Fearless

Class of 72 - Tom Robinson, Stuart Feather, Mair Twissell, Roz Kaveney, Peter Tatchell, Andrew Lumsden, Ted Brown, Nettie Pollard

In the history of human rights in this country, there are many people who could be described as "pioneers" - William Wilberforce and his fellow abolitionists in the Georgian era, Emmeline Pankhurst and the Suffragettes, campaigners against the criminalisation of homosexuality Havelock Ellis and Edward Carpenter, and so on. 

In the modern era, the baton of the latter pioneers passed to a small but vocal group of "annoyed gayers" who fought on and made a significant impact on our society.

Among those (as featured in the photo above), the fantabulosa Andrew Lumsden shone through...

From his obituary by James Lucas:

[We have] lost a true pioneer with the passing of Andrew Lumsden. An unwavering champion of gay rights, Andrew dedicated his life to advocating for equality and justice... He recognised the need for change and was unafraid to stand up and be counted. His tireless efforts have inspired countless individuals to join the fight for equality.

In the late 1960s, Andrew was instrumental in establishing the Gay Liberation Front (GLF), a groundbreaking organization that fought for gay rights and acceptance. The GLF played a pivotal role in the early days of the LGBTQ+ rights movement and set the stage for future activism... [in particular] his role as one of the founders of Pride. Pride events, celebrated worldwide, have become symbols of unity, acceptance, and the ongoing struggle for equal rights. Andrew’s vision for Pride has empowered generations to continue the fight.

Another testament to Andrew’s unwavering commitment was his role as the founder of Gay News. This groundbreaking publication provided a platform for LGBTQ+ voices, stories, and issues. It was a pioneering source of information and support during a time when discrimination and prejudice were prevalent. Andrew’s... fearless activism, dedication to social justice, and advocacy for equal rights have paved the way for the progress we see today. His work has changed the lives of countless individuals.

The LGBTQ+ community and the broader fight for equality have lost a true hero with the passing of Andrew Lumsden. His legacy is a testament to the power of activism and the enduring struggle for equal rights. As we remember his extraordinary contributions, we also recognize the importance of continuing the work he began, ensuring that his vision of a more inclusive and equal world becomes a reality.

RIP Andrew Lumsden, a remarkable man.