Among the most beloved figures in the lesbian community, Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon got married in San Francisco on February 12, 2004. A couple since 1953, they first earned a spot in queer history by founding the first national lesbian organization, the Daughters of Bilitis.
From its modest beginnings with eight members in 1955, the Daughters of Bilitis grew into a major force, helping lesbians meet outside of bars, documenting their lives, and promoting civil rights.
Perhaps even more significant, the organization published "The Ladder," a national newsletter for lesbians. Phyllis, as editor, assumed an alias for the first three issues before coming out in print with her real name.
D.O.B. soon opened chapters in a dozen U.S. cities -- and even Melbourne, Australia. Its first national convention, in San Francisco in 1960, was well attended, despite unwanted publicity.
Today, Martin and Lyon are involved in issues such as social security, Medicare and social justice for older Americans. Both were appointed delegates to the 1995 White House Conference on Aging.
The San Francisco-based Lyon-Martin Women's Health Services Center, which they co-founded in 1979, recently overcame financial woes and continues to serve the needs of lesbians and other women.
The city of San Francisco honored Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon when it issued them the first-ever government-sanctioned marriage license in 2004. City Supervisor Mabel Teng presided over the closed-door ceremony. The two women also guaranteed themselves another battle, as the licenses were issued in the midst of a national debate over same-sex marriage. Here's wishing them many happy anniversaries.
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