- Date Of Birth: February 25, 1984
- Date Of Death: November 22, 2011
- State: California
COLIN, ANTHONY RAY was born February 24, 1984. Departed from this world under the bright stars on November 22, 2011. Gay rights advocate, singer, comedian. Anthony was a lover of music, singing, dancing and books. He also loved his family, including the children in his extended family, and he brought immense joy to their lives. Anthony looked for any reason to throw a party and was usually the life of any party he attended. Anthony was also a hero in the gay rights movement and was honored by numerous organizations for his pioneering advocacy on behalf of youth and in furtherance of equality.
When Anthony was fifteen years old, he worked with friends to establish the Gay-Straight Alliance Club at El Modina High School to promote respect for all students. When school officials first refused to let the club form, Anthony bravely filed a Federal lawsuit that resulted in the first court order ever issued anywhere in the country requiring a public school to permit a gay-straight alliance to meet on campus. Anthony’s lawsuit set an important historic precedent, and in the years that followed, courts around the country relied on the reasoning in Anthony’s case. Anthony’s brave and successful struggle was widely reported in the press- including articles in People magazine and USA Today and a cover story in The Advocate- and Anthony provided inspiration and encouragement to other students throughout the country. Anthony continued to advocate in support of equality throughout his life.
A disciple of God, Anthony not only talked the talk, but also walked the walk when it came to spreading love, compassion, and a kind word where needed. Anthony was a person who would give his last dollar any day to make a difference in some other soul’s life. He was truly loved and will be missed for a lifetime by all who knew him.
He is survived by his parents, Robert and Jessie Colin; his grandfather, Robert Colin, Sr; his grandmother, Jeannie Phillips; siblings Regina, Raquel, Rusti, Sarah and Al; many uncles, aunts, and cousins, including Toni, Reanna, Pati, Eric, Taylor, and others; and many friends.
Good night, our son, brother, uncle and friend.
