Jo DalyMay, 1946 ‐ September, 1997Here are some facts about this amazing woman and her contribution to gays and lesbian equality. It doesn't really do her justice, she was so much more. Vivacious, a lively conversationalist, loved a good argument. Loved the Beatles, especially John. A devoted Dead Head. A laugh that could call down the goddess. 1972: The Alice B. Toklas Democratic Club. The founding member was James Foster, who was the first openly gay man to speak at a national political convention. Among its earlier presidents were Jo Daly and Gary Miller (1975). 1973: Supervisor Dorothy von Beroldingen appointed Alice B. Toklas Gay and Lesbian Democratic Club member Jo Daly to a television oversight commission, paving the way for lesbians and gay men to be appointed to public positions. 1976: Jo Daly and Jim Foster, representing the Alice B. Toklas Democratic Committee, attended the Democratic National Convention in New York. She was the first out lesbian to do so. Despite the excitement about Democrats heading towards a win, Gay people were upset at the removal of the gay rights plank from the Democratic Platform to avoid ‘controversy.’ Gay delegates organized a protest outside of the convention hall while Jo and Jim registered their disappointment to other delegates inside the convention. The ‘Conspiracy of Silence’ suppressing advocacy for gay rights on the national political level continued to be a pervasive stance of the Democratic Party during this era. 1977: Jo Daly and her longtime partner, Nancy Achilles, had commitment ceremony in garden of now Senator Dianne Feinstein, at her invitation. Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin stood up for the couple. c. 1978: Jo was the first out lesbian appointed to SF Human rights Commission. 1980‐1986, and on the San Francisco Police Commission, appointed by Mayor Dianne Feinstein. 1970s to her death in 1997, Jo was a strong proponent and vocal activist for legalization of medical marijuana and its effectiveness especially for people with AIDS and cancer. She died of cancer, first diagnosed in c.1985.
Honored by Linda Wells |
