Harry Hay

Harry Hay, born on April 7, 1912, was a pioneering figure in the American gay rights movement, recognized for his profound impact as an activist, actor, and trade unionist. He co-founded the Mattachine Society in 1950, which became the first sustained gay rights organization in the United States. Hay's early acknowledgment of his same-sex attraction and his interest in Marxism shaped his activism, leading him to join the Communist Party USA and become a committed labor advocate.

Throughout his life, Hay was a vocal opponent of the assimilationist tactics prevalent among many gay rights activists. He believed in organizing against the social and political marginalization of gay individuals. In 1969, he co-founded the Los Angeles chapter of the Gay Liberation Front, further solidifying his role as a leader in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

In 1970, Hay moved to New Mexico with his partner, John Burnside, where they were influenced by Native American spiritual practices. This inspiration led to the establishment of the Radical Faeries in 1979, a movement that sought to create a space for gay spirituality. After returning to Los Angeles, Hay continued to engage in various activist causes, becoming a well-known, albeit controversial, elder statesman within the gay community.

In his later years, Hay's activism took on new dimensions as he became an outspoken supporter of the North American Man/Boy Love Association (NAMBLA). He participated in panels and discussions at their annual meetings and protested against their exclusion from Pride parades, notably boycotting the 1994 New York Pride March. Hay's legacy is marked by his unwavering commitment to challenging societal norms and advocating for the rights of marginalized communities.