HRC mourns the heroic trailblazers and advocates we lost this year. Their work continues to inspire us as we fight for full equality at home and abroad.

Edie Windsor

Edie Windsor became an icon and trailblazer in the LGBTQ community when she won her case Windsor v. United States in 2013. Striking down Section 3 of The Defense of Marriage Act, Windsor’s victory paved the way for nationwide marriage equality.

In September, Hillary Clinton gave the eulogy at Windsor’s funeral, encouraging all of us to continue the fight for full equality.

Watch: @HillaryClinton honors the life of civil rights trailblazer Edie Windsor. pic.twitter.com/YavdH86tzU

— HumanRightsCampaign (@HRC) September 16, 2017

Gilbert Baker

In 1978, Gilbert Baker hand-dyed and stitched the fabric that would become one of the most important and enduring symbols of LGBTQ pride -- the rainbow flag. Baker’s creation reflects the diversity of the LGBTQ community and has brought hope to millions across the globe.

Gilbert Baker, you gave the LGBTQ movement a symbol of pride. We are forever indebted to your lifetime of activism https://t.co/8mN2h9vnY7 pic.twitter.com/mQQLMaubf7

— HumanRightsCampaign (@HRC) March 31, 2017

Ed Flanagan

Ed Flanagan made history as the first openly gay statewide elected official in the country. A passionate and progressive lawmaker, his legacy serves as a powerful reminder that the LGBTQ community deserves equal representation in all levels of government.

.@HRC mourns Ed Flanagan, the first openly gay statewide lawmaker in the U.S. https://t.co/IcWhIGSXmk

— HumanRightsCampaign (@HRC) November 7, 2017

Ceci Bulaong Gratias

Ceci Bulaong Gratias served for several years on HRC’s Austin steering committee. Through her work with HRC, Equality Texas and Out Youth, she gave voice to the voiceless and touched countless lives.

We mourn the loss of Ceci Bulaong Gratias, a local leader & fierce advocate for the #LGBTQ community in Austin, TX. https://t.co/0vRbawovnk

— HumanRightsCampaign (@HRC) November 5, 2017

Ed Lee

Mayor Ed Lee was a tireless advocate for LGBTQ equality who worked to make San Francisco a stronger, more vibrant and inclusive community. As the first Asian-American mayor in the city’s history, he was both a trailblazer and a dedicated public servant admired by millions.

As the first Asian American mayor in San Francisco’s history, Ed Lee was both a trailblazer and a dedicated public servant admired by millions. https://t.co/R61OAl6bEU

— HumanRightsCampaign (@HRC) December 12, 2017

Cassidy Karakorn

Over her 17-year career at HRC, Cassidy Karakorn championed civil rights for the LGBTQ community. As director of consumer marketing, her creative genius and passion were unmatched. She will always be a part of the HRC family and we will carry her memory with us always.

Cassidy Karakorn was a vibrant and energetic force for change in the world. Her talents were boundless. https://t.co/kdBYhJQEb3

— HumanRightsCampaign (@HRC) August 29, 2017

Ann Kaner Roth

Ann Kaner Roth was a fierce ally and leader of Minnesota’s LGBTQ community. Serving as Executive Director of Project 515, she led a successful legislative campaign to win marriage equality in the North Star State. She was a member of HRC’s national Board of Governors and went on to serve as Deputy Secretary of State for Minnesota. Roth dedicated her life to securing equality and civil rights for LGBTQ and all marginalized communities

.@HRC mourns the loss of Ann Kaner-Roth, a fierce ally and advocate of the #LGBTQ community in Minnesota and across the nation. https://t.co/4yNsWJL2Xz

— HumanRightsCampaign (@HRC) December 21, 2017