Longtime LGBTQ and AIDS activist Shawn M. Lang, 65, died suddenly this past Sunday, Oct. 17. From the early 1990s until this past June, Lang had served as deputy director of AIDS Connecticut, and for decades championed many causes on behalf of the LGBTQ community and those dealing with drug addiction and domestic abuse.
“A native of Norfolk, Mass., Lang was a graduate of the University of Lowell, a steadfast Boston Red Sox fan and a frequent visitor to Provincetown,” reports the Norwich Bulletin
“She worked for decades on numerous issues affecting the LGBT community and others, such as advancing expanded hate crimes and anti-discrimination laws; meeting the housing and medical needs of people living with HIV and AIDS in Connecticut; and increasing the availability of naloxone or Narcan to prevent opioid overdoses.”
Reports Connecticut Public Broadcasting:
“With her trademark cargo shorts and salt-and-pepper crewcut, Lang was a force of nature, both out in front as an activist as well as behind the scenes working on public policy.
“’I guess the phrase that comes to mind is passionate warrior,’” said John Merz, CEO of AIDS Connecticut. “Just a real warrior for justice, and for the underdog. She was maybe 5-foot-2 … but whenever she walked into the room she commanded an audience, especially when she was passionate about the issue on the table.
“Merz said he saw Lang’s warrior spirit early in her tenure at AIDS Connecticut, when she successfully lobbied against a measure that would have collected the names of state residents living with HIV/AIDS. At around the same time, according to Merz, Lang was instrumental in securing $1.1 million from the General Assembly for AIDS housing.
“In a statement, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong said, ‘We grieve the loss of a champion and remember with profound gratitude Shawn’s many efforts to create a more just and equitable society.’
“U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut praised Lang as ‘a true fighter for LGBTQ+ rights, advocating for those with AIDS and HIV and people impacted by opioid addiction.’”
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