Trailblazing Lesbian Activist Del Martin Dies At 87

San Fransisco, CA (AHN) - Trailblazing lesbian activist Del Martin who fought for same-sex rights since the 1950s died in San Fransisco Wednesday at age 87.

By her side was her partner of 55 years, Phyllis Lyon. Martin was also at the forefront of the battle to obtain marriage rights for same-sex partners in California. The pair was among the first same-sex couples to take advantage of a change in law that allowed them to wed in June.

Decades ago, Martin took on the American Psychological Society and fought to have that organization declare that homosexuality is not a mental illnesses.

Martin was also an author and founded several activist organizations.