Lesbian Edith 'Edie' Windsor, who fought and won a landmark US Equality ruling in 2013, paving the way for LGBT marriage, passed away yesterday at the age of 88.
Edie had lived with her life-partner Thea Spyer for 40 years, before finally being able to marry each other in Canada,in 2007. When Thea passed away in 2009,the Fedreral Government, who did not recognise their marriage, demanded Edith pay $363,000 in inheritance tax.
In deep grief after losing the love of her life, Edie decided to sue the Government for failing to give her the same protection afforded to married heterosexuals, who were not expected to pay such taxes on the death of their partner.
In 2013, Edie won a Landmark Ruling, which overturned Section 3 of the 'Defense of Marriage Act' which paved the way for Marriage Equality in America.
Many have been tribute to Edie Windsor today, including President Clinton, who said:
"In standing up for herself, Edie also stood up for millions of Americans and their rights. May she rest in peace".
Who was Edie Windsor?
Born in Philadelphia in 1929, Edie was a gifted individual, who,after gaining a Masters degree in Mathematics, became one of the few women to work for IBM in the 1950's.
She met Dutch born psychologist Thea Spyer in the 1960s and the couple set up home together in Greenwich Village. Despite Edie becomingthe Senior System Programmer, IBM refused to accept her naming of Thea as her sole beneficiary.
This type of discrimination, and the Stonewall Riots inspired the couple to become LGBT Activists, taking part in regular marches and events.
As President Obama said today "Few were as small in stature as Edie Windsor - and few made as big a difference to America".
For breaking down barriers and paving the way for marriage equality in America - we salute you Edie Windsor.
