Gay rights pioneer Phyllis Lyon has died aged 95.
Ms Lyon died of natural causes at her San Francisco home on Thursday, according to Kate Kendell, a friend and former executive director of the National Centre for Lesbian Rights.
Ms Lyon was a journalist who met her lifelong love Del Martin while working at a magazine in Seattle.
The couple moved to San Francisco in 1953 and in 2008 became among the first same-sex couples to marry in California after it became legal to do so.
Ms Martin died weeks after their second wedding, aged 87.
The pair co-founded with other lesbian couples the Daughters of Bilitis, a political and social organisation for lesbians and published a national monthly for lesbians.
California Governor Gavin Newsom referred to Ms Lyon’s death during his daily briefing on the coronavirus pandemic on Thursday, describing her as one of his heroes.
US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who is from San Francisco, said in a statement: “All those who were blessed to know Phyllis and Del remember the extraordinary love that they had for each other.
“As we mourn the loss of our dear Phyllis, we find peace in knowing that she and Del are together again.”
