Henry van Ameringen passed away on September 9, 2020. He was a generous, thoughtful and relentless advocate for LGBTQ equality and other progressive causes. Henry began funding LGBTQ causes in 1987 in response to the beginning of the AIDS epidemic, and he was one of the first donors to support LGBTQ equality and HIV/AIDS work in any significant way. Henry’s early support for LGBTQ equality is one of the foundations upon which the current LGBTQ advocacy movement is built and has made a difference in the lives of millions of LGBTQ people.
Henry was a founding donor and longtime supporter of MAP. His generosity and leadership helped make this organization and it is work supporting the LGBTQ movement possible.
Chris Cormier Maggiano, MAP Board Chair and long-time friend and advisor to Henry, had this to say about his passing:
Henry van Ameringen was a kind, generous man with a sharp wit and heartfelt drive to use his resources and position for good. As one of the first gay major donors, Henry gave at a level and in a way that made him a giant in philanthropy, but he did so with a humility that is rare and telling. Like so many others, my life was changed by Henry even before I met him, as I later learned he funded my first position in the movement. Henry’s true legacy is not just the hundreds of millions of resources that he gave away throughout his life, but also the way he took care of his community – and the inclusive way that he defined it. He was always looking for ways to center and bring into the room those who are often marginalized or most in need. I feel lucky to have learned from him, and will miss his kindness, his searing sense of humor, and above all his friendship.
Fellow philanthropist David Bohnett, also a founding funder of MAP, stated:
Henry was a quiet inspiration for me and so many others. He championed important causes long before they were popular, he invested deeply in communities who feared they had no voice, and he rallied his fellow philanthropists when the going got tough. His voice may have been gentle but his resolve was unwavering. I, and social justice activists everywhere, owe Henry an enormous debt of gratitude.
Ineke Mushovic, Executive Director of MAP, said:
MAP will forever remember Henry for his generosity, kindness and passion to make a difference. He dedicated his life to making the world a better place, and he succeeded. His generosity and thoughtfulness were an inspiration and he will be greatly missed.
Henry’s passing will be mourned by MAP and thousands of others. His style was understated, but his impact and legacy are tremendous. MAP’s work continues in his honor and memory.
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About MAP: MAP’s mission is to provide independent and rigorous research, insight and communications that help speed equality and opportunity for all. MAP works to ensure that all people have a fair chance to pursue health and happiness, earn a living, take care of the ones they love, be safe in their communities, and participate in civic life.
See this press release from its source at https://www.lgbtmap.org/release-henry-van-ameringen