Tragic News in the Nation's Capital

[William]

Frnak Kameny, the father of the modern gay rights movement, died several hours ago at his home in northwest Washington, DC. Kameny had been in declining health for the last several years, but his outspoken devotion to equality for LGBT persons was undimmed.

[Diverdan]

Thanks for sharing. I hope that Daddy will do something with the Forum to honor his memory. I met him only once, but when one considers the time in which he fought for gay rights, it is a remarkable story.

[+ glutes]

R.I.P. Frank...

 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/frank-kameny-dies-wasleading-gay-rights-leader/2011/10/11/gIQAIsUwdL_story.html

[Diverdan]

Glutes,

Thanks so much for posting the Washingtonpost article. I used to read the Post on line, but discontinued it a year ago. I guess I should have kept my subscription. Thanks again.

DD

[JT Brooklyn]

R.I.P.... Mr.Kameny

[leigh.bess.toad]

I am saddened by the loss of Mr. Kameny. I remember well those early campaigns of his, even though I was deeply in the closet. A great fighter in the struggle for full equality in America.

 

R.I.P. Mr. Kameny. You will be remembered as one of the titans of the movement. You will be missed but not forgotten.

[Phil_musc]

Thanks for posting this sad news. He was important to all of us.

[+ Charlie]

Hard to believe that this is the second time this week I've had reason to mention Frank in a thread; the first was in ChicagoBoy's thread about people who have had an influence on me.

 

I met Frank when I was an impressionable 21 year old and he was in his 30s, already embarked on his lonely crusade for gay rights and personal vindication. He was not sexually attractive, at least not to me, who was open to any invitation. Unlike his frequent collaborator Clark Polak, who opened any conversation with an attractive young male, "I've got a big cock. You wanna fuck?" Frank didn't seem very interested in the 'sexual' part of 'homosexual.' Like many crusaders, he had a single-minded intensity about his political goal that could be abrasive. He wanted allies, but expected them to agree with him totally. When we were organizing the first gay rights demonstration at Independence Hall in 1965, he insisted that everyone be dressed conservatively, men in business suits and women in dresses, or he refused to participate. He had to approve every sign that was carried. He apparently mellowed in later years, as many of his goals were achieved, but he always followed his own path.

 

I have always admired people who refuse to sacrifice their principles for personal comfort. Frank never had the scientific career he wanted or deserved (he had a doctorate in astronomy), because he refused to make the compromises that would have enabled him to get along in a homophobic society. Earlier this year, I learned that he was living in near poverty and depending on a gay charitable organization in DC for spending money. I sent him a check for the sum I had budgeted for hiring escorts this year, figuring that I probably wouldn't use it anyway. I hope he had some fun with it.

[justaguy]

He was one of the most important voices during a time of great fear and needless death. I remember some folks objecting to his methods, but nothing short of the protests he helped start would have gotten any attention. IMO, he is a major figure in the struggle for recognition and equality. R.I.P.

[Guest ChgoBoy]

Defining Courage

 

[video=youtube;j_4S_iQ3fEo]