Frank Kameny who coined the term "Gay is Good" was found dead yesterday on National Coming Out Day. Details and reactions from LGBT rights groups after the jump.

Kameny, a Harvard PhD who was fired from his federal government job for being gay more than a half a century ago, lived to see his years of ardent activism shift the landscape for gays across the nation:

• Known as one of the early leaders of pushing for gays to be able to openly serve in the military.
• Fought back for the rights of gay people to hold federal jobs; his signs he protested with in front of the White House were on display in the Smithsonian Institution.
• Co-founder of the Mattachine Society of Washington
• Led many battles to fight discrimination being the first to stage gay rights protests on federal grounds.

Thank you, Frank for all you have done. We wouldn't have made it this far without you. And, yes, "Gay is Good!"

Here are some words from national LGBT organizations:

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force:

“The death of Frank Kameny is a profound loss and he will be greatly missed. No Washington LGBT event or White House meeting was complete without Frank. Yet, he never slowed down in demanding what should be, showing us what was possible and pushing for the very equality and liberation we are still fighting for. As the history books are written on the LGBT movement, no doubt Frank's life will serve as an inspiration to those who will never have the honor of meeting him, but who embody the very future he knew would come true one day. Indeed, Frank, Gay is Good.”

American Foundation for Equal Rights:

"President of AFER’s board of directors, Chad Griffin, released the following statement about Mr. Kameny and the long legacy of hope and optimism he leaves behind, "America has lost a hero today. Out and proud, Frank Kameny was fighting for equality long before the rest of us knew we could." He added, "Because there was one Frank Kameny, trailblazing and honest enough to speak out 50 years ago, there are now millions of Americans, coming out, speaking out and fighting for their basic civil rights. His is a legacy of bravery and tremendous impact and will live on in the hearts and minds of every American who values equality and justice."

GLAAD:

"Frank Kameny sparked national change and set the example for gay and lesbian Americans to live their lives openly and proudly," said Mike Thompson, Acting President of GLAAD. "He taught us the power that our visibility and stories have in changing hearts and minds. Today on National Coming Out Day, we honor Frank's legacy not only by remembering this pioneer, but by continuing his work to speak out and share our own stories."

(Source and image source: Washington Post)

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