Victory Fund mourns loss of Larry McKeon

Mon, Jun 16th 2008, 10:50

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Denis Dison (202) 842-7308, denis.dison@victoryfund.org

Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, issued the following statement regarding the death of former Illinois State Rep. Larry McKeon:

Larry McKeon’s life was marked by bravery, honesty, integrity and a deeply held commitment to serving his community.  He served his country, his state and the LGBT community tirelessly, and he did so as an out gay man who was also open about being HIV positive.

Larry was an appointed official when he was endorsed by the Victory Fund in his first run for political office in 1996.  He won that election, becoming Illinois’ very first openly gay elected official, and paving the way for dozens more to serve openly and honestly.

Though Larry left office in 2007, his legacy lives on in the courageous men and women who have followed his example, including openly gay State Rep. Greg Harris, who now serves in Larry’s seat.   Earlier today, Greg remembered his predecessor, saying, “Everyone in the House is very sad.  He stood up for people who had the greatest need in society, and stood up strongly for the rights of LGBT individuals.  This is a great loss for all of Illinois.”

The Victory Fund family is saddened by Larry’s passing, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his friends and family.  Those of us who worked with him, and those whose lives he touched, are privileged to have witnessed the work of a truly great public servant.