This morning, Phyllis Lyon passed away from natural causes at her home surrounded by friends and family. Phyllis and her partner of 58 years, Del Martin, meet in 1950 when they moved to the Castro in San Francisco. Shortly thereafter in 1955, they co-founded the Daughters of Bilitis, the first social and political organization for lesbians in the U.S.
They continued their fearless push for women’s and lesbian rights when they started the first nationally distributed lesbian publication. They also participated in the movement to decriminalize homosexuality and advocated to add sexual orientation to the San Francisco nondiscrimination ordinance. In 2004 at City Hall, Lyon and Martin were the first same-sex couple to get married in San Francisco. The City and County of San Francisco will light up City Hall in rainbow colors to honor her legacy on Friday, April 10.
In 1979, activists opened up the Lyon-Martin Health Clinic in their honor. This clinic has unquestionably blazed a path for lesbian, queer women’s, and transgender health.
“We may not be able to keep her here with us, but we can keep her legacy alive in her memory. We will continue to fight for our clinic and our communities' survival in her honor. Rest in Power Phyllis.”
-JM Jaffe, Trans Health Consultant and Trans Advisory Committee member of the Office of Trans Initiatives
“Del & Phyllis always thought of Lyon-Martin Health Services as their clinic. Phyllis said she wanted to make sure the LGBTQ community had a place to get care. I knew Phyllis as a ruthless fighter who always had a remarkable sense of humor and wit about her,” said JM Jaffe, Trans Health Consultant and Trans Advisory Committee member of the Office of Trans Initiatives. “We may not be able to keep her here with us, but we can keep her legacy alive in her memory. We will continue to fight for our clinic and our communities' survival in her honor. Rest in Power Phyllis.”
“Today we pay tribute to the incredible life of Phyllis Lyon. Her legacy will always live on in our city and our movements,” said Clair Farley, Director of the Office of Transgender Initiatives. “The Mayor’s Office and I honor her legacy through our commitment to trans and LGBTQ wellness. Lyon-Martin's health services are essential in ensuring all our communities have access to affirming and inclusive healthcare. It’s imperative that we uphold these life-saving services.”
Photo Credit: Joyce Newstat