How Larry Kramer Was ‘The Destiny Of Me’

I first came to know Larry Kramer's work when I was a teenager coming out, and his words and passion were what inspired my own activism throughout my career.

Out Leadership, would not exist were it not for Larry Kramer. In fact, I would not have imagined we could achieve the scope or scale of what has been achieved as the first business of its kind and the first global LGBT business network advocating for equality.

Getting to know him and his husband David over the years has been magical and impactful, and has driven my own passion for advocacy to new heights.

My partner Brian and I had the pleasure of sharing Larry's 84th birthday with him, in his home with David and several close friends (including Kate Kendall). The 8 of us sat around him, listening to him share his thoughts on the world, on the work of Out Leadership, and imploring (actually demanding) that we do more.

He bemoaned the sense of complacency he perceived in our community, and reminded us that our work was far from finished. I think each of us in his apartment that day knew it would be his last birthday, and in our own way, made sure to capture the memory.

A week later, Larry spoke at my OutNEXT summit, to 275 emerging LGBTQ+ leaders from around the world - many of whom did not know his work prior to the event. I will forever be grateful that one of his last public speeches inspired a new generation of leaders and advocates who, thanks to Larry's words, will never be complacent.

Through them, through us, through Out Leadership and all the organizations fighting for equality, his work will live on.

Rest in peace, Larry.