Washington, D.C. — Today, the White House honored Andrew Cray as a “champion of change.” He was a fierce advocate for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, or LGBT, community and a cherished member of the Center for American Progress family. Andrew passed away on August 28 after a battle with cancer. The following is a statement from CAP President Neera Tanden:
Andy’s legacy is one of social justice for many members of vulnerable communities—LGBT or otherwise. While the world may have lost his wit and brilliance, the body of work he left behind and the policies for which he fought hard and won will always remain. Andy was one of the unsung heroes of LGBT advocacy. He worked tirelessly to ensure that LGBT people are treated with dignity and fairness in all aspects of life, including in health care and coverage, where his work continues to literally save lives. He changed minds and bettered lives, all without any expectation of praise, which is why the White House honoring him today as a champion of change is so very appropriate.
I know that I speak for the entire CAP family in congratulating Andy’s wife Sarah McBride—who represented him at today’s ceremony, along with his CAP colleague Kellan Baker—and his family, who I know are as proud of Andy’s accomplishments as we are at CAP. It is days like today that we feel honored to have known him, to have watched him work, to have shared in his successes, and to dream of the future successes of which we know he was capable. Andy Cray was a true champion of change, and we could not be happier to have the whole world know it.
For more information on this topic, contact Tom Caiazza at 202.481.7141 or [email protected].
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