Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon Celebrate 50th Anniversary
At Historic Castro Theatre with World Film Premiere

"No Secret Anymore: The Times of Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon"
Debuts in San Francisco to Repeat Ovations from Standing-Room Only Audience

San Francisco - A Valentine's Day story in the process of unfolding welcomed Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon, renowned Lesbian Rights Movement founders as they made their way in the spotlights up the bright red carpeted entrance of San Francisco's historic Castro Theatre on Thursday evening, February 13th.

On the eve of their 50th Anniversary as a couple, Martin and Lyon arrived in regal fashion, escorted and adored by an audience of lesbian community luminaries. Flanked by the Lesbian Equity Foundation of Silicon Valley's Kerry Lobel, former head of the National Gay and Lesbian Rights Task Force, and the preeminent feminist singer/songwriter Margie Adam, Lyon and Martin were welcomed by repeat ovations from the crowd gathered in front of the theater, located in the heart of San Francisco's thriving Castro neighborhood known world-wide as a mecca for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) cultural arts and activism.

Lesbian leaders from all walks of the national lesbian community, including those from legal and governmental affairs, health sciences, sports, spiritual and religious, media and performing arts, community organizing and others traveled to San Francisco to greet the famous couple for the premiere of a new documentary based on the decades that framed their work for more than 50 years.

Seeking Legal Recognition of Same-Sex Relationships

"Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon have devoted their lives to seeking recognition for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people. Our sincere appreciation and fond well-wishes go to these two amazing women as we join with them to celebrate their 50 years together," said Assemblyman Mark Leno who represents northern California's District 13 where Martin and Lyon reside and the Castro Theatre is located. "It is thanks to Del and Phyllis and their contemporaries that lesbians and gays throughout our nation are able to seek for same-sex relationships equal recognition and benefits as those enjoyed by heterosexual couples. Their years together in activism and in love provide a shining example for us all. Without a doubt Phyllis and Del are the two most remarkable women to have ever made their home together in San Francisco."

Joining Leno at the microphone to applaud the couple was the Hon. James C. Hormel, former US Ambassador to Luxembourg and a longtime gay and lesbian civil rights activist. Among the well-wishers were other community leaders, including Hon. Susan Leal, San Francisco City Treasurer and mayoral candidate; San Francisco Superior Court Judges Nancy Davis, Gail Dekreon, and Donna Hitchens; San Francisco City Supervisors Tom Ammiano and Bevan Dufty; Reverend Cecil Williams and Janice Mirikitani, Glide Memorial Church; Kate Kendall, executive director, National Center for Lesbian Rights; Pat Norman, executive director, Institute for Community Health Outreach, Kamala Harris, Office of the San Francisco City Attorney; and Rev. Dr. Lauren Artress, executive director, Vereditas - The Worldwide Labyrinth Project at Grace Cathedral.

Film Premiere Launches Historic Documentary

"My friend and colleague JEB (Joan E. Biren) came to me several years ago and said we need to make this film," said co-producer Dee Mosbacher during her welcoming remarks at the premiere program's beginning. "I told her that yes, she was right and to get busy doing just that work. We would take care of the rest. Thanks to all of you and the hard work of many, we have succeeded and tonight we enjoy the results."

Biren, the film's co-producer and director, explained that fifty years after Martin and Lyon's initial union on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1953, the world premiere film presents their inspiring story through half a century and documents an historic period in the American lesbian rights and women's movements.

Historic Documentary Chronicles Life of Lesbian Rights Leaders -
No Secret Anymore: The Times of Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon is a 55-minute documentary that chronicles the lives of two women who have been partners in love and political struggle for half a century. San Francisco icons, Del and Phyllis are known as the founders of the modern lesbian civil rights movement. No Secret Anymore follows them through five decades, tracing the emergence of lesbians from the fear of discovery to the expectation of equality.

The film was produced by Academy Award Nominee Dee Mosbacher and produced and directed by internationally recognized documentary artist JEB (Joan E. Biren) under the auspices of Woman Vision and Moonforce Media

Distribution plans for the film including screenings at upcoming 2003 lesbian and gay film festivals in cities around the US and in Canada. Copies of the film may be ordered from Moonforce Media, P.O. Box 8245, Silver Spring, MD 20907. For information, e-mail no.secret.anymore@rcn.com or call: 301-585-8886. A beautiful, full color 11"x 17" poster for the movie is for sale separately. Inquiries can be directed to the contact information listed above.

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