Is Barbara May Cameron Married? Who Was Her Partner?

May 2024 · 5 minute read
Is Barbara May Cameron married? We embark on a captivating journey into the past, peering through the veil of time to uncover the story of Barbara May Cameron and her partner.

Who is Barbara May Cameron?

Barbara May Cameron, a member of the Hunkpapa group of the Lakota tribe, was born in Fort Yates, North Dakota, in May 1954. She was given the Lakota name Wia Washte Wi, which translates to 'woman' or good woman.' Raised by her grandparents, Barbara pursued her passion for photography and film after graduating from high school. She enrolled at the American Indian Art Institute in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

In 1973, Barbara relocated to San Francisco and openly identified as a lesbian. It was during this time that she started advocating for LGBTQIA+ acceptance within the Native American community. Alongside her friend and fellow activist Randy Burns, she co-founded Gay American Indians in 1975, which marked the establishment of the first dedicated Native American LGBTQIA+ group.

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Is Barbara May Cameron Married?

Google users in the United States were be greeted with a Doodle that honors Barbara May Cameron, a Native American photographer, and human rights activist. The Doodle, created by artist Sienna Gonzales, features Barbara holding an LGBTQIA+ flag.

Yes,  Barbara May Cameron was a married woman. Barbara had a meaningful relationship with Linda Boyd, her partner for 21 years. Together, they raised a son named Rhys Cameron Boyd-Farrell. In a conversation with search Google regarding the Doodle honoring Barbara, Linda shared insights about her beloved.

Barbara May Cameron Age

On May 22, Google honored the memory of Barbara May Cameron on what would have been her 69th birthday through a dedicated Google Doodle. The Google Doodle is a temporary alteration of Google's logo that occurs on special occasions, and in this case, it features a cartoon representation of Barbara, wearing a camera around her neck and proudly holding a pride flag—an emblematic symbol of her coming out in 1973.

Cameron's partner shared a statement with Google, expressing admiration for the artist's commitment to social justice. She emphasized that despite Cameron's busy life as an activist, she possessed a kind heart, which was evident in their shared experience of raising their son, Rhys.

When Did Barbara May Cameron Die?  

Barbara passed away in February 2002 at the age of 47 in her residence in San Francisco due to natural causes. Her memorial service was attended by Tom Ammiano, the President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, who commended Barbara's exceptional qualities of compassion and intellect.

Carole Migden, who was serving as the representative for District 13 in the California State Assembly at that time, also participated in the memorial service and spoke about Barbara's dedication to advocating for the rights of gay and lesbian Native Americans.

Barbara May Cameron Wife

Linda Boyd-Durkee is Barbara's partner. Linda shares her reflections on Barbara's legacy: While many people are familiar with Barbara's serious side, as she was deeply committed to justice, civil rights, and the safety of Native people, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and women, she also had a playful side and an incredibly tender heart.

Barbara enjoyed setting up her son, Rhys, to "shock" his mom, Linda, with language that some might find offensive. She understood the allure of using curse words because she still possessed a youthful spirit.

During her recovery from back surgery, she delighted in watching Rhys play video games. Barbara excelled at playing bridge, and we spent entire weekends with friends in rented houses in Bodega Bay, California, playing bridge, cooking, and savoring meals along the picturesque Pacific coast. Animals held a special place in Barbara's heart. In the photo taken by her son, Rhys Cameron Boyd-Farrell, she is seen holding Zizila, the cat, and Shelby, the dog.

When we learned about a pair of kittens found in Golden Gate Park, we visited the location where they were kept in the bathroom, an ideal spot for them to play amidst laundry and unroll toilet paper. Barbara sat on the floor, observing them until she decided on their names: Mahto (Bear in Lakota) and Zizila (Little Yellow One in Lakota).

We adopted Shelby when her guardian, our friend, was battling pancreatic cancer. During his final months, we brought Shelby for weekly visits. We also traveled to Barbara's reservation for her naming ceremony, where a wise elder performed a ritual to determine her true Lakota name. We formed a circle around a blanket, offering gifts to our ancestors, and opened ourselves to the energies present. Shelby the poodle was with us and barked at a presence none of us could see.

During the ceremony, Barbara was bestowed the name Wia Washte Wi, which translates to "woman, good woman." This name was chosen because of her caring nature, her dedication to serving others, and her embodiment of the virtues of a warrior, making her a worthy representative of her Hunkpapa people.

Barbara's words during her talks in college classes on Women's History or Native History, at AIDS conferences, LAFA events, and various other platforms have deeply impacted people across the country. Our hope for her legacy is that those who were moved by her words will honor her by standing up for the causes she dedicated her life to



Is Barbara May Cameron Married - FAQs

1. Who was Barbara May Cameron?

Barbara May Cameron was a Native American photographer and human rights activist known for her advocacy for LGBTQIA+ rights and visibility within the Native American community.

2. When was Barbara May Cameron born?

Barbara May Cameron was born on May 22, 1954.

3. Where was Barbara May Cameron born?

Barbara May Cameron was born in Fort Yates, North Dakota, USA.

4. What did Barbara May Cameron contribute to the LGBTQIA+ community?

Barbara May Cameron co-founded Gay American Indians, the first dedicated Native American LGBTQIA+ group, in 1975. She played a significant role in advocating for LGBTQIA+ acceptance and visibility within the Native American community.

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