Alan Herbert (Canadian politician)

Canadian politician (1944–2023)

Alan Herbert

Vancouver City Councillor
In office November 16, 1996 – November 20, 1999

Personal details
Born	Lawrence Herbert (1944-08-14)August 14, 1944 Vancouver, British Columbia
Died	April 11, 2023(2023-04-11) (aged 78)
Nationality	Jewish Canadian
Political party	Non-Partisan Association (NPA)
Other political affiliations	Vancouver Civic Action Team (vcaTEAM) (2002)
Spouse	Carol Herbert (née Chertkow) (m. 1968; div. 1983)
Education	Master of Geography
Alma mater	University of British Columbia
Profession	Urban planner
Known for	HIV/AIDS advocacy LGBT activist
Awards	Golden Jubilee Medal

Alan Herbert (August 14, 1944 – April 11, 2023) was a Canadian politician and activist. He served as a member of the Vancouver City Council from 1996 to 1999, representing the Non-Partisan Association. Herbert was among the first openly gay politicians in Canada, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and representation. Despite encountering challenges and conflicts within the political arena, he remained dedicated to his principles and causes.

Activism and advocacy

Alan Herbert was a prominent AIDS activist and politician known for advocating for queer causes for over three decades. He played a significant role in securing government funding for AIDS Vancouver, which became the first AIDS-based organization to receive funding in Canada, with both municipal and federal support. Herbert founded McLaren House, Canada's first housing facility for people living with HIV/AIDS, and was instrumental in developing the country's first pamphlet on safer sex. Additionally, Herbert participated in the campaign to save St. Paul's Hospital from closure in 2005. He also supported transgender activist Jamie Lee Hamilton's 2008 campaign for election to the Vancouver Park Board. His efforts led to significant achievements in HIV/AIDS awareness, support services, and community development.

Collaborations and relationships

Herbert collaborated closely with fellow activist Gordon Price, who helped establish AIDS Vancouver and served on the Vancouver City Council. Price praised Herbert's passion for politics and advocacy, although his tenure as a city councillor was brief due to conflicts within the Non-Partisan Association.

Community impact

Herbert's contributions significantly impacted Vancouver's LGBTQ+ community, leading to advancements in HIV/AIDS awareness, support services, and community development. He played a key role in developing Davie Village into a vibrant LGBTQ+ neighbourhood and fought for the expansion of queer-friendly spaces.

Legacy

Herbert's activism extended across various areas beyond politics. He founded several groups, including Gay and Grey and McLaren House, and served as chair of the Vancouver Pride Society. As a board member at AIDS Vancouver, he played a pivotal role in advancing HIV/AIDS advocacy. Additionally, he contributed to the Vancouver City Planning Commission as a member. Alan Herbert's successful campaign to secure a liquor license for the Fountainhead Pub marked a significant achievement in Vancouver's LGBTQ+ community development. Despite this accomplishment, Herbert's tenure with the NPA was brief, and he later ran unsuccessfully as an independent candidate. Despite these setbacks, Herbert continued to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and community development.

His impact on Vancouver's LGBTQ+ community was profound, characterized by his leadership in advancing HIV/AIDS advocacy, establishing crucial support services, and fostering inclusive spaces, leaving a lasting legacy of progress and community development.

Herbert received recognition for his 30 years of contributions, including the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002 and Xtra West's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004. Additionally, he was honoured with AIDS Vancouver's Red Ribbon Award in 2015 on World AIDS Day.

Personal life

Alan Herbert was born on August 14, 1944, in Vancouver, British Columbia. Originally named Lawrence Herbert, he changed his first name to Alan after publicly coming out as gay in the early 1980s, demonstrating personal courage amidst societal prejudice against LGBTQ+ individuals. His decision reflected a commitment to honesty and authenticity, contributing to greater visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in Canadian society.

Initially pursuing a career in urban planning, Herbert later transitioned into activism and politics. In December 1968, Alan Herbert married Carol Herbert (née Chertkow). The couple had three children: Jason, Alisa and Keren. However, they separated around the time of his coming out and HIV diagnosis. Despite their divorce, Alan maintained a cordial relationship with his former wife. His personal journey, marked by his acknowledgment of his sexual orientation and the subsequent HIV diagnosis, influenced both his advocacy work and personal relationships.

He died on April 11, 2023, at the age of 78, after battling Parkinson's disease, dementia, and HIV/AIDS simultaneously.

References

Charlie Smith (October 27, 2005). "Sullivan defends candidate". Georgia Straight Vancouver's News & Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved September 20, 2019.
"1987 – The First Funding: Alan Herbert" (YouTube). 30 30 AIDS Vancouver. March 6, 2014. Event occurs at 1m18s. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
Mills, Matt (April 28, 2005). "And the nominees are..." Xtra! West. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
Burrows, Matthew (October 27, 2005). "Saving St. Paul's". Georgia Straight. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
Smith, Charlie (September 2, 2008). "Jamie Lee Hamilton calls Peter Ladner a "closeted Republican"". Georgia Straight. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
^ Howell, Mike (April 17, 2023). "Obituary: Remembering former Vancouver city councillor, gay activist Alan Herbert". Vancouver Is Awesome. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
^ Lee-Young, Joanne (April 16, 2023). "Former Vancouver city councillor and AIDS activist Alan Herbert dies at 78". Vancouver Sun. Retrieved April 17, 2023.
^ Perry, Leanne (November 15, 2014). "Designing Davie". SAD Magazine. pp. 27–28. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
Quinn, Stephen (March 10, 2014). "LGBT seniors still face stigma". CBC News. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
Stephen Quinn (March 11, 2014). Gay and Grey: Alan Herbert's story, and the challenges facing LGBT seniors. CBC Radio. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
Zeidler, Maryse (July 30, 2016). "Former Vancouver Pride chair reflects on past parades". CBC News. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
Pat Johnson (May 24, 2002). "Herbert Wants Back in Office". Jewish Independent. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
Perelle, Robin (October 30, 2002). "Aim is 'international city'". Xtra! West. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
Cutler, F.; Matthews, J. S. (2005). "The Challenge of Municipal Voting: Vancouver 2002". Canadian Journal of Political Science. 38 (2): 359–382. doi:10.1017/S0008423905040151.
Peters, Jason (April 16, 2023). "Former AIDS Vancouver director and city councillor dies at 78". CBC News. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
"The Governor General of Canada, Honors Recipients: Mr. Alan Herbert". gg.ca. 2002. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
Mills, Matt (April 28, 2005). "And the nominees are..." Xtra! West. Archived from the original on January 8, 2009. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
"Recipients of the Red Ribbon Awards for 2015: Alan Herbert". AIDS Vancouver. 2015. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
Andersen, Robert; Fetner, Tina (2008). "Cohort Differences in Tolerance of Homosexuality: Attitudinal Change in Canada and the United States, 1981–2000". The Public Opinion Quarterly. 72 (2): 311–330. doi:10.1093/poq/nfn017. JSTOR 25167627. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
Herbert, Alan (October 27, 2005). "St. Paul's saved many lives, including mine". Georgia Straight. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
Monte Stewart (May 11, 2023). "Politician Alan Herbert Spent Three Decades Advocating for Queer Causes". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
"Marriage of Pearl / Herbert". Vancouver, BC: Vancouver Sun. January 16, 1968. p. 26. Retrieved June 2, 2021 – via newspapers.com.

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