Martin died this morning at UCSF Hospice, nearly two weeks after she was admitted with a broken arm. Lyon was at her side.


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