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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E397]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF PHYLLIS LYON
______
HON. NANCY PELOSI
of california
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the
beautiful life and legacy of a dear friend, Phyllis Lyon, who passed
away peacefully on April 9, 2020 at the age of 95. Phyllis Lyon was an
icon of San Francisco and a trailblazer in the fight for civil rights,
who dedicated her entire life to advancing equality for the LGBTQ
community. Her passing is a profound official loss for the countless
San Franciscans whose lives she touched and a deep personal loss for
her many friends and loved ones.
Phyllis, along with her late wife Del Martin, was a pioneer in the
fight for LGBTQ equality. In their kitchen, in 1955, they created the
Daughters of Bilitis, the first national lesbian rights organization.
Through their skillful advocacy and Phyllis's brilliant writing, they
helped lesbians and all LGBTQ Americans unite in solidarity and, in the
process, helped develop the foundation on which the entire LGBTQ
equality movement was built.
Phyllis was a tireless force for progress. As a journalist and
community organizer, she fought relentlessly to decriminalize
homosexuality, promote women's health and end employment discrimination
in San Francisco. In all her endeavors, Phyllis's voice and expertise
were instrumental in bringing our nation closer to its founding promise
of justice and equality for all.
In 1979, the Lyon-Martin Health Services, named in honor of Phyllis
and Del, was created to provide LGBTQ women access to quality,
comprehensive health care, free from fear, stigma or discrimination. In
its four decades of service to the Bay Area community, the Lyon-Martin
Health Services has become an essential lifeline for countless women
and their families, regardless of who they are or whom they love. As a
model for community-based care, it is a fitting tribute to Phyllis's
legacy of service and commitment to lifting up all vulnerable
communities.
Phyllis and Del's passion, dedication and vision were an inspiration
to me and to generations of leaders, activists and public servants. In
1995, I was honored to appoint Phyllis to the White House Conference on
Aging where she advocated powerfully to ensure that the needs of the
most vulnerable were heard at the decision-making table. It was a
privilege to speak of Phyllis and Del's beautiful commitment to each
other on the Floor of the House during the debate of the so-called
Defense of Marriage Act and, again, last year, as the House passed the
landmark Equality Act to finally end LGBTQ discrimination once and for
all.
All those who were blessed to know Phyllis and Del remember the
extraordinary love that they had for each other and the great joy we
felt watching them becoming the first same-sex marriage recognized in
San Francisco. As we mourn the loss of our dear Phyllis, we find peace
in knowing that she and Del are together again. May it be a comfort to
their daughter Kendra, Phyllis's sister Patricia, grandchildren Lorri
and Kevin and her entire family that so many mourn their loss and pray
for them at this sad time.
____________________
