George Zander, a well-known Palm Springs leader in the LGBTQ community and an equal rights activist, has died today in Palm Springs at age 71.
The news was learned from a Facebook post written by his husband.
Chris Zander wrote:
“My husband George Zander passed away this morning in loving arms and in very little pain. His passion and strength has paved the road for many of us to follow, and build from. His legacy will live on forever. I love this man more than I love life itself, I can only assume that is what true love is.”
As of this writing, there’s no word on what exactly caused his death.
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According to KESQ, News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2 are looking into the details.
We’ll update when more information becomes available.
The following statement was released by Palm Springs City Council member Geoff Kors:
“I am stunned and deeply saddened by the sudden death of my dear friend, colleague and legendary activist George Zander. When George came to work for Equality California in 2009 he brought such talent and energy to his work to help advance marriage equality, ensure healthcareand provide a safer environment for LGBT students. George was an incredible person, passionate activist and political leader. His work to advance social justice will long be remembered. My condolences to George’s husband Chris.”
George and Chris were in the news earlier this fall after the couple was brutally attacked outside of Hunter’s Nightclub in an alleged hate crime.
H/t: LGBTQ Nation
Michael Estes
Charge the basher with murder
William M Arnold
R.I.P.
Sand Nierenberg
Rip
John Kuehnle
I’m sorry for his loss, RIP George Zander
Xzamilio
Truly heartbreaking. My condolences George Zander’s husband and his family.
Joshua Anthony Villegas
How tragic! Someone needs to be locked away forever for this!!!
Mishka Dennis
Rest in Peace.
Ron King
Sad,leave people alone to live their lives.
Jay A. Scaramazzo
Fly our fallen soldier fly.
Glendon Robert Frank
Very sad news … RIP
Ralph Vendegna
Started to get tears. I’m so sorry to hear of your lose. May God give you strength and Bless you in many way. George looks like he was a lot of fun and gave so much love. I’ from Illinois. Sending Hugs your way.
Eric Carr
<3
Stache
@Michael Estes: If they find anything as a cause from his brutal attack a few months ago then hell yes go after the thugs.
Fred Alan Wolf III
Oh no……so sad…..:-(
Tony Minutella
What a terrible tragedy
Mary C Scohera
saddened beyond belief. I want to get off this train of hatred.
Desert Boy
Everyone was pulling for George. Sending cards and calling Desert Regional Medical Center. I hope the local District Attorney can attach some sort of murder charge to the original charges. This is appalling. My heart breaks for him and his partner.
Jose R Negron
Sad news.
Greg Marmai
RIP George Zander.
Kangol
RIP. Heart-rending news.
Roxann Fraser
Hugs and prayers.
David Andrew Roubideaux
God bless him for he is also one of God’s children!
Baba Booey Fafa Fooey
Very sad and heart breaking. You live your whole life and live that long and you do much good all to have it ripped from you because of who you are.
Alex Rothwell
There sis nothing to like here, this is a tragedy.
Scott Lawrence
So sad to hear this, my heart goes out to his husband and family
1EqualityUSA
71 is too young, sorry to hear this. Love goes to him and his family.
Martin Michalczyk
R.I.P.
Damien Isaak
RIP
Philigree
The only thing remotely consoling about this news is the fact that the death of a good man was reported on Queerty and I have yet to see a comment on the page from filth like BJ MCFRISKY. May the stay away, please. This man deserves better.
Philigree
@1EqualityUSA: True, especially for someone who fought hard for the things we enjoy now. He should’ve been able to enjoy them too for a lot longer than he did. Still, to have passed away knowing that you are loved and there are people thankful that you came to be, that’s a gift. I hope his last moments were truly
peaceful.
Rick Rosio
RIP
Sean Bauer
So0o SaDD!!
Dennis Gordon
Rest in the arms of the Lord George. My deepest for your loss Chris. God bless you.
Gerald GeeLocke Panuthos
ð???sip
Victor Barry
Did they catch the attackers? I never did hear about that.
Desert Boy
@Victor Barry: Both in jail await trial.
Justin Weeks
Hope they get the evil ppl that did this
Masc Pride
Sad. He was the one beaten pretty badly if I remember right. Definitely had to be a contributing factor, especially with his age factored in.
tomron
@Victor Barry: They are both now in custody, and have pleaded not guilty.
tomron
Anybody (no, make that everybody) who knew George loved this bright, intelligent, kind, gentle person, and was amazed at his energy and that he was everywhere when it came to people’s rights. His energy belied his 71 years of age. He was a great friend to those in need, and we’ll all miss him terribly. I’m heartbroken, and to Chris I wish speedy healing and my heartfelt condolences.
1EqualityUSA
As vibrant as he seemed, he likely could have lived another 30 years. I’m glad his spouse was able to be with him during his passing. There was a grim time when he may have not been allowed in.
SonOfKings
It kind of strips away this illusion of safety we have. Who would have thought a subdued Gay enclave like Pslm Springs would harbor such hazards.