Henderson: Champion for LBGTQ community

It’s been sad week in Tarrant County: Beloved activist David Mack Henderson has died.

As an LGBTQ advocate, he worked tirelessly to give the community a voice both locally and nationally.

He founded the first University of Texas at Arlington LGBTQ campus group in the 1970s.

He fought for equality after the Rainbow Lounge botched raid and fallout in 2009. That year, he help found Fairness Fort Worth Inc., championed a diversity task force and pushed for LGBTQ equality to be a legislative priority.

He watch same-sex couples get marriage licenses at Tarrant County clerk’s offices in 2015 after the Supreme Court deemed same-sex marriages constitutionally protected.

He spoke in support of the Fort Worth school district’s guidelines that allowed transgender students choice of restrooms earlier this year.

With Henderson, the Fort Worth LGBTQ community made strides in inclusivity and equality. He gave the community a proud, strong voice and leaders who can make sure Henderson’s work continues.

David Mack Henderson lived a proud life and will be missed.

This story was originally published December 7, 2016 at 5:49 PM with the headline "Henderson: Champion for LBGTQ community."