Starting in the 1950s, she was a leader for the rights of lesbians and gay men in a time when the FBI was infiltrating the meetings of gay organizations, sodomy laws were in force in all fifty states, police were raiding gay bars and humiliating, beating, and arresting patrons, and homosexuality was officially considered a "mental disorder" to be treated with electric-shock therapy.

On June 16, she married her partner of 55 years, Phyllis Lyon, in San Francisco.

In this picture, taken at their wedding, Martin is on the left.

This morning, at age 87, she died. Lyon, 83, her spouse, was with her when she died and had this to say:

Ever since I met Del 55 years ago, I could never imagine a day would come when she wouldn't be by my side. I am so lucky to have known her, loved her, and been her partner in all things. I also never imagined there would be a day that we would actually be able to get married. I am devastated, but I take some solace in knowing we were able to enjoy the ultimate rite of love and commitment before she passed.