Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon, The Lesbian Couple That Changed The World
Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon were pioneers in the LGBTQ+ rights movement whose work spanned over half a century. Together, they fought for lesbian visibility, gender equality, and social justice, building one of the most influential partnerships in LGBTQ+ history.
As life partners, activists, and co-founders of the first known lesbian rights organisation in the U.S., Lyon and Martin championed equality and acceptance for all LGBTQ+ people at a time when the whole world was against us.
The Early Lives Of Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon
Phyllis Lyon was born on November 10, 1924, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and grew up in California. She studied journalism at UC Berkeley, finding purpose in a field that let her engage with pressing issues and advocate for change.
Del Martin, born Dorothy Louise Taliaferro on May 5, 1921, in San Francisco, was equally determined to make her mark. She also became a journalist, working as a writer and editor in San Francisco, where she was known for her sharp intellect and deep commitment to social issues.
The two met in 1950 while working in Seattle, sparking a connection that quickly grew into a strong bond. In 1953, they moved in together in San Francisco, beginning a romantic relationship that would last over five decades. The couple shared a love for writing, activism, and each other that would shape their lives and inspire generations.
At the time, being openly lesbian came with significant risks, but Lyon and Martin were undeterred. They began building a relationship, and a movement, that would change the landscape for LGBTQ+ people in America.
The Daughters of Bilitis
In 1955, Lyon and Martin co-founded the Daughters of Bilitis (DOB), the first lesbian rights organisation in the U.S., which started as a small social club for lesbians in San Francisco. At the time, many bars and public places were unsafe for LGBTQ+ people, with frequent police raids and discrimination.
Lyon and Martin envisioned the DOB as a place where lesbians could connect and support each other away from the scrutiny of a society that saw them as deviant. However, the organisation quickly evolved beyond a social gathering into a group committed to education, visibility, and advocacy for lesbian rights.
Under their leadership, the DOB tackled tough issues, hosting discussions on topics like coming out, discrimination, and legal rights. They even provided legal advice on avoiding police harassment, reflecting their early commitment to protecting the community. The organisation also began publishing The Ladder in 1956, the first nationally distributed lesbian magazine in the U.S.
As the editor of The Ladder, Lyon used her writing skills to provide a platform where lesbians could openly share their stories and experiences. The magazine featured articles on lesbian identity, coming out, and the challenges of navigating a society that rejected them. It became a lifeline for isolated lesbians across the country, helping build a sense of community and solidarity.
OUR LESBIAN COLLECTION view the collection
Expanding Their Activism
By the early 1970s, the Daughters of Bilitis had disbanded, as the LGBTQ+ rights movement grew in new directions. But Lyon and Martin’s activism was far from over. They continued to champion LGBTQ+ rights and women’s rights, advocating for change within both the feminist and LGBTQ+ movements.
In 1972, they published Lesbian/Woman, one of the first books to openly discuss lesbian identity and relationships in a positive light. It dispelled damaging myths about lesbians and offered an affirming view of lesbian love, relationships, and community. Lesbian/Woman was a groundbreaking book that helped normalise lesbian identity and encouraged readers, both LGBTQ+ and straight, to view lesbians with greater understanding.
Lyon and Martin also joined the National organisation for Women (NOW), working to bring lesbian issues into the broader feminist movement. The couple faced resistance from some of NOW’s more conservative members, but they continued pushing for inclusivity.
Martin served on NOW’s board, and in her role, she tirelessly advocated for the acknowledgment of lesbian issues, arguing that lesbian rights were essential to women’s rights. Their involvement in NOW was a powerful example of intersectional activism, bridging the LGBTQ+ and feminist movements and advocating for a vision of equality that included everyone.
Fighting for Same Sex Marriage Equality
In addition to their work on lesbian and feminist rights, Lyon and Martin became two of the earliest advocates for marriage equality. They understood that marriage rights weren’t just about romance but also about legal protections, financial security, and societal acceptance.
In 2004, their lifelong commitment took centre stage when they became the first same-sex couple to legally marry in San Francisco after then-Mayor Gavin Newsom authorised same-sex marriages in the city. Their marriage made headlines across the country, symbolising the progress LGBTQ+ rights had made—and the work that still needed to be done.
Although their marriage was later invalidated by the California Supreme Court, the significance of their union could not be erased. For decades, they had shared a life together, building a relationship full of love and activism, and now they were legally recognized, if only briefly.
Four years later, when same-sex marriage was legalized in California, Lyon and Martin were married again, this time with the knowledge that their love would be recognized under state law. At ages 83 and 87, respectively, Lyon and Martin’s marriage represented both a personal milestone and a victory for the LGBTQ+ community.
A Legacy of Love, Activism, and Community
Throughout their lives, Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin remained steadfast in their commitment to equality. They saw their own struggles and triumphs as part of a larger fight for justice, and they used their voices to uplift others who might have felt invisible or oppressed.
Their relationship was not only a source of personal happiness but also a testament to the strength of LGBTQ+ love and resilience. When Martin passed away in 2008 only weeks after their marriage, it marked the end of an era. Lyon was heartbroken by the loss of her partner, but she continued their work, honouring Martin’s legacy by pushing for a world where LGBTQ+ people could live openly and safely.
Lyon and Martin received numerous honours for their contributions to the LGBTQ+ and feminist movements, including the creation of the Martin & Lyon Award for Political Courage, which recognizes leaders advancing LGBTQ+ equality.
Their lives have inspired countless activists and have shown the power of two people working together to bring about lasting change. Their love and activism continue to serve as a model for those fighting for LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and social justice, and their story is a reminder of the transformative power of community and resilience.
Lasting Impact
Phyllis Lyon passed away on April 9, 2020, at the age of 95, leaving behind a legacy that has altered the course of LGBTQ+ history.
Together, these two extraordinary women showed that LGBTQ+ people deserve not only acceptance but full equality, and they challenged society to recognise the inherent dignity and value of all relationships.
Their work paved the way for today’s LGBTQ+ rights movement, from marriage equality to anti-discrimination protections.
In a world that often saw their love as controversial, Lyon and Martin proudly stood together, refusing to be invisible. Their journey illustrates the strength and beauty of LGBTQ+ relationships, the importance of community, and the belief that everyone deserves the right to love and live authentically.
Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin’s story is more than just a love story; it is a testament to what two people can accomplish when they stand up for their truth and fight for a better world.
