Bob Hattoy, gay
activist and friend of Clintons, dies

Bob Hattoy, a prominent Democratic activist who also fought hard for LGBT and HIV causes, died Saturday in Sacramento.

Hattoy arrived on the national scene in 1992 when he spoke at the Democratic national convention and became the first openly gay person to address the national convention of a political party. In his historic speech Hattoy spoke eloquently about being an HIV-positive American.

Hattoy served as a political appointee in both Clinton administrations, but he was vocal about his opposition to President Clinton's "don't ask, don't tell" military policy. After critiquing the Administration, Hattoy was reassigned to the Department of the Interior. Despite their disagreements, Hattoy remained close with the Clinton family, according to the National Stonewall Democrats, the national LGBT Democratic advocacy group, of which Hattoy was a member.

"Bob wasn't afraid to champion the Democratic Party and to do so loudly," said National Stonewall Democrats executive director Jo Wyrick. "But just as he unequivocally championed Democrats, he also unapologetically challenged them."

In addition to his national appointments, Hattoy served as a consultant to numerous political campaigns, as an environmental activist, and as a delegate to several Democratic national conventions. (The Advocate)