Vito Russo (1946–1990) was a pioneering film historian, author, and LGBTQ+ activist whose work transformed how queer lives were seen on screen. Born in New York City, Russo combined his love of cinema with his passion for justice, creating The Celluloid Closet (1981), a groundbreaking study of LGBTQ+ representation in film. A founding member of both the Gay Activists Alliance and ACT UP, he used his voice to challenge stereotypes, censorship, and homophobia in Hollywood and beyond. Russo believed visibility was a form of liberation, insisting that queer people deserved to see their real stories reflected with honesty and dignity. Even as he battled AIDS, he remained a powerful advocate for equality and compassion.
Find his plaque on Market Street between Noe and Castro Streets.