Walter Lear

Walter J. Lear

Name	Walter J. Lear
Birth name
Birth date	May 4, 1923
Birth place	New York City, New York, USA
Death date	May 29, 2010
Death place	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Alma mater
Occupation	Physician, Health Activist
Years active
Organization
Known for	Health activism, LGBT rights advocacy
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Walter J. Lear (May 4, 1923 – May 29, 2010) was an American physician and health activist known for his work in public health and his advocacy for LGBT rights and universal healthcare. Lear's career spanned several decades during which he made significant contributions to public health policy and the fight for social justice in healthcare.

Early Life and Education

Walter Lear was born in New York City, New York. He attended Harvard University, where he earned his undergraduate degree. He later attended Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, where he received his medical degree. Lear's education was marked by a strong commitment to social justice, which would influence his career in public health.

Career

Public Health Service

Lear began his career in the United States Public Health Service (USPHS), where he worked on various public health initiatives. His work in the USPHS included efforts to improve healthcare access and quality for underserved populations.

Health Activism

Walter Lear was a prominent figure in the health activism community. He was a founding member of the Medical Committee for Human Rights (MCHR), an organization that provided medical support to civil rights workers in the 1960s. Lear's activism extended to advocating for universal healthcare and the rights of marginalized communities.

LGBT Rights Advocacy

Lear was openly gay and a staunch advocate for LGBT rights. He was involved in numerous organizations that worked to improve healthcare access and equality for LGBT individuals. Lear's efforts were instrumental in raising awareness about the unique healthcare needs of the LGBT community.

Legacy

Walter Lear's legacy is marked by his tireless advocacy for social justice in healthcare. He was a pioneer in integrating public health with civil rights and LGBT rights, and his work continues to inspire health activists today. Lear's papers and archives are housed at the John J. Wilcox, Jr. LGBT Archives in Philadelphia, providing a valuable resource for researchers and activists.

Also see

• LGBT rights in the United States
• Universal healthcare
• Medical Committee for Human Rights
• Public health