Supervisor Mandelmann champions landmark status for Lyon Martin House on Lesbian Visibility Day
April 26, 2021 | San Francisco County, California
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In a significant move for LGBTQ history and recognition, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors convened on July 4, 2025, to discuss the landmark designation of the Lyon Martin House, located at 651 Duncan Street. This historic site, once home to pioneering lesbian rights activists Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin, is set to become the first landmark in the city specifically associated with the lesbian community.
Supervisor Rafael Mandelmann, the primary sponsor of the ordinance, emphasized the importance of the house, which served as a hub for LGBTQ activism and community gatherings for over 50 years. Lyon and Martin, who co-founded the Daughters of Bilitis—the first lesbian political organization in the United States—used their home to host meetings and events that fostered a sense of belonging and empowerment within the community. The couple made history as the first same-sex couple to legally marry in San Francisco in 2004.
The Historic Preservation Commission had previously recommended the designation, recognizing the house's cultural and historical significance. The designation is particularly poignant as it coincides with Lesbian Visibility Day, marking a moment of reflection on the contributions of LGBTQ activists. The house not only represents a personal sanctuary for Lyon and Martin but also stands as a symbol of progress and love in a time when such expressions were often met with hostility.
Community support for the landmarking has been robust, with various organizations, including the GLBT Historical Society and the Friends of the Lyon Martin House, advocating for its preservation. The current property owners, who were initially unaware of the house's historical significance, have expressed their commitment to honoring Lyon and Martin's legacy.
The meeting also featured public comments from advocates and community members, all echoing the sentiment that the Lyon Martin House deserves recognition as a vital part of both women's history and LGBTQ rights. The designation is seen as a crucial step in addressing the historical underrepresentation of LGBTQ sites in preservation efforts.
As the Board of Supervisors prepares to finalize the landmark designation, the community looks forward to celebrating this milestone, which not only honors the past but also inspires future generations to continue the fight for equality and recognition.
Supervisor Rafael Mandelmann, the primary sponsor of the ordinance, emphasized the importance of the house, which served as a hub for LGBTQ activism and community gatherings for over 50 years. Lyon and Martin, who co-founded the Daughters of Bilitis—the first lesbian political organization in the United States—used their home to host meetings and events that fostered a sense of belonging and empowerment within the community. The couple made history as the first same-sex couple to legally marry in San Francisco in 2004.
The Historic Preservation Commission had previously recommended the designation, recognizing the house's cultural and historical significance. The designation is particularly poignant as it coincides with Lesbian Visibility Day, marking a moment of reflection on the contributions of LGBTQ activists. The house not only represents a personal sanctuary for Lyon and Martin but also stands as a symbol of progress and love in a time when such expressions were often met with hostility.
Community support for the landmarking has been robust, with various organizations, including the GLBT Historical Society and the Friends of the Lyon Martin House, advocating for its preservation. The current property owners, who were initially unaware of the house's historical significance, have expressed their commitment to honoring Lyon and Martin's legacy.
The meeting also featured public comments from advocates and community members, all echoing the sentiment that the Lyon Martin House deserves recognition as a vital part of both women's history and LGBTQ rights. The designation is seen as a crucial step in addressing the historical underrepresentation of LGBTQ sites in preservation efforts.
As the Board of Supervisors prepares to finalize the landmark designation, the community looks forward to celebrating this milestone, which not only honors the past but also inspires future generations to continue the fight for equality and recognition.
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