Mark Ashton died on February 11th in 1987. He was 26.
Now, 28 years later, he’s far from forgotten.
Like many other Perverts I’ve only learned about Mark through the film Pride and the amazing story it tells. I’m grateful for that. To me the film really does show his legacy. It shows how important it is for those who are oppressed to work together – to be not only allies but friends in the face of adversity.
Even though he was so young, he did not only have the empathy to fight with and for the Welsh miners but also the foresight to know that if the strongest union falls all other marginalised groups have to inevitably follow. I can only applaud him for his beautiful ideals, the enthusiasm he had to change the world and the resourcefulness he used to make his vision of the world a reality.
Mark’s fight did not only benefit gays and lesbians today – he’s also a role model for everyone who can be counted a deviant, who doesn’t fit into the category of what our society deems “normal”.
Finding out about Mark Ashton, his ideals, his fight and his death has had a profound influence on my life. His example made me realise how many great young people we’ve lost too early – how much potential is still lost every day. He’s inspired me to learn about the gay rights movement and the AIDS crisis in the 80s. He is also my reason to examine how those issues have developed until today. He’ll also keep inspiring me to fight for the things I believe in and to look for friends and allies in unexpected places.
Let’s remember this wonderful young man and his great deeds to change the world one bit at a time. Let’s continue his legacy and love and fight in his name.
One way to do that is to donate money to the Mark Ashton Red Ribbon Fund.
