WASHINGTON—Today, Larry Kramer passed away. Kramer was an award-winning playwright, author, filmmaker, and LGBTQ+ rights activist known for co-founding the Gay Men’s Health Crisis and ACT UP. Brian K. Bond, Executive Director of PFLAG National issued the following statement:

“In his lifetime, Larry Kramer urged us forward, made us pay attention, and made us take action. His work turned the tide on the AIDS epidemic and forced the uncomfortable recognition that pandemic does not discriminate, people do. He helped raise awareness about HIV and AIDS, and demonstrated in no uncertain terms that the lives of LGBTQ+ people matter. As someone living with HIV, I am personally grateful for his voice. 

At a time when we again face a public health crisis due to a pandemic, PFLAG turns to Larry’s example of courage. We call on our leaders to take necessary steps that will save lives and protect all people. While Larry has passed on, his voice, his words, and his urgency to act live on.”

Photo Credit: Playwright Larry Kramer (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

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PFLAG is the first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies. With over 400 chapters and 200,000 members and supporters crossing multiple generations of families in major urban centers, small cities, and rural areas across America, PFLAG is committed to creating a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed. To learn more, visit pflagchapters.wpenginepowered.com, like us on Facebook (/pflag), or follow us on Twitter (@pflag) or Instagram (@pflag).