Longtime LGBTQ+ advocate, writer, and political advisor David Mixner passed away on Monday at 77 years old because of complications from COVID-19’s lasting effects.
But before he passed away, the always-involved symbol surrounded himself with friends, chosen family, and a cause. He had supported allowing LGBTQ+ individuals to serve in the military and same-sex marriage, but his final desire was to safeguard the future of the community.
“In typical David style, he was an activist till the very end,” friend Kevin Wells wrote to Mixner’s colleagues and acquaintances. “As David’s health declined, it was his final wish that his passing be used to continue his life’s work of activism and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community.”
“Over the years, he worked closely with the Ali Forney Center whose goal is to support and protect LGBTQ+ youth from the hazards of homelessness. David raised over one million dollars in support of this incredible goal.
“Before David passed he brought together a group of close friends to create the David Mixner Memorial in support of the Ali Forney Center,” Wells continued. “These past few weeks, with a mix of laughter and tears, it has been an honor to support David’s vision for his legacy. I can think of no better way to honor the impact of David Mixner than through activism and philanthropy.”
Mixner’s anecdotes, history, and role in shaping the modern movement have often been disregarded in favor of the politicians and activists he supported. For instance, Mixner assisted Harvey Milk in being elected to San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors in 1977.
In 1991, he co-established the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund (now called the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund), the first national organization to actively support queer political candidates. He believed queer politicians would help the government respond more urgently to the LGBTQ+ community’s needs.
The following year, Mixner led LGBTQ+ fundraising for then-presidential candidate Bill Clinton and became the first openly gay public advocate for any presidential campaign. Mixner later publicly criticized Clinton’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” ban on LGBTQ+ military service members and was arrested in front of the White House during a July 19, 1993, march against the policy.
Mixner helped arrange the October 2009 National Equality March for LGBTQ+ rights in Washington, D.C. In 2017, he staged his play, 1969, and in 2018, his one-man show Who Fell into The Outhouse? raised over $175,000 for the Ali Forney Center.
And now, Mixner’s backing for the center has come full circle. Even in death, the LGBTQ+ symbol is trying his best to support the youth who need it most.
“His passing will echo for generations as we navigate this challenging time for the LGBTQ+ community without his leadership and advocacy. He will be deeply missed,” Wells said.
You can donate at this page set up in Mixner’s honor.
Services for Mixner will be held on March 25 at the Church of St. Paul the Apostle in New York City.
