‘Frank Kameny’
courtesy of ‘maxedaperture’
At 85, Frank Kameny has solidified his place in history as a leading figure in the country’s gay rights movement. When he was fired from the Army Map Service in 1957 because of his homosexuality, he became the first American to bring a civil rights case based on sexual orientation to court. Proudly, openly gay in a largely closeted era, the former astronomer quickly became an outspoken activist for LGBT rights. He co-founded the Mattachine Society of Washington in 1961, one of the nation’s earliest gay rights groups, picketed the White House, and became the first openly gay Congressional candidate when he ran for DC’s House seat in 1971.
But even heroes need a hand sometimes. The Washington Blade reported that Dr. Kameny is struggling financially, and is having trouble meeting basic expenses such as utilities. Local LGBT organization Helping Our Brothers and Sisters (HOBS) has launched a Facebook campaign called “Buy Frank a Drink,” designed to help Dr. Kameny get back on his feet. According to the Facebook page, “Every day you and I live lives that are made better because of Frank Kameny. At the very least, each of us can agree that we would gladly buy the man a drink.” HOBS is asking individuals to set aside $10 — “the price of a nice cocktail — for the organization, which is giving all online donations to Dr. Kameny through Feb. 1.
So what do you say: would you buy Frank Kameny a drink?
some of us think Frank is a hero but aren’t on Facebook (I refuse to be assimilated) – any non Facebook options for contributing?
No worries, Andy. Donations can be made through the “online donations” link above. Here it is again: http://www.helpingourbrothersandsisters.com/donate.html
Thanks, Rebecca. I gave you a shout out on the FB page.
thwhis request for donations angers me.
do you not see the contradiction in the pitiful statement that he lived on .20 a day, and yet bought a house? of course no one is aware of his large legacy when his mother died,which he secretly squandered in a very short time.
do you not know that he could not de-closet with his mother, got his sister to break the news and then proceeded to insult and neglect both mother and sister
asking forcnarity now is deceitful dishonorable.
I AM THAT SISTER! now disabled,ignored, and and suffering from from all the help I gave him
He is acutely heterophobic, incapable of normal empathy personal relationships, anything other than huge conceit,monomania.
Ifyou give him money it will be wasted at once.
He cannot be honest or responsible.
he asks nothing about my 5 surgeries. no interest