Senior Lesbian Couple Wed

Same-sex couple can formalize 55-year relationship--finally.

by Maureen

Del Martin (seated) and Phyllis Lyon were the first couple to wed under California’s most recent same-sex marriage ruling, reports The San Francisco Chronicle. Martin, 87, and Lyon, 83, didn’t waste any time. They wed at 5:01 pm last night, the first moments that the Supreme Court ruling took effect.

The brides wore matching pastel pantsuits. But more than a like-mindedness for fashion, these two also share a place in same-sex rights history. They founded the Daughters of Bilitis in 1955, the first national lesbian organization. Lyon and Martin continued to pioneer gay rights issues, all the while building a life together in San Francisco over the last 55 years. The culmination of which was finally formally recognized at City Hall last night in a private ceremony in front to 50 guests.

Congratulations, Del and Phyllis!

Photo: The Chronicle/Deanne Fitzmaurice

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4 responses so far

1 Tom // Jun 20, 2008 at 10:15 pm

Here’s a video that has a couple clips from the reception.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZC47MNB0Fr8

2 esme // Jun 20, 2008 at 2:57 pm

I read their story, I am heterosexual, but as a woman, I am very proud of these ladies, they came out in years of great social pressure and prejudice against gay people, specially women, and not only they survived, they went on and fought for make it easier for the next generations.
CONGRATULATIONS Ladies!!