Phyllis Lyon (1924-2020) was an American journalist, activist, and pioneering figure in LGBTQ+ civil rights. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Lyon began her career in journalism before relocating to San Francisco, where she met Del Martin in 1950. Together, they co-founded the Daughters of Bilitis (DOB) in 1955, the first lesbian civil and political rights organization in the United States. DOB provided community, advocacy, and education during a time of pervasive discrimination against LGBTQ+ people. Lyon and Martin also co-edited The Ladder, the nation’s first nationally distributed lesbian magazine, which became a crucial platform for visibility, storytelling, and political engagement. Beyond publishing, Lyon was deeply involved in activism, lobbying for lesbian and women’s rights and promoting marriage equality. In 2008, she and Martin were among the first same-sex couples legally married in California. Lyon’s work emphasized solidarity, education, and social change, helping pave the way for future LGBTQ+ advocacy. She remains a symbol of courage, resilience, and pioneering spirit in the fight for equality.