In 1960, civil rights activist Del Martin risked arrest to help convene the first known national lesbian convention.
On Wednesday, nearly half a century later, an honor guard made up of members of the police, fire and sheriff’s departments helped celebrate her life at a packed memorial service inside San Francisco City Hall
“There is not a lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender person on this planet whose life is not better because of Del Martin,” Kate Kendell, executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, told the overflow crowd.
I first read about Del Martin when I was 20 years old, 28 years ago. She and Phyllis Lyon are giants. I delight in a world that will finally acknowledge that publicly, with civic honours. I’m glad I live in a time and place that will seat her sweetie next to the mayor.
Nicola Griffith 
I was very sad the day that Del died. Phyllis and Del were so courageous in their efforts to promote gay rights. I can’t imagine the fearlessness that it took to tackle the medical community’s and the public’s perception of homosexuality. (Remember, up until the mid-1970’s the psychiatric community classified homosexuals as mentally ill.) The gay community owes a lot to them. I am happy that they have been recognized for their service over the years. It was fantastic that they were the first gay couple to legally marry this summer. The memorial service that was held for Del filled the San Francisco City Hall’s rotunda. It’s a beautiful place, with several levels (3 or 4). The news footage showed every level packed with people. When Del and Phyllis got married, they requested that people donate to the No on 8 campaign, instead of sending gifts. And after Del died, Phyllis requested again that instead of flowers, that a donation would be best. Contributions can be made to honor Martin’s life and commitment and to defeat the California marriage ban through NCLR’s No On 8 PAC at http://www.nclrights.org/NoOn8.
We must always honor those individuals who stand for our individual freedoms, especially those who point out just what that freedom should be.
Yes. And I’d like to suggest that those who have the money to spare make a donation, in Del Martin’s name, to No on 8. The polls are not looking so good.