Tributes have poured in for Andrew Lumsden, a pioneering LGBTQ+ rights activist who passed away at the age of 82. Lumsden, a tireless advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, began his activism journey in the 1960s when he passionately called for the decriminalisation of homosexuality. His impactful legacy includes being a key organizer of the very first Pride in London march in 1972, where he played a vital role as a member of the Gay Liberation Front and as the founder of Gay News.
Throughout his adult life, Lumsden dedicated himself to the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, earning the respect and admiration of fellow activists. Queer Tours of London, where Lumsden served as a tour guide, expressed their deep sadness at his passing. Renowned LGBTQ+ activist Peter Tatchell fondly remembered Lumsden as a “friend, comrade, HERO!” on social media.
The news of Andrew Lumsden’s death left LGBTQ+ activist Jason Jones “utterly devastated.” Jones emphasized the immeasurable contributions Lumsden made to the LGBTQ+ equality movement, describing him as a dear friend whose advice and counsel were highly valued. Jones bid farewell with the heartfelt words, “Rest in power dear Andrew and see you somewhere over the rainbow.”
ACT UP London, an HIV activism organization, paid tribute to Lumsden as an “Iconic LGBTQ+ Activist” and a pioneer of the Gay Liberation Front. They noted his kind-hearted nature and mourned the great loss to the LGBTQ+ community. Stef Dickers, special collections and archives manager at Bishopsgate Institute, expressed the team’s sorrow, stating that it was always a joy to have Lumsden at the Institute.
Tony Bird, a friend of Lumsden for 30 years, described him as an eternal inspiration with a perpetual twinkle in his eye, underscoring the profound impact Lumsden had on the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
In the wake of Andrew Lumsden’s passing, the LGBTQ+ community remembers a true champion and tireless advocate for equal rights, whose legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.