SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Aaron Belkin, director of the Palm Center, today issued the following statement about the death of Urvashi Vaid, a trailblazing LGBTQ activist, author, and progressive strategist:

“I am devastated at the news of Urvashi Vaid’s passing. She was a brave, kind, and generous pioneer, whose brilliant and tireless work pushed our community to take a more active role in achieving equality not only for LGBTQ people but for everyone. She was an important force behind the birth of the Palm Center, helping inspire its founding after urging the creation of more LGBTQ think tanks to counter the flood of misinformation from well-funded opponents, and she remained a trusted advisor in the effort to end discrimination in military service. Because of Urvashi, LGBTQ service members, couples, parents, and individuals of every gender identity enjoy a little more space to be themselves. Our movement and our nation owe her a debt of gratitude. She will be sorely missed, but her inspiration lives on.”