This is such sad news! Legendary lesbian activist Del Martin reportedly died yesterday morning, August 27, 2008 at the age of 87. Phyllis Lyon, her life partner, was by her side.

After being together for over a half-century, they legally married in California in June. Kate Kendell, executive director of the National Center of Lesbian Rights released a statement:

“Martin was one of the nation’s first and most visible lesbian rights activists who dedicated her life to combating homophobia, sexism, violence, and racism. Martin’s many contributions to the LGBT movement will resonate for decades to come.

Today the LGBT movement lost a real hero. For all of Del’s life, she was an activist and organizer even before we knew what those terms meant. Her last act of public activism was her most personal—marrying the love of her life after 55 years. In the wake of losing her, we recognize with heightened clarity the most poignant and responsible way to honor her legacy is to preserve the right of marriage for same-sex couples, thereby providing the dignity and respect that Del and Phyllis’ love deserved.”

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to honor this brave woman’s life and commitment to social justice by helping to defeat the proposed California marriage ban amendment through NCLR’s No On 8 PAC found here.

Our thoughts go out to Phyllis Lyon, their family and loved ones. R.I.P. Del Martin.

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