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Obituaries

A veteran came out as gay in his obituary. Now, his family is praising his final 'salute'

The niece of Edward Thomas Ryan, the decorated military veteran who came out as gay in his obituary, is proud her uncle "got to open doors for other people."

Harvey Milk's original Advocate obituary from 1979

The gay rights icon was memorialized in the January 11, 1979 issue of The Advocate. Read the obituary below.

Sharon Lubinski, first out LGBTQ+ U.S. marshal and Minneapolis police officer, has died at 71

Lubinski eventually became assistant Minneapolis police chief.

Conjoined twins Lori Schappell and trans man George Schappell dead at 62

They were initially expected to survive only a year but had long and full lives.

Christopher Durang, gay author of 'Sister Mary Ignatius' and other plays, has died

The Tony winner was also known for Beyond Therapy, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, and more.

Lesbian News publisher Ella Matthes has died at 81

She oversaw North America’s longest-running lesbian publication.

Former U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman, champion of 'don't ask, don't tell' repeal, dead at 82

Lieberman, who was Al Gore's running mate in 2000, leaves a largely pro-LGBTQ+ record.

Gay Godfather David Mixner was both pro-sex and pro-equality

Reflecting on the legacy of the man who brought LGBTQ+ liberation to the White House.

David Mixner, veteran LGBTQ+ activist and presidential adviser, has died at 77

Mixner's advocacy spanned from the 1960s movements for civil rights and peace to the 21st-century fight for marriage equality and included notable involvement with Bill Clinton on the issue of gays in the military.

Pat Logue, Lambda Legal attorney who won landmark cases, has died

“Pat Logue was a brilliant lawyer, a trailblazing jurist, and a hero to the LGBTQ community," says a Lambda Legal statement.

Steven Ostrow, creator of NYC's legendary Continental Baths, dead at 91

An accomplished operatic singer, Ostrow is best known for the gay bathhouse where Bette Midler, Barry Manilow, and others launched their careers performing to naked gay men.

Cecilia Gentili, trans activist, actress, and author, has died at 52

Gentili worked for the rights of trans people and others, and was an actress on Pose and an award-winning author.

Pioneering LGBTQ+ activist Ann Maguire has died at 80

Maguire cohosted a gay talk show in Boston in the 1970s and helped elect the nation's first out state legislator, Elaine Noble of Massachusetts.

Gay Olympian and world champ pole vaulter Shawn Barber is dead at 29

Barber, who won medals in several international competitions, came out in 2017.

Beloved Virginia Beach-area LGBTQ+ advocate killed by drunk driver, police say

Shelby Riddick-Walker was struck and killed by a vehicle going the wrong way in a tunnel.

Out Sports Journalist Matt Napolitano Has Died, Age 33

Napolitano's death was announced on social media by his husband of seven months.

Groundbreaking Transgender Psychiatrist Jeanne Hoff Dead at 85

Hoff, who treated many LGBTQ+ patients, made a documentary about her own transition.

Andre Braugher’s Onscreen Husband Pays Tribute to the Late Actor

Tributes pour in for the beloved Brooklyn Nine-Nine actor remembered for his talent, kindness, and enduring legacy.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine's Andre Braugher Is Dead at 61

Braugher received acclaim for his work through the years, including an Emmy award. He played queer police captain Raymond Hold in the comedy 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine,' and was a fan favorite.