Sullivan (1951–1991), first openly gay trans man whose work is responsible for the understanding that sexual orientation and gender identity are distinct and unrelated concepts. Andy Thayer (Born 1960) is an American socialist and gay rights activist, and co-founder of the Gay Liberation Network Urvashi Vaid (1958–2022) is an Indian-American activist who has worked for over 25 years promoting civil rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons. Phill Wilson (born 1956, Chicago, Illinois), co-founder of the National Black Lesbian & Gay Leadership Forum and founder of The Black AIDS Institute. Evan Wolfson (born 1957), the founder and president of Freedom to Marry, a group favoring same-sex marriage in the United States. William E. Woods (1949–2008), a gay rights activist in Hawaii who in 1991 set in motion the legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States. Chely Wright (born 1970, Wellsville, Kansas), first openly lesbian country music singer; focused on serving as a role model and mentor for children and teens in order to reduce gay related suicides in children. Kiyoshi Kuromiya (1943–2000), author and civil rights, anti-war, gay liberation, and HIV/AIDS activist. See also List of LGBT rights organizations References Further reading LGBT rights activists Activists