Yesterday when I first heard the news, I was sad, very sad. I cried. I cried for several minutes. Phyllis Ann Lyon who spent more than sixty years fighting for women's rights, LGBTQ rights, and the rights of everyone, had died at the age of 95. There have been so many tributes in the past hours, and there will be more. She deserves it. San Francisco International Airport will be lit in the colors of the rainbow flag this weekend in memory of Phyllis and San Francisco City Hall will also be light in rainbow colors tonight.
The first time I met her was back in the 70s, and although I don't remember much about that meeting, I will never forget her smile. It seems Phyllis always had a smile. especially when her partner Del Martin was by her side.
Lyon and Martin met in Seattle way back in 1950 when they began working at the same magazine. Moving to San Francisco, they settled in to the same apartment and spent their lives together. They were the first same-sex couple married in California. They were so much more though than just a picture of love. Sadly Martin died from complications of a bone fracture two months after their official marriage.
Lyon and Martin were two of the eight gay women who in 1955 formed the Daughters of Bilitis, the first national lesbian organization in the United States. Lyon was the first editor of their newsletter, The Ladder. In 1995 Lyon was named delegate to the White House Conference on Aging, by Representative Nancy Pelosi. (Martin was also a delegate, named by Senator Dianne Feinstein).
In recent years you would occasionally see Phyllis around San Francisco, on the street or at an event. My greatest memory though is of the morning when Proposition 8 was overturned and same-sex marriage in California again became legal, Phyllis was escorted down the grand staircase of San Francisco City Hall by then Lt Governor Gavin Newsom and then Mayor Ed Lee. Her smile lit up the entire rotunda!
I am still sad that Phyllis is gone, but I am so glad that she and Del were here! They accomplished so much for so many. Now dear Phyllis, you don't need to worry about protecting yourself from COVID-19. There is no social distancing in heaven, so hug you beloved Del. She's been waiting for you!
Lyon and Martin were two of the eight gay women who in 1955 formed the Daughters of Bilitis, the first national lesbian organization in the United States. Lyon was the first editor of their newsletter, The Ladder. In 1995 Lyon was named delegate to the White House Conference on Aging, by Representative Nancy Pelosi. (Martin was also a delegate, named by Senator Dianne Feinstein).
In recent years you would occasionally see Phyllis around San Francisco, on the street or at an event. My greatest memory though is of the morning when Proposition 8 was overturned and same-sex marriage in California again became legal, Phyllis was escorted down the grand staircase of San Francisco City Hall by then Lt Governor Gavin Newsom and then Mayor Ed Lee. Her smile lit up the entire rotunda!
I am still sad that Phyllis is gone, but I am so glad that she and Del were here! They accomplished so much for so many. Now dear Phyllis, you don't need to worry about protecting yourself from COVID-19. There is no social distancing in heaven, so hug you beloved Del. She's been waiting for you!
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