Cheryl Spector facts for kids

Cheryl Ann Spector (February 3, 1958 – September 4, 2007) was an important activist. She worked to support the rights of people in the diverse community of individuals with different sexual orientations and gender identities. She lived in Arlington, Virginia.

Who Was Cheryl Ann Spector?

Early Life and Education

Cheryl Ann Spector was born in Lakewood Township, New Jersey. She grew up in Toms River, New Jersey. She went to Toms River High School North. Cheryl had plans to study Spanish in college. She wanted to become a Spanish teacher.

She attended American University. Later, she worked in broadcast television. She also did public affairs work for nonprofit groups. In 2000, she became an executive secretary at the Central Intelligence Agency.

Her Faith Journey

Cheryl was raised in the Jewish faith. Later, she was baptized as a Christian. She continued to celebrate both religions. She attended services at the Metropolitan Community Church of Washington. She also went to Bet Mishpachah. Both of these religious communities welcomed people of all backgrounds.

Why She Became an Activist

A Personal Motivation

Cheryl became an activist after a difficult time in her life. Her brother, Stanley, was diagnosed with a serious health condition. He passed away in October 1985. This experience deeply motivated Cheryl to help others.

Joining Important Marches

She started by volunteering at the Marches on Washington. These were large events in 1987 and 1993. People gathered to support civil rights and equality. In 1998, she was a grand marshal in the D.C. Gay Pride Parade. This is a big celebration for the community.

Her Work as an Activist

Helping Others Stay Healthy

In the late 1980s, Cheryl helped start a group called Oppression Under Target. This group provided health information and resources to women. In 1990, she worked with ACT-UP. They worked to prevent the spread of serious health conditions.

Community Leadership and Support

Cheryl was very involved in many organizations. She served on the board of directors for the Rainbow History Project. This group works to preserve the history of the diverse community. She also worked with other groups in the Washington, D.C. area. These included the Arlington Gay and Lesbian Alliance and Capital Pride. She was also part of the Mautner Project. This project supports the health of women.

Other groups she helped were the Max Robinson Center of the Whitman-Walker Clinic. She also supported the Human Rights Campaign. This group works for equal rights. She was involved with Servicemembers Legal Defense Network. This group helped people in the military. She also supported the Reel Affirmations film festival. This festival shows films about the diverse community.

Recognition and Legacy

Awards for Her Service

In 2004, Cheryl received a special award. The Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance, Inc. (GLAA) gave her the "Distinguished Service Award." This award recognized her hard work and dedication.

Just before she passed away, the Mautner Project planned to honor her. They wanted to give her their "Unsung Hero Award." This award is for people who do great work but might not always get public attention. Her sister accepted the award for her.

Capturing History Through Photos

Cheryl was also known for her photography. She took many pictures of events and people in the D.C. community. This included the first candlelight vigil for a serious health condition in 1983. Sadly, many of her photos and videos were lost in an apartment fire. She had wanted to give her materials to the Rainbow History Project. They later worked to save and restore the remaining items.

Guest on a Radio Show

Cheryl was also an occasional guest on a radio show. It was called Don and Mike Show in Washington, D.C. She would often report on pride events in the area.

Her Passing

Cheryl Ann Spector passed away on September 4, 2007. She died from a serious illness called myeloid leukemia. Her work as an activist helped many people. She made a lasting difference in her community.