Activism takes different forms, from marching in the streets and speaking on behalf of marginalized people to influencing others. LGBTQ activist Barbara May Cameron dedicated her life to changing the way the world viewed members of this community. But was she lucky enough to find love? If so, who was Barbara May Cameron's wife?
Barbara May Cameron was a Native American photographer, writer, poet, and human rights activist. She rose to fame for activism in various sectors, including women's rights, gay/lesbian rights, and Native American rights. In May 2023, she was honoured as a historical figure with a Google Doodle .
Barbara May Cameron's profile summary
| Full name | Barbara May Cameron |
| Nickname | Barbara Cameron |
| Gender | Female |
| Date of birth | 22nd May 1954 |
| Date of death | 12th February 2002 |
| Age at death | 47 years old |
| Zodiac sign | Gemini |
| Place of birth | Fort Yates, North Dakota, United States |
| Place of death | San Francisco, California, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Hunkpapa Lakota |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Sexuality | Lesbian |
| Relationship status | In a relationship |
| Partner | Linda Boyd-Durkee |
| Children | One (Rhys Cameron Boyd-Farrell) |
| School | Institute of American Indian |
| College | San Francisco Art Institute. |
| Profession | Native American photographer, writer, poet, and human rights activist |
Who was Barbara May Cameron?
She was an acclaimed American activist. Barbara was born on 22nd May 1954 in Fort Yates, North Dakota. She was a Hunkpapa Lakota from the Fort Yates band of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Her grandparents raised her on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, North Dakota.
She earned her early and high school education on the reservation. Afterwards, she joined the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, to further her education in photography and film. She relocated to San Francisco to attend the San Francisco Art Institute in 1973.
What was Barbara May Cameron famous for?
Barbara was famous for her career and activism ventures. She bagged the media and theatre arts awards in photography and movie-making. Unfortunately, her screenplay, Long Time, no See, remained unfinished at her death.
She co-founded the Gay American Indians (GAI) with a Northern Paiute, Randy Burns, in 1975. It was the first Gay American Indian liberation organization in the world. The aim was to support people of colour within the LGBTQ+ community.
Between 1980 and 1985, May organized the Lesbian Gay Freedom Daye Parade and Celebration. Away from activism, she was an acclaimed writer. Her papers are held at the San Francisco Public Library by the James Hormel LGBTQIA Center.
She made profound writing contributions such as:
- 1981 - Barbara contributed to This Bridge Called My Back: Writings by Radical Women of Color.
- 1982 - She wrote Gee, You Don't Seem Like an Indian from the Reservation. The article analyzed topics like racism and homophobia from the inside and outside perspectives of the Native American community.
- 1983 - May contributed to the landmark collection A Gathering of Spirit: A Collection of Writing and Art by North American Indian Women.
- Her essay, No Apologies: A Lakota Lesbian Perspective, was included in New Our Right to Love: A Lesbian Resource Book (1996).
Over the years, she held various leadership positions including:
- Vice president of the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club
- Co-chair for Lesbian Agenda for Action
- Delegate for Jesse Jackson's Rainbow Coalition to the Democratic National Convention
- Appointed to the Citizens Committee on Community Development and the San Francisco Human Rights Commission by then-San Francisco Mayor Dianne Feinstein
- Appointed to serve on the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women by the next mayor, Frank Jordan
- Executive director of Community United Against Violence (CUAV)
- Served on the board of directors for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the American Indian AIDS Institute
- Served as a consultant to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
Barbara was the founder of the Institute on Native American Health and Wellness. Her debut project with the institute was publishing the works of Native American women writers
Honour and accolades
In her career and activism, she received the following accolades:
- 1992 - She received the Harvey Milk Award for Community Service
- 1993 - She was the first recipient of the Bay Area Career Women Community Service Award
- May 2023 - she was honoured with a Google Doodle
Was Barbara May Cameron's wife Linda Boyd?
Her wife was not Linda because the duo never tied the knot. However, they were in a relationship for 21 years. The duo raised a son, Rhys Cameron Boyd-Farrell.
During her Google commemoration, Barbara May Cameron's partner, Linda, had nice things to say about her over two-decade-long spouse. She stated:
People know the serious side of Barbara because she was serious about justice, serious about the civil rights and safety of native people, of lesbian and gay people, of women. But she had her playful side and the most tender heart.
Cameron's cause of death and legacy
What was the cause of Barbara May Cameron's death? The American writer died of a natural cause at her home. She passed away on 12th February 2002 at 47. Her memorial service was attended by Tom Ammiano, president of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and Carole Migden, then-District 13 in the California State Assembly representative.
Why was Barbara May Cameron honoured with a Google Doodle? The Native American poet was honoured for being a champion for queer Native American visibility. The Google Doodle illustration depicted the activist holding an LGBTQIA+ flag in front of a split backdrop.
The split backdrop visually represented the reservations where she was raised and the lively city where she spent more of her adult life. Acclaimed artist Sienna Gonzales made the magnificent creation.
Barbara May Cameron's fast facts
- Who was Barbara May Cameron? Barbara May Cameron was a Native American photographer, writer, poet, and human rights activist.
- Where did Barbara May Cameron attend school? Barbara May Cameron attended the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico and later, the San Francisco Art Institute.
- Was Barbara May Cameron married? Barbara May Cameron was not married. However, she was in a relationship with Linda Boyd, and they raised a son, Rhys Cameron Boyd-Farrell.
- When did Barbara May Cameron pass away? Barbara May Cameron passed away on 12th February 2002 at 47. She died of a natural cause at their home in San Francisco, California.
- When was Barbara May Cameron's wedding? Barbara May Cameron and Linda didn't tie the knot, so there are no details about their wedding.
- How long were Barbara May Cameron and Linda Boyd-Durkee together? Barbara May Cameron and Linda Boyd-Durkee were together for 21 years until Barbara’s demise in 2002.
- What was Barbara May Cameron famous for? Barbara May Cameron was famous for her activism in various fields, including women's rights, gay/lesbian rights, and Native American rights.
- Why was Barbara May Cameron honoured with a Google Doodle? The Native American poet was honoured for being a champion for queer Native American visibility.
Final word
Was Barbara May Cameron's wife Linda Boyd? Linda was not Barbara's wife. Despite their 21-year-long relationship, the two never got married. However, they raised a son, Rhys Cameron Boyd-Farrell. The activist is remembered for her lesbian and gay Native American advocacy.
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