Gay Today: World

Otto Ulrich Dies:
Early Washington, D.C. Mattachine Stalwart

Compiled by GayToday

Mattachine Society of Washington Pioneer Otto Ulrich (1935-2001)
Photo By: Lilli Vincenz

Washington, D.C.--With regret, the Rainbow History Project noted the passing of Otto Ulrich, a longtime resident of the D.C. area and a major figure in some of the most significant court cases against discrimination.

Mr. Ulrich, whose landmark case in the 1960s and 70s contributed greatly to court judgements overturning discrimination against homosexuals in employment and security clearances, died of cancer early Wednesday morning, September 12, 2001.

Mr. Ulrich regained his security clearance as a result of his court case. He was an early member of the Mattachine Society of Washington and participated in many of its activities.

He was an openly gay man, who, as he said in taping his oral history, "always checked that I was homosexual on the Library of Congress medical forms. They just didn't pay attention for several years."

Mr. Ulrich's family is not planning a local memorial but has asked that donations be made in his name to the Hospice of Northern Virginia and to cancer research.

As another early Mattachine member, Dr. Lilli Vincenz, remarked:

"A stalwart Gay pioneer has left our world, and I will miss him."

GayToday's Senior Editor, Jack Nichols said:

"He was erudite, gentle, kindly, hospitable and generous. I remember him best surrounded by more than a thousand books and musical albums that decorated his home. I marveled at how he'd mastered so many languages, respecting him as a true citizen of the world. My heart ached for him when his unique talents were once tossed aside by federal bureaucrats after they'd deemed him gay.

"But I admired his good humor and his pluck as we marched together in 1965 protests, picketing the White House and other U.S. government sites. A pioneering member of the Mattachine Society of Washington he seldom, if ever, missed any of our early meetings.

"Introducing him to new Mattachine members I always felt proud at being able to explain his capabilities. Though we were later separated by long miles, we remained in touch. He regularly showed concern for my health, sending me materials by mail about medical research. His untimely passing saddens me because he was a beacon to me in those early years, a caring friend who'd captured my admiration."

Related Sites:
Rainbow Hisotry Project

Missing From My Textbook: Mattachine Washington, D.C.

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