Barbara was born February 21, 1936 in Houston, Texas. She graduated with honors from Texas Southern University in 1956 and received her law degree from Boston University in 1959. Barbara was the first African American woman elected to the Texas Senate, winning the election in 1966.

Although she was in a long-term relationship with another woman for more than 20 years, she never publicly came out. It was only after her death in 1996 that the press reported about her sexual orientation. However, Jordan biographer Mary Beth Rogers, author of "Barbara Jordan: American Hero," found no conclusive evidence to suggest that the former congresswoman
was a lesbian. After Jordan's initial unsuccessful statewide races, advisers warned her to become more discreet and not bring any female companions on the campaign trail.

In her namesake, the Jordan/Rustin Coalition (JRC) was created in California in 2000. This organization seeks to mobilize gay and lesbian African American to aid in the passage of marriage equality in the state of California. Along with Bayard Rustin, a Civil Rights leader and close confidante of Martin Luther King Jr, Barbara Jordan is remembered for her advocacy of progressive politics. "The mission of the Barbara Jordan / Bayard Rustin Coalition (Jordan Rustin Coalition or JRC) is to empower Black same-gender loving, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and families in Greater Los Angeles, to promote equal marriage rights and to advocate for fair treatment of everyone without regard to race, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression."

Tags: Famous Lesbians Barbara Jordan