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# LGBTQ+ activist Laurie McBride dead at 71
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/lgbtq-activist-laurie-mcbride-dead-at-71/
- Published: 2020-12-08T17:17:21.000Z
- Updated: 2020-12-08T12:47:51.000Z
- Description: American LGBTQ+ activist Laurie McBride, best known for her work as the co-chair of the California based lobby group, Mobilisation Against AIDS, has been pronounced dead at 71 following a heart attack.
- Author: Rachel Badham
- Tags: HIV, News, California, HIV/AIDS, Lesbian, LGBTQ

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/laurie-mcbride.jpg)

American LGBTQ+ activist **Laurie McBride**, best known for her work as the co-chair of the **California** based lobby group, **Mobilisation Against AIDS**, has been pronounced dead at 71 following a heart attack. McBride died on Friday December 4, leaving behind her wife of 35 years, **Donna Yutzy**. In the late 80s, McBride led the successful campaign against bills which would enforce the quarantining of HIV-positive people and limit their employability. She also collaborated with law student, **John Duran**, to draft a trailblazing bill which prohibited private employers from discriminating against workers on the basis of their sexual orientation.

Duran discussed McBride’s death with the [**Los Angeles Blade**](https://www.losangelesblade.com/2020/12/05/laurie-mcbride-treasured-aids-and-lgbtq-lobbyist-dead-at-71/?ref=scenemag.co.uk), saying: *“Laurie was a lesbian warrior. She fought for her brothers with AIDS. So many gay men alive today are deeply indebted to Laurie for saving their lives…She was one of a kind, gentle and fierce at the same time,”* adding his *“heart goes out to her wife Donna”*. Laurie has also been commemorated by California senator, **Toni G. Atkins**, who [tweeted](https://twitter.com/toniatkins/status/1335448918881042432?ref=scenemag.co.uk): “*Her legacy lives on in the progress she fought for & in those she inspired.”*

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/adobestock_88059479-e1544462057197.jpg)

McBride was a prominent LGBTQ+ activist during the HIV/AIDS epidemic

**Evan Low**, chair of California’s LGBTQ+ legislative caucus, said in a statement: *“Laurie McBride was a true warrior for the LGBTQ+ community and a fierce ally during the HIV/AIDS epidemic. While she might not be a household name, Laurie’s leadership on numerous political campaigns and advocacy organizations saved countless lives. It should also be noted that much of this work took place at a time when not a single openly out person held elected office.”*

They continued: *“Laurie was an activist who knew how to craft public policy, and her commitment to equality shaped hearts and minds across California, laying a foundation for the progress we’ve seen in recent years. Her work also led to greater protections for LGBTQ+ workers here in California and across the country. We want to offer our condolences to Laurie’s wife, Donna, and express our gratitude for Laurie’s trailblazing life.”*

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/laurie-mcbride-and-donna-1.jpg)

McBride and her wife, Donna Yutzy