Barney Frank, a former Massachusetts representative known for his sharp wit and eloquence, passed away on Tuesday at his home in Ogunquit, Maine. He was 86 years old. His friend, James Segel, confirmed his death, noting that Mr. Frank had entered hospice care for congestive heart failure the previous month.
A liberal Democrat, Mr. Frank represented a diverse district in suburban Boston for 32 years, beginning in 1981. In 1987, he became the first openly gay member of the House to come out voluntarily. His decision to publicly acknowledge his sexual orientation followed the death of a closeted colleague and concerns of being outed. This move was significant in helping to normalize being openly gay in public office.
Mr. Frank was a prominent gay politician in the country and contributed to the major overhaul of the nation’s financial regulations since the Great Depression. His legal background, honed at Harvard, combined with his intellectual prowess, made him a formidable figure in political discourse. In 2011, as he was preparing to retire, Mr. Frank told The Boston Globe, “Prejudice is based on ignorance. And the best way to counterbalance it is with a living example, with reality.”
Known for his quick wit and love for debate, Barney Frank remains a key figure in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and financial reform.