Distinguished Service Award to Deacon Maccubbin

Presented by GLAA Treasurer Bob Summersgill

GLAA 33rd Anniversary Reception
Radisson Barcelo Hotel
Tuesday, April 20, 2004

Deacon Maccubbin became a gay rights activist 35 years ago in 1969.

Through his activism, community building and his ownership of the Lambda Rising chain of bookstores, he has never stopped serving the community.

In the 1970's he was arrested with others from GAA at sit-ins protesting police entrapment. His protests and civil disobedience continued during the 1980's in response to federal inaction on AIDS research and funding with an arrest at the White House, and in the 1990's in response to Clinton's signing the Defense of Marriage Act.

Deacon played important roles in the reform of D.C.'s sodomy law, passage of the D.C. Human Rights Act, and a host of other issues.

A recent issue that Deacon has not allowed to falter has been making domestic partners insurance available for small businesses. Until recently, only large businesses in D.C. have been able to cover domestic partners. Now Carefirst Blue Cross makes that available to any size business or organization. GLAA will of course work to make sure that is available from all insurers.

Deacon is best known as the owner of the Lambda Rising bookstores. At first just a shelf of books at Earthworks, a smoke shop, the business has grown into a chain. Lambda Rising has functioned as a de facto community center and a must-visit site for gay tourists and people just coming out.

Through Lambda Rising, Deacon created the first annual D.C. Gay Pride celebration in June 1975; the first gay youth support group in D.C.; and the gay switchboard. Even the first gay TV ad to run on local stations was for Lambda Rising.

In the past year, Deacon has saved the Oscar Wilde Bookshop in New York City from closing. Founded in 1967, it is the oldest gay bookstore in the world. Competition from mainstream bookstores and the internet has driven many specialty bookstores out of business, but now as a part of the Lambda Rising chain, it will hopefully will be profitable enough to keep open.

He has been a model business leader and community activist. It is my great pleasure to present the Distinguished Service Award to Deacon Maccubbin.