THE HEROES
Karl Heinrich Ulrichs - Also known as the grand father for the first struggles towards gay equality. Born August 28, 1825, in Westerfeld, Germany, Karl Ulrichs exhibited many of the traits and behaviors which are better associated with today's gays and lesbians, but which were unheard of during his time in history. Recognizing his gay orientation around the age of 10, Karl successfully completed his schooling, including a university education in Theology and Law, and then went on to become a political figure, public speaker, accomplished author, legal advisor, and vocal activist for the rights and freedoms of homosexuals everywhere, all while dealing with the extreme adversity and opposition from the overwhelmingly homophobic consensus of that time. Harvey Milk - Bio #2 - Born in 1930, in New York, Harvey Milk devoted his life to making a positive difference in the lives of all. But he was more than just a positive gay individual. He was more than merely the first openly gay elected government official within the state of California. He was also a staunch advocate for the cause of American freedoms and democracy. He was a tireless activist for the cause of honest and effective education in America's public schools. He was a friend and spokesperson for the poor and downtrodden. He was truly a hero to straights and gays alike, willing to fight and die for the human rights he believed in. Mr. Milk is remembered for his never ending efforts to make the world a better place for everyone, and not just those at the top with money and power. Though sometimes fading in the minds of those he died trying to empower, Harvey Milk is the kind of hero, (gay or straight), that this country sorely needs more of. Elaine Noble - Usually noted briefly in the records as being the first openly Lesbian candidate elected to a political office in the USA, Ms Noble truly is so much more to all of us. Though the facts are true, and she was indeed elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in November of 1974, (a full three years before Harvey Milk in San Francisco), Elaine Noble's contribution to human rights didn't start and stop there. Elaine's election victory helped to set the stage for many more future gay politicians, such as Liz Malia, & Jerret Barrios. Another important factor that highlights Elaine Noble as a gay hero is the great amount of work she has personally put forth towards the gay rights efforts, as well as the tremendous amount of adversity she has had to over-come all along the way. She was delivering gay activist speeches in front of the State House in Boston in 1971, and actively working with Bob Jones in the "Gay Way" radio program on WBUB-FM in 1973. So much has happened in the U.S. since Elaine Noble first began her quest to make this country a better place for the gay public, and a big part of what we now praise today can be directly accredited to political pioneers like Elaine Noble. Chastity Bono - Bio #2 - Though Chastity may not shine through as most people's idea for a gay rights hero, it is only because she's not typically one to seek the limelight. Growing up as the daughter of entertainment legions, Sony & Cher, Chastity was nothing like the average celebrity child, plagued with bouts of drugs, alcohol and wild parties. She could easily have been spoiled, self-serving, and caught up in all the glitz and glamor that was at her young finger tips. But instead, she turned out to be a normal lesbian teenager, trying to find her place in the world. However, along the way, Chastity found even more. She began to look beyond herself, and soon took up the cause of helping others who were dealing with the same issues as her. Going from writing articles for the Advocate, to being spokes person for the Human Rights Campaign, and entertainment media director for GLAAD , Chastity found her own way to make a possitive difference for other gays and lesbians. She has even published two books about growing up, and coming out as a gay person. With all of the obstacles and demons that gay individuals must overcome in today's life, for Chastity to have accomplished so much, in such a short time, and with such grace, definitly makes her a hero... at least to me. David Mixner - David Mixner is a good example of an American gay hero. He is respected in the business world as a successful corporate figure, as well as in the political world as a consultant, advisor, and promoter of key candidates for various offices. But even more, Mr. Mixner, once struggling with his own personal fears of being a gay man, went beyond the realm of self-acceptance to embrace the rest of the world with his message of social freedom and human rights. His first autobiographic book, "Stranger Among Friends," highlights his victory over prejudice, helping to light the way for homosexuals everywhere, and in all walks of life. His second book, "Brave Journeys," goes on to profile seven brave gay and lesbian individuals who personally broke through the phobic myths about homosexuality in society by using their own lives and struggles as an example of honor and respectability for all people everywhere, including those who just happen to be homosexual. John Aravosis - Internet guru, political watchdog, and long time advocate for human rights where ever it's needed, John Aravosis has been a key player in keeping the gay rights issues at the top of the "important news" charts. Co-founder of the Stop Dr. Laura campaigne, and founder of Wired Strategies, as well as the man behind the gay internet news letter, The List, through HateCrimes.org, John has personally crafted the internet communication systems into a state of the art tool for informations and organizational solidarity. Starting off as an internet organizer for groups such as The Children's Defense Fund, John has more than established himself as being a hero for gays, but also as being an American hero as well.
Frank Kameny - Bio #2 - Often refered to as one of the founding fathers to the American Gay Rights Movement, Frank Kameny was openly defying anti-gay prejudice on a national level, even before the Stonewall era. Founder of the Washington DC version of the Mattachine Society, Mr. Kameny was instumental in bringing the seldom discussed issue of gay discrimination in the work place out of the closet and into the light, and even all the way to the Supreme Court. There is no doubt that Frank Kameny will always hold a very special and honored place in the list of gay heroes. Del Martin & Phyllis Lyon -- Couple Bio - Not only does this distinquished couple share the joy of being together in love for over the past 50 years, they also now have the proud honor of being the very first same sex couple to be legally married within the United States. But it doesn't stop there. For as long as these two dedicated women have been together, they have both been working towards equal rights for oppressed women everywhere, lesbian or not. Starting in 1955 by founding the Daughters of Bilithe, thereby establishing the first lesbian rights organizations in the world, this dynamic duo thus began their long quest to relieve the pains of sexualistic prejudice. The nation wide news letter, The Ladder was just one of many positive things to come from the D.O.B. throughout the following decades. Also helping to establish and assist in the National Organization for Women along their arduous journey for equal rights, Ms. Martin and Ms. Lyon are easily recognized as being heroes to lesbians and gays alike, as well as for all women in general. Barbara Gittings - Working on her 5th decade as a gay rights activist, Barbara has more than earned her rights to the title of Gay Hero. Barbara established the east coast chapter of "Daughters Of Bilithe" in 1958, just three years after Del and Phyllis began their San Fransisco original. In the 1960s, Ms. Gittings was marcing in gay rights demonstrations in Philadelphia and Washington. In the 70s, Barbara was heading up the Gay & Lesbian task force of the "American Library Association", as well as being on the Board of Directors to the "National Gay & Lesbian Task Force," and charter member to the Gay Rights National Lobby, the precurser for the"Human Rights Campaign." In fact, the on going list of quality orginazations Barbara has served or been a member to seems endless, which only speaks of one thing.... Gay Hero! Future Additions - Please check back for new Hero listings.
