I was shocked and saddened when I heard the news on the radio late this afternoon that lesbian activist, Del Martin, had died this morning, August 27, 2008. Her wife, partner of 55 years, Phyllis Lyon was by her side when she died. After hearing the news, I immediately went my computer to make sure it was true. I couldn't quite believe it. It was confirmed by a story on CNN.com.

Del had quite a list of accomplishments to show for her years of activism. Some of her accomplishments are: she and Phyllis started the first lesbian organization, Daughters of Bilitis; they started the first lesbian publication, The Ladder; she fought the American Psychological Association to stop homosexuality from any longer being listed as a mental illness; she worked with police to end harassment in gay bars; they founded the first gay political group in the country, the Alice B Toklas Democratic Club; she was the first lesbian elected to NOW's board of directors; she was an advocate for battered women; they were delegates to the White House Conference on Aging in 1991; they were the first gay couple married in 2004 when then new mayor of San Fransisco, Gavin Newsome, allowed the issuance of marriage licenses to gay couples; and they joined the law suit after the marriage licenses were voided.

After decades of activism and 55 years of love and commitment to her partner, Del and Phyllis were finally legally wed on June 16, 2008. After the California Supreme Court struck down the ban on gay marriage on May 15, Mayor Gavin Newsome knew he wanted to marry Del and Phyllis, and that their marriage should be the first performed.

Del Martin was a hero to and an icon for the LGBT community. She will be missed.