Nation

Equality-focused organizations honor Aimee Stephens

By Ryan Williams-Jent
(Above image from ACLU’s Twitter)

Equality-focused organizations honored Aimee Stephens’ legacy following her death at age 59 May 12, reflecting on her activism and looking ahead to the U.S. Supreme Court battle over transgender rights at which she was the center.

Stephens worked as the R.G. and G.R. Harris Funeral Home director in Garden City, Michigan until 2013 when she was fired for coming out. The court heard arguments in her case last October to determine if Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects transgender workers such as herself nationwide, with a decision expected by late June.

“With heavy hearts, we must share the news that Aimee Stephens, whose landmark case was the first case about the civil rights of transgender people to be heard by the Supreme Court, died today at her home in Detroit with her wife, Donna Stephens, at her side,” the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) shared via social media. “She was 59.”

“Those who met Aimee Stephens know that her power was in her humbleness and sincerity,” the legal organization continued. “She has been an inspiration to millions of people around the world.”

Sharing a video featuring Stephens’ fight, they added that “More than anything, this is what we hope you’ll listen to today: Aimee Stephens’ fight for trans rights, the moment she realized how many people were behind her in this fight, and why we should never give up, in her own words. You can read their tribute and watch the video below:

“Aimee Stephens will be remembered as a trailblazer,” the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) reflected. “We owe her immense gratitude for her bravery in fighting for the rights of LGBTQ people to live as our authentic selves at work and in every aspect of our lives.”

“The LGBTQ community owes Aimee Stephens our deepest gratitude for her bravery in standing up for the right of LGBTQ people to live as ourselves,” HRC President Alphonso David added. “We share our condolences with all of her friends & family, and especially her wife, Donna Stephens.”

“It is heartbreaking that Aimee Stephens will not get to witness the coming of that promised land for transgender people in this country,” Lambda Legal CEO Kevin Jennings noted, “but her life will not be in vain.” The organization also shared video of her address at the Supreme Court, thanking her for fighting for equality.

https://twitter.com/LambdaLegal/status/1260323154423017472

“Your fight will not be for naught, Aimee,” the National Center for Transgender Equality shared. “We at @TransEquality will fight on to ensure all #trans people have the rights and protections given to them under the Constitution.”

“It is heartbreaking that Aimee Stephens has passed away before the resolution of her historic case, which is the culmination of decades of federal case law holding that Title VII protects transgender workers,” National Center for Lesbian Rights Shannon Minter’s statement reads. “No matter how her case is resolved, Aimee will be remembered as a central figure who helped to humanize transgender people and to highlight the discrimination faced by many transgender workers.”

“As we wait for a decision by the Supreme Court, we hope more than ever that they honor Aimee’s life by ruling on the side of dignity, respect, and fairness for all LGBTQ Americans,” Equality Florida shared. “Our love and thoughts go out to Aimee’s wife Donna during this difficult time. Rest in Power, Aimee.”

Former Vice President Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee for president, also reflected on the loss. Donald Trump’s administration argued that Title VII does not protect LGBTQ workers.

“Dr. Jill Biden and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Aimee Stephens,” the vice president shared via social media. “We send our deepest condolences to her wife, Donna, and her family. Aimee’s spirit and courage will not only be her legacy but our guiding light as we carry on her fight for equality.”

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