Frank Kameny, who was fired from his job as a government astronomer in 1957 for being gay and became a pioneer in the gay rights movement, died Oct. 11 at his home in Washington. He was 86. (AP)
1. FILE - In this June 1, 2009 file photo, Frank Kameny is seen in his home in Washington. Frank Kameny, who was fired from his job as a government astronomer in 1957 for being homosexual and later became a pioneer in the gay rights movement, died Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011. He was 86. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)
2. WASHINGTON - AUGUST 21: Gay rights activist Frank Kameny (2nd L) speaks during the wedding ceremony of TV reporter Roby Chavez (R) and Chris Roe (2nd R) August 21, 2010 at the Woodrow Wilson House in Washington, DC. Chavez of Matthews, Louisiana, and Roe, of Monticello, Wisconsin, tied the knot after they have been together for five years. Roe popped the question on the night when DC became the sixth place in the U.S. to legalize same-sex marriage while Chavez was on a tight deadline covering the story. The couple will spend two weeks in Greece for their honeymoon. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
3. President Obama shakes hands with gay rights activist Frank Kameny after signing a Presidential Memorandum (备忘录) regarding federal benefits and non-discrimination, in the Oval Office, June 17, 2009. REUTERS/Larry Downing
4. WASHINGTON - AUGUST 21: TV reporter Roby Chavez (R) shares a moment with gay rights activist Frank Kameny (L) during Chavez's wedding ceremony with Chris Roe (R) August 21, 2010 at the Woodrow Wilson House in Washington, DC. Chavez of Matthews, Louisiana, and Roe, of Monticello, Wisconsin, tied the knot after they have been together for five years. Roe popped the question on the night when DC became the sixth place in the U.S. to legalize same-sex marriage while Chavez was on a tight deadline covering the story. The couple will spend two weeks in Greece for their honeymoon. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)