Amber Hollibaugh was an activist, organizer and the author of My Dangerous Desires: A Queer Girl Dreaming Her Way Home. She was instrumental in the feminist, LGBTQ, sexual liberation, and economic justice movements. Hollibaugh passed away at 77 years old in her Brooklyn home late last month. The cause of her sudden death was complications of diabetes. She is survived by her life partner, award-winning novelist Jenifer Levin and stepsons Mak Levin and Van De Laurier.
Hollibaugh leaves behind a rich legacy and deep imprint on LGBTQ+ and feminist movements as we know them today. She worked at the intersections of sexual and economic inequality, LGBTQ and women’s health disparities. Her loss will be felt through our queer community and beyond, as will her long-lasting impact. A private funeral service was held on October 29, but an open memorial service is being planned in the coming weeks. Details will be available soon for those who wish to pay their respects to this incredible pioneer and person.
Barbara Satin, past Faith Work Director and current consultant for the National LGBTQ Task Force, worked with Hollibaugh at the Task Force. Satin said of Hollibaugh’s death,”My early activism had focused on trans inclusion plus the affirmation of queer folks within faith settings – then I met Amber who introduced me to the beautiful, old LGBT community – my peer group. These pioneers, on whose shoulders we have built a burgeoning progressive movement, had hopes, expectations, fears and concerns around aging that were seriously overlooked by the broader community. Through her work on LGBTQ aging at the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, including the publication of “Outing Age”, the seminal work on the issue, Amber spotlighted the needs and expectations that our elders had and offered practical and appropriate responses to their difficult situations. Amber added an important element to my activism and the applause I have received over the years for my work on aging are directly connected to her influence on my life. As I approach my 90th birthday, Amber Hollibaugh still is my role model for doing activism with grace and style.”
Rest In Power Amber Hollibaugh.
