Kiyoshi Kuromiya

1943-2000

Japanese-American human rights activist and founder of the Critical Path Project, one of the earliest resources for information about HIV research and treatment.

Audre Lorde

1934-1992

American writer, political activist, and self-described black feminist lesbian mother warrior poet, whose work confronted racism, sexism and homophobia.

Del Martin

1921–2008

American feminist, civil rights activist and cofounder of the Daughters of Bilitis, the first social and political organization for lesbians in the United States.

Leonard Matlovich

1943-1988

Decorated American serviceman who outed himself to confront the U.S. military’s ban on gays serving in the armed forces.

Freddie Mercury

1946-1991

Singer, songwriter and showman whose talent, versatility and commanding stage presence made him an innovative and dazzling global ambassador of rock.

Yukio Mishima

1925–1970

Japanese novelist, playwright, poet, actor and film director whose work blended modern and traditional aesthetics to explore sexuality and political change.

Sally Ride

1951-2012

Physicist and astronaut, the first American woman in space, where as a mission specialist she helped to launch satellites and conduct scientific experiments.

Silvia Rivera

1951-2002

Gay liberation and transgender rights advocate, a founding member of the Gay Liberation Front, Gay Activist Alliance and Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries.

Bob Ross

1934-2003

Pioneer in gay journalism, co-founder and longtime publisher of the Bay Area Reporter, president of the Tavern Guild and Meals on Wheels, Emperor VII of the Imperial Court.

Vito Russo

1946-1990

Activist, film historian, author and co-founder of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation who brought attention to stereotyping of LGBTs in film.