RIP Ken Baker

Ken Baker died very suddenly, and far too soon, this Sunday at age 50. Ken was a lifelong LGBTQ rights' advocate, one of the founders of Equality Alabama, a founding member of Communities of Faith for Full Inclusion, and a driving force behind the annual hate crimes vigil in Montgomery.

"He's sure going to be missed around here," said longtime friend and colleague Lynn Shaw, who is a past president of the Montgomery Chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). "I just can't believe how everyone's going to go on and function because he was involved in so many things."

Baker, who was gay, was known as a quiet, humble man who was creative and determined in his efforts to promote gay and lesbian rights.

"He was a quiet man, but his soft-spoken voice made a lot of difference for a lot of people in this community, especially for the GLBT (Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Transgender) community and others who were disenfranchised," said Deborah Little, another former president of PFLAG.

"He had a soft voice, but the things that he did made a loud noise," she added.

Ken was also an avid gardener who worked as a landscaper, and who donated his talents to refurbished a home that came to be known as "The Equality House," a safe meeting place for gay rights groups. He was a man who made a difference.

He was also Shaker Kathy's brother. Kathy has posted Ken's obituary here.

Kathy and Ken's partner, Tony, have kindly consented to allow me to post a request that donations be made to Equality Alabama in Ken's honor (which can be noted at the bottom of the page). Donating is easy, and you'll receive a receipt for your donation.

Each donation will ensure that the work Ken started can carry on, cumulatively serving as the seeds from which a garden of tolerance may grow. I can't think of a better way to honor Ken's life.