Del Martin, Lesbian Rights Pioneer Dead 1924-2008 (Photos)

, a lesbian rights pioneer who recently wed her partner,in one of the first same-sex marriages in San Francisco, died today at the age of 87 on August 27, 2008.

Her wedding took place on June 16, 2008 when she and her partner of 55 years were married at San Francisco City Hall by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom.

Martin and Lyon co-founded Daughters of Bilitis, a ground breaking lesbian rights organization in 1955. It was the first social and political organization for lesbians in the United States. They were the first lesbian couple to join NOW - the National Organization for Women.

The Lyon-Martin Health Services was formed in 1979 by a group of medical professionals and health activists as a clinic for lesbians who lacked access to nonjudgmental and affordable health care. The clinic soon became a model for culturally sensitive community-based health care.

Del Martin is survived by spouse Phyllis Lyon.

Photo from the couple's wedding below.





Source: SFGate