Lesbian Rights Pioneer Del Martin Dies
Wife Phyllis Lyon, by her side

Del Martin, a lesbian rights pioneer who took part in one of California's first same-sex weddings, died Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at UCSF Hospice, nearly two weeks after she was admitted with a broken arm. She was 87.

For over half a century, Del Martin, along with her loving spouse, Phyllis Lyon, served as an activist for women’s rights and the LGBT community.  The marriage of Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon on June 16, 2008, marked an historic milestone on our country’s road to true freedom and equality.  Del laid the groundwork for all those who want a life of dignity, and we are forever in her debt.  The greatest way we can honor the life work of Del Martin, is to continue to fight and never give up, until we have achieved equality for all.

Ms. Martin's political activism began more than five decades ago when in 1955 she co-founded a groundbreaking lesbian rights organization, Daughters of Bilitis, named after a book of lesbian love poetry.

"Ever since I met Del 55 years ago, I could never imagine a day would come when she wouldn't be by my side," Lyon said in a statement issued by the National Center for Lesbian Rights. "I am so lucky to have known her, loved her and been her partner in all things.”

Martin and her partner of 55 years, Phyllis Lyon, were married at San Francisco City Hall by Mayor Gavin Newsom On June 16, 2008.

 “Today, San Francisco lost a local and national leader, Del Martin,” Mayor Gavin Newsom said in a statement released to the press.

As a mark of respect for Del Martin, Newsom ordered the flags at City Hall and the LGBT Pride Flag on Market and Castro Streets to be flown at half-staff from now until sunset, on Thursday, August 28, 2008.

“Today our nation has lost a historic human rights crusader,” Assemblyman Mark Leno said in a statement released to the press.

“The LGBT civil rights movement is where it is today because of the bravery of Del Martin.   She had the courage to be honest and to let the world know who she was when it wasn’t accepted, protected, or even safe.  My thoughts and prayers go out to Del’s wife, Phyllis Lyon, her committed partner of 55 years.  Together, they have not only dedicated their lives to the dream of full equality, but are directly responsible for the inclusion of a heretofore excluded minority.”

"We would never have marriage equality in California if it weren't for Del and Phyllis," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the San Francisco Democrat to the San Francisco Chronicle. "They fought and triumphed in many battles, beginning when they first bought a home together in San Francisco in 1955."

A public tribute and funeral plans are being set.