By Heather Curtis
WMAL.com.
WASHINGTON – Former D.C. Councilmember Jim Graham has died at 71-years-old. He died from complications from C-Diff, a bacterial infection of the intestines according to the Washington Blade.
“Our hearts go out to all who, like us, knew & loved him,” tweeted the council.
We’ve just been told that former Ward 1 Councilmember Jim Graham has passed away. Our hearts go out to all who, like us, knew & loved him. pic.twitter.com/DNSg2B5FF6
— Council of DC (@councilofdc) June 15, 2017
Graham represented Ward 1 on the D.C. Council from 1999 to 2015. He was known for his signature bow ties and fighting for LGBTQ right and an end to HIV/AIDS. Prior to be elected to the council, the openly gay attorney was the executive director of the Whitman-Walker Clinic for 15 years starting at the height of the AIDS crisis in 1984.
“Very sad news today about the passing of my predecessor Councilmember Graham. He leaves a legacy of service and advocacy and will be missed,” tweeted his successor on the council Brianne Nadeau.
Very sad news today about the passing of my predecessor Councilmember Graham. He leaves a legacy of service and advocacy and will be missed. pic.twitter.com/F3gcmdFKZC
— Brianne K. Nadeau (@BrianneKNadeau) June 15, 2017
She said in a statement that Graham leaves a legacy of “fierce advocacy” for Washingtonians.
The openly gay council member’s career took an interesting turn when he left the council and started organizing events for gay men at the house strip club on Georgia Avenue. At the same time, he worked as a consultant for a non-profit called Clean and Sober.
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