1st Openly Gay Congressman, Gerry Studds, Dies

The 1st openly gay congressman, Gerry Studds died of a blood clot in the lung on October 14, 2006 at the age of 69. Studds was known for his political prowess, uprooting a Republican seat in Congress at the time thought to be untouchable by a Democrat. Years later, Studds became front-page news after reports of a consensual affair with a 17-year-old page hit the papers. He was later censored by the House and took the opportunity to come out. Read about Studds's long political career, tragic death and the page scandal that never went away.

Profile:
Late Congressman, Gerry Studds

Foley Page Scandal:
Foley, The Gay Blame & A Coming Out Story
The Mark Foley Scandal: The Paula Jones Moment for Religious Right Credibility

Gay Politicians:
Activist Keith Boykin
Daniel J. O' Donnell

_{Image © Ward Larson.}