Edith Windsor

LGBT rights activist and DOMA plaintiff

Edith Windsor - LGBT rights activist and DOMA plaintiff
Born

June 20th, 1929
95 years ago

Died

September 12th, 2017
7 years ago — 88 years old

Category

Activists & Humanitarians

Country

United States

Links & References

An activist focused on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights, played a crucial role in landmark legal battles for marriage equality in the United States. Windsor challenged the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) after the death of her spouse, sparking significant changes in federal recognition of same-sex marriage. The Supreme Court ruled in her favor in 2013, effectively striking down DOMA. Her case became a catalyst for the legalization of same-sex marriage across the nation, influencing public policy and discourse on LGBTQ+ rights.

Challenged the Defense of Marriage Act

Plaintiff in United States v. Windsor

Other People Born on June 20th

Anne Murray

Canadian singer and Grammy Award winner
Born
June 20th, 1945 79 years ago

A prominent Canadian singer and guitarist, gained widespread popularity in the 1970s and 1980s. Achieved significant success in both pop and country music genres. Released numerous hit songs, with a memorable rendition of "Snowbird" becoming a classic. Won multiple Grammy Awards for her work, further establishing a successful career that spanned decades.

Continue Reading

Jacques Offenbach

Composer of operettas and songs
Born
June 20th, 1819 205 years ago
Died
October 5th, 1880 144 years ago — 61 years old

Born in Germany and later settled in France, a prominent cellist and composer flourished during the 19th century. Worked primarily in the operetta genre, contributing significantly to the development of the form. Best remembered for composing "Orphée aux Enfers," which features the famous "Can-Can" music. Offenbach's style combined wit and satirical commentary, leading to a resurgence of popularity in comic opera.

Continue Reading

Josh Childress

Basketball player, EuroLeague champion
Born
June 20th, 1983 41 years ago

Played professional basketball primarily as a small forward. Attended Stanford University, where achieved All-Pac-10 honors. Selected in the first round of the 2004 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks. Played four seasons with the Hawks before signing a lucrative deal with the Greek team, Olympiacos. Helped Olympiacos win the EuroLeague title in 2012 and contributed to the team's performance in the Greek Basket League. Returned to the NBA, playing for the Phoenix Suns and Brooklyn Nets before concluding career in international basketball.

Continue Reading

Chet Atkins

Guitarist and record producer
Born
June 20th, 1924 100 years ago
Died
June 30th, 2001 23 years ago — 77 years old

An influential guitarist and record producer, significant contributions were made to the world of country music. Developed the 'Nashville sound' which blended traditional country with pop elements. Played a crucial role in the careers of many artists through his production work. Recorded numerous albums, showcasing exceptional guitar skills and introducing innovative techniques. Won multiple Grammy Awards throughout a prolific career.

Continue Reading

Leon Wachholz

Polish scientist and medical examiner
Born
June 20th, 1867 157 years ago
Died
December 1st, 1942 82 years ago — 75 years old

Born in 1867, a prominent figure in forensic medicine. Contributed significantly to the development of medical examiners in Poland. Published numerous papers on forensic pathology, influencing practices in evidence collection and analysis. Served as a medical examiner, handling high-profile cases. Collaborated with law enforcement to improve the judicial process in criminal investigations.

Continue Reading

Jean Moulin

French Resistance leader during WWII
Born
June 20th, 1899 125 years ago
Died
July 8th, 1943 81 years ago — 44 years old

Played a pivotal role in the French Resistance during World War II. Moulin coordinated various Resistance groups to unify efforts against the Nazi occupation. Captured by the Gestapo, he endured severe torture and refused to betray his comrades. His bravery inspired many and solidified his legacy as a symbol of resistance against tyranny.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on September 12th

Erik Adolf von Willebrand

Finnish physician and hematologist
Born
February 1st, 1870 155 years ago
Died
September 12th, 1949 75 years ago — 79 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of hematology, specifically in the study of bleeding disorders. Developed the concept of von Willebrand disease, a bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of the von Willebrand factor. Conducted extensive research and published findings that laid the foundation for understanding hemophilia and similar conditions. Educated and influenced future generations of physicians and researchers through clinical practice and academic contributions.

Continue Reading

Andronikos I Komnenos

Byzantine emperor and usurper
Born
1118 907 years ago
Died
September 12th, 1185 839 years ago — 67 years old

Ascended the throne in 1183, ruling as the Byzantine emperor until his death in 1185. Focused on military reforms and attempted to restore the authority of the emperor amid declining political stability. Implemented policies to consolidate power and address social unrest. His reign faced challenges from both internal factions and external threats, culminating in his deposition and death.

Continue Reading

Shen Chun-shan

Academic contributor to Taiwanese education
Born
1932 93 years ago
Died
September 12th, 2018 6 years ago — 86 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of education in Taiwan. Served as a professor and influenced educational practices and policies within the country. Engaged in various academic publications and research initiatives that advanced knowledge in the educational sector. Held positions at prominent institutions and helped shape the curriculum and educational standards in Taiwan, fostering a generation of educators and leaders in the field.

Continue Reading

Valentine Baker

Welsh Aircraft Company Co-Founder
Born
August 24th, 1888 136 years ago
Died
September 12th, 1942 82 years ago — 54 years old

Co-founded the Martin-Baker Aircraft Company in 1934. Contributed to the development of ejection seats for military aircraft, improving pilot safety. The ejection seat designs became standard in many combat aircraft, enhancing survival rates for pilots during emergencies. Held various positions within the company, influencing aircraft safety protocols and engineering practices significantly.

Continue Reading

Eugenio Montale

Italian poet, Nobel Prize laureate
Born
October 12th, 1896 128 years ago
Died
September 12th, 1981 43 years ago — 84 years old

An Italian poet and translator, contribution to literature includes profound and innovative poetry. Received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1975 for the essential, symbolic nature of his work. His poetry often explores themes of existence, nature, and personal introspection. Advocated for the importance of poetic expression during times of sociopolitical upheaval. Worked as a literary critic and translator, bringing the works of other authors into Italian and enriching cultural exchanges.

Continue Reading

Carl Hermann

Physicist and academic focused on spectroscopy
Born
June 17th, 1898 126 years ago
Died
September 12th, 1961 63 years ago — 63 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of physics, particularly in spectroscopy and crystal structure analysis. Conducted pioneering research that advanced the understanding of crystal growth and properties. Served as a professor at several universities, influencing generations of physicists through both teaching and research. Published numerous scientific papers and books that became essential references in the field of solid-state physics.

Continue Reading