WASHINGTON– The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, today is saddened by the loss of longtime Boston mayor and marriage equality supporter Tom Menino. The city's longest serving mayor, Menino had been battling cancer for several months.

"Mayor Tom Menino was a stalwart champion of LGBT Bostonians throughout his decades of service," said HRC President Chad Griffin. "His family is in our thoughts, and we'll never forget his tremendous legacy."

The late mayor was a tireless advocate for LGBT equality and full inclusion throughout his entire tenure. He was the first Boston Mayor to march in the annual Pride parade, and served as an outspoken champion for marriage equality. He inspired participants at HRC's annual gala and other major LGBT events in the community. He refused to march in the annual St. Patrick's Day parade because of the parade organizer's anti-LGBT policies, and spoke out against Chik-fil-A's anti-equality positions. He worked to ensure that Boston’s public schools are welcoming of LGBT youth, and worked to improve the lives of people living with HIV. Mayor Menino set a high bar for his colleagues and for future allies and leaders.

The late mayor is survived by his wife Angela Faletra and his children, Susan and Thomas Jr.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. HRC envisions a world where LGBT people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.

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