Trailblazing Minnesota State Senator Allan Spear Has Died
“Spear knocked down barriers and had an untold influence on the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese.
WASHINGTON – Allan Spear, who served as a Minnesota State Senator for nearly 30 years, eight of them as president of the Senate, has died at age 71. Spear was the first openly gay state legislator and one of the first openly gay elected officials in the nation.
“By living honestly and authentically, Allan Spear knocked down barriers and had an untold influence on the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “Spear’s courageous decision to come out inspired both LGBT and straight Americans, and today, openly LGBT individuals running and winning elected office across the country can walk on the road that he paved.”
Spear’s decision to publicly announce that he was gay made headlines nationally. Today, there are approximately 400 openly LGBT state legislators nationwide.
“Allan Spear served his district, state and country with honor and dignity, and he has a rightful place among the pioneers of the LGBT community,” said Solmonese.
The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.