Who is Barbara May Cameron and why is she being celebrated on Google?

Google users across the United States will see a Doodle commemorating Barbara May Cameron when they access the search engine today.

The company regularly pays tribute to a different individual, group or holiday by swapping out the image above the search bar. 

And currently the illustration – created by artist Sienna Gonzales – is paying homage to Barbara holding an LGBTQIA+ flag.

But who was the Native American photographer and human rights activist? 

Here is everything you need to know about the inspiration behind today’s Google Doodle.

Who is Barbara May Cameron?  

Barbara May Cameron was born in Fort Yates, North Dakota, in May 1954 as a member of the Hunkpapa group of the Lakota tribe.

Her Lakota name was Wia Washte Wi which stands for ‘woman or a good woman.’ 

She was raised by her grandparents and, after graduating high school, studied photography and film at the American Indian Art Institute in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Barbara came out as lesbian and moved to San Francisco in 1973 where she began advocating for LGBTQIA+ acceptance in the Native American community.

She co-founded Gay American Indians — the first ever dedicated Native American LGBTQIA+ group — alongside friend and fellow activist Randy Burns in 1975.

But it was only the start of her campaigning and activism.

What is Barbara May Cameron famous for?  

Barbara was involved in a variety of programs and activities including organizing the Lesbian Gay Freedom Day Parade and Celebration from 1980 to 1985.

She also co-led a lawsuit against the Immigration & Naturalization Service which had a policy of turning away gay people. 

The case went before the Supreme Court and ruled in favor of Barbara and her co-plaintiffs who made persuasive arguments for change. 

Barbara came out as lesbian and moved to San Francisco in 1973 where she began advocating for LGBTQIA+ acceptance in the Native American community

She also became the executive director of Community United Against Violence and was appointed to both the Citizens Committee on Community Development and the San Francisco Human Rights Commission as well as the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.

Barbara was also active in helping with AIDS and childhood immunization programs, working closely with the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the American Indian AIDS Institute.

She served as a consultant to the US Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control.

Throughout her pioneering activities, Barbara was also a passionate poet and speech writer.

Many of her works are now housed at the San Francisco Public Library including one of her most notable essays titled No Apologies: A Lakota Lesbian Perspective.

Was Barbara May Cameron married?  

Barbara was in a relationship with Linda Boyd for 21 years with whom she raised a son, Rhys Cameron Boyd-Farrell.

Speaking to Google about the Doodle, Linda said: ‘People know the serious side of Barbara, because she was serious about justice, serious about the civil rights and safety of native people, of lesbian and gay people, of women. 

‘But she had her playful side, and the most tender heart.’ 

When did Barbara May Cameron die?  

In February 2002, Barbara died of natural causes at her home in San Francisco aged 47. 

Her memorial service was attended by San Francisco Board of Supervisors President Tom Ammiano who praised Barbara’s ‘fine qualities of heart and mind.’ 

Carole Migden, who at the time represented District 13 in the California State Assembly, also attended and discussed the campaigner’s advocacy for gay and lesbian Native Americans. 

Why is Barbara May Cameron being honored with a Google Doodle?  

Today would have been Barbara’s 69th birthday – which is why Google has chosen to honor her with a Doodle. 

The illustration showed Barbara holding a LGBTQIA+ flag in front of a split backdrop depicting both the reservation where she grew up and the vibrant city where she spent most of her life. 

Speaking about her creation, artist Sienna Gonzales said: ‘It was an absolute privilege to depict Barbara May Cameron and pay tribute to her as a champion for queer Native American visibility.’