“Nothing was ever accomplished by hiding in a dark corner.” 

Del Martin was a feminist activist who played a crucial role in the gay rights and domestic violence movements.  

Martin co-founded multiple organizations that advanced women’s rights: 

• Daughters of Bilitis in 1955 – the first lesbian organization in the United States 
• National Organization for Women in 1966 – raised awareness around domestic violence and pushed for legislative changes to protect survivors 
• Coalition for Justice in 1976 – focused on domestic violence and sexual assault rights 

Martin wrote an article for Women’s eNews in 2002 and said: 

“A lot of people forget that lesbians started the domestic violence movement. Some shelter folks get upset when I say it, but it’s true. The radical women in the 1970s were already disgusted with the system, and when this issue came up, it was something they could really get behind. Suddenly, these women who were into questioning authority became lobbyists–wanting laws changed, wanting to influence policy!” 

In 1976, Martin published ‘Battered Wives,’ an analysis of domestic violence, its seriousness, and how the legal system had failed women. 

She also chaired the Consultation on Battered Women: Issues of Public Policy in 1978, which resulted in The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence being formed and helped create the Domestic Violence Prevention and Services Act in 1984. 

She was first in line to marry her longtime partner, Phyllis Lyon, in 2004 when the mayor of San Francisco, Gavin Newsom, said marriage licenses should be issued to LGBTQ+ couples. The California Supreme Court voided those licenses two months later. 

Phyllis said, “Del is 83 years old and I am 79. After being together for more than 50 years, it is a terrible blow to have the rights and protections of marriage taken away from us. At our age, we do not have the luxury of time.” 

Del and Phyllis were again first in line to get married after the California Supreme Court ruled in favor of LGBTQ+ marriages on June 16, 2008. Mayor Newsom officiated the ceremony.  

Del passed away later that year on August 27 at age 87.  

This Pride Month, we celebrate Del Martin’s legacy and lifelong dedication to domestic violence and gay rights. She continues to inspire activists and advocates for women’s rights.

Cover photo credit: Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin Papers (1993-13), Courtesy of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Historical Society