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Ruth Simpson
( March 15, 1926 - May 8, 2008)
We lost a pioneer. Ruth Simpson, the founder of
the United States' first lesbian community center and
author of From the Closet to the Cour
ts
(a must read published in 1977 and republished in
2007), died on May 8, 2008 in Woodstock, New York, where
she lived with her partner of 37 years, Ellen Povill.
We had the honor of meeting Ruth and Ellen at their home
in Woodstock in September of 1986. We had just
read Ruth's book and contacted her through her
publisher. Amazingly, she wrote back. Over
time, they invited us to stay with them and even made a
"Midwestern" dinner in our honor. We will never
forget it. I still remember how honored we felt
when they ushered us into their guest room, which also
served as their office. I remember sneaking a peak
at their rolodex, which was sitting on the desk.
They had the names of those pioneers who literally
and figuratively stood between the police and the rest
of the community, who put themselves out there for all
of us. These were women who actually fought, who
led the way for us - some of us, at least - to get
married, to have/adopt children, to have domestic
partner benefits, etc. We're talking names like
Ti-Grace Atkinson and Flo Kennedy. The First Power
Lesbians. Ruth and Ellen were and remain our
inspiration. If it wasn't for knowing them, Alpha
World Press would not exist.
Ruth and Ellen produced a weekly, hour-long program called "Minority Report". She planned to interview us both on the show, but Tracey sobered up too fast and chickened out at the last minute. These two women - Ruth Simpson and Ellen Povill were some of the nicest people we'd ever met. To Ellen: We wish you peace and comfort. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. To Ruth: We carry you in our hearts always and accept the torch you have handed us. Rest in peace, dear Ruth.
