Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins released the following statement upon the passing of feminist and LGBTQ activist Phillis Lyon:
“The world, and the LGBTQ community, has lost one of its most fearless leaders in the passing of Phyllis Lyon. She and her partner Del Martin were, both separately and as a couple, icons as gay-rights activists and as feminists. They were both critical individuals in my early years as a college student seeking positive role models for me as a lesbian and as a young feminist. They will long be remembered as incredible women who made an indelible mark on history.”