2004 LGBT Local Heroes: Phyllis Lyon & Del Martin Lesbian Activists
Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin have been lesbian civil rights pioneers for over 50 years. The two helped form the first national lesbian organization called Daughters of Bilitis. The D.O.B. provided lesbians a way to chronicle their lives and promote gay civil rights. The two co-authored the book "Lesbian/Woman," which documents the history of the lesbian movement until the early '70s.
Martin published "Battered Wives," another groundbreaking expose of battered women and the infrastructure of safe houses and support groups that serve as an avenue of escape. Meanwhile, Phyllis became co-director of the National Sex Forum, and developed a career as an expert in human sexuality.
Lyon and Martin are still active and are focusing on senior issues through the Old Lesbians Organizing for Change. The OLOC fights ageism in all its forms.
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