SAN FRANCISCO — Pioneering lesbian rights activist Del Martin, who married her lifelong partner in June on the first day that same-sex couples here gained that right, died Wednesday. She was 87.
Kate Kendell, executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, said Martin died at a hospital, two weeks after a broken arm exacerbated existing health problems.
Her wife, Phyllis Lyon, was with her.
“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, 83, said in a statement.
“I also never imagined there would be a day that we would actually be able to get married,” she added. “I am devastated, but I take some solace in knowing we were able to enjoy the ultimate rite of love and commitment before she passed.”
U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, of San Francisco, said Del and Phyllis were instrumental in getting gay marriage legalized.
“We would not have marriage equality in California if it weren’t for Del and Phyllis. They fought and triumphed in many battles,” Pelosi said. “Through it all, their love and commitment to each other was an inspiration to all who knew them.”
Martin and Lyon were married at City Hall on June 16. Mayor Gavin Newsom, who officiated the wedding, singled them out to be the first gay couple to legally exchange vows in the city.
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