Family Equality Mourns the Passing of LGBTQ+ Activist Urvashi Vaid

Alongside all those deeply touched by legendary activist Urvashi Vaid, Family Equality vows to honor her memory through action


Washington, D.C.— This weekend, Family Equality joins our movement partners, community members, family, and friends in mourning the loss of legendary activist, attorney, author, and dear friend of Family Equality, Urvashi Vaid. 

A fearless and influential visionary with more than four decades of experience leading, organizing, writing, and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, civil rights, women’s rights, anti-war efforts, immigration justice, and more, Urvashi was a true example of what it means to be an outspoken change-maker. Her dedication shaped this movement from the early days of the AIDS pandemic all the way to the present day, and she will continue to have a lasting legacy on our work for current and future LGBTQ+ families. 

Our thoughts are with all those that call her family: her partner, Kate Clinton, Alok Vaid-Menon, and every community member touched by her kindness and commitment to creating a better world. 

As Urvashi once said, “Equality is a fine aspiration. It is simply not enough.” Today, we commit to honoring Urvashi’s memory through action by striving to achieve not only equality but full liberation for all people. 


About Family Equality

Family Equality advances legal and lived equality for LGBTQ+ families, and for those who wish to form them, through building community, changing hearts and minds, and driving policy change. Family Equality believes every LGBTQ+ person should have the right and opportunity to form and sustain a loving family, regardless of who they are or where they live. Learn more at familyequality.org.

# # #

Press Contact

Anna Libertin,
Chief Communications Officer/
646-880-3005 ext. 157
communications@familyequality.org