Pat Norman (activist) facts for kids

Pat Norman (born Pat Richardson, October 21, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York, died August 5, 2022) was an important American activist. She worked hard for the rights of women, African American people, and the LGBT community. She helped many people and made a big difference in her community.

Pat Norman's Career

Early Work and Support for Families

In 1971, Pat Norman helped start the Lesbian Mothers Union. This group was later called Lesbian Mothers and Friends. It helped mothers who were openly gay. At that time, children were sometimes taken away from parents just because they were gay. The group offered support and helped with these difficult situations.

From 1972 to 1979, Pat Norman worked as a counselor. She was at the Center for Special Problems. Here, she created new ways to help people from different communities with their mental health. She also trained over 300 health workers. She taught them how to understand and support the needs of LGBTQ+ people.

Working for Health and Equality

Pat Norman was the first openly gay person to work for the San Francisco Health Department. She worked there from 1978 to 1987. She created a special job called Coordinator of Lesbian/Gay Health Services. In this role, she served the gay and lesbian community in San Francisco.

In 1982, a serious health crisis called AIDS began. Pat Norman helped the Health Department respond to this new challenge. Her work became very important during this time.

She also made history as the first openly lesbian African-American person on the San Francisco Police Commission. This was a big step for representation in government.

Pat Norman in Media

Pat Norman's life and work were shown in a TV show. She was played by the famous actress Whoopi Goldberg. This happened in the docuseries When We Rise, which came out in 2017. The show was about the history of LGBT rights.

Pat Norman's Activism

Fighting for Rights and Justice

Pat Norman was a strong voice for change throughout her life.

• In 1971, she helped create the Lesbian Mothers Union. This group supported lesbian mothers. It helped them keep their children when society was not always accepting.
• From 1972 to 1979, she worked as a Community Mental Health Worker. She helped people in San Francisco with their mental well-being.
• From 1979 to 1987, she was the Coordinator for Lesbian/Gay Health Services. She helped the city respond to the AIDS epidemic.
• In the 1980s, Pat Norman was a leader in the fight against apartheid. Apartheid was a system of racial segregation and discrimination in South Africa.
• In 1980, she spoke at the First Black Lesbian Conference. She shared her own experiences. She talked about how unfair treatment could divide people. She also spoke about the challenges faced by African American lesbians.

Political Involvement and Marches

• In 1984, she became the first openly lesbian person to run for San Francisco city supervisor. This is a local government position. She also helped lead a rally in California for peace, jobs, and justice.
• In 1987, she helped organize the Second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. This was a large march for equal rights.
• In 1988, she was a delegate for Jesse Jackson at the Democratic National Convention. She also helped lead another rally for peace, jobs, and justice.
• In 1990, she helped organize a welcome committee for Nelson Mandela in the United States. Mandela was a famous leader who fought against apartheid.
• In 1991, she was chosen to be part of the California State Democratic Party Central Committee. This is a political group.
• In 1991, she worked with the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC). This group works for human rights around the world.
• In 1992, Pat Norman and her partner Karen appeared on billboards in San Francisco. This was part of a campaign against unfair treatment. It was sponsored by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.
• In 1994, Norman was a co-chair for "Stonewall 25." This was a big march for Lesbian and Gay Rights. It took place in New York City and went to the United Nations.

Awards and Recognition

Pat Norman received many awards for her important work. These awards recognized her dedication and contributions to her community.

• In 1987, she was honored by the San Francisco Chapter of the National Organization for Women.
• In May 1990, she received the Community Achievement Award from the Harvey Milk Lesbian and Gay Democratic Club.
• In May 1997, she got an award from the Mobilization Against AIDS.
• In 1998, she received a Certificate of Appreciation. This was for her work as President of the Police Commission.
• She also received a Certificate of Honor from the Board of Supervisors in 1998.
• In 2001, she got a Certificate of Recognition from the California State Assembly.
• In 2003, the Native American AIDS Project gave her a Certificate of Appreciation.
• In 2007, Pat Norman received the San Francisco Pride's Lifetime Achievement Award. She was also the Grand Marshall for the San Francisco Pride Parade that year. This is a great honor.

She also received awards from many other groups. These included Ms. magazine, The Bay Area Women's Leadership Forum, and Mayors Dianne Feinstein and Art Agnos. Other groups that honored her were the National Coalition of Black Lesbians and Gays and Physicians for Human Rights.

Organizations Pat Norman Joined

Pat Norman was a member of many important organizations. She worked with these groups to make a difference:

• California State Democratic Party Central Committee
• AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP)
• Women's AIDS Network
• National Gay Task Force
• Lesbian Rights Project
• Human Rights Foundation
• Community United Against Violence
• Larkin Street Youth Center
• State Community Planning Working Group
• San Francisco Black Coalition on AIDS

See also

• Activism
• LGBT activism
• LGBT culture in San Francisco
• Lesbian American history
• Human Rights Activists