Barney Frank, the former U.S. Representative, passed away on May 19, 2023, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering figure in American politics and LGBTQ+ rights. He was 85 years old at the time of his death and had recently entered hospice care due to congestive heart failure, as confirmed by his sister to NBC Boston.
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Frank’s remarkable journey as an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights is notable not only for his political achievements but also for his personal life, particularly his relationship with his husband, Jim Ready. The couple’s story began at a political fundraiser in 2005, where Frank and Ready were introduced through Ready’s then-partner, Robert Palmer, who was terminally ill. Palmer’s intention was for Frank to meet Ready, hoping he could be a support for him after Palmer’s passing.
While their relationship began as a friendship, it evolved into a romantic bond following Palmer’s death in 2007. Ready revealed in a 2013 interview with Out Magazine that Palmer had been seeking assurance regarding his partner’s future. “Bob was looking for someone to take care of me when he died,” he recalled, expressing that neither he nor Frank had anticipated the profound love that would develop between them.
In July 2012, Frank made history by becoming the first sitting member of Congress to marry a same-sex partner when he wed Jim Ready in Newton, Massachusetts. This milestone event occurred eight years after Massachusetts became the first state to legalise same-sex marriage. The wedding was attended by numerous political figures, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, reflecting the couple’s significance within both the political and LGBTQ+ communities.
Ready, a carpenter and welder by profession, ran a small business, Jim of Most Trades, in Ogunquit, Maine. He developed a close bond with Frank, who sometimes assisted him with work at his awning business, showcasing a side of the politician that was not commonly seen. Despite his political stature, Frank was seen helping out with carpentry tasks, a testament to the couple’s grounded life together.
In addition to his career, Ready was passionate about surfing and photography, pursuits that Frank admired. In a 2013 interview with The New Yorker, Frank praised Ready’s surfing abilities, describing him as a “very good surfer” who enjoyed waves year-round in Maine. Moreover, Ready’s photography work had been featured in various publications, including Sports Illustrated and Eastern Surf Magazine, illustrating his creative side outside of politics.
The couple’s early interactions also left a lasting impression on both men. Frank shared that he had admired Ready’s relationship with Palmer and felt a certain envy toward the deep emotional connection they had forged. This admiration intensified when Ready, reflecting on his feelings for Frank, expressed that he had a crush on him for many years. Frank’s candidness about his sexuality had inspired Ready during his teenage years, making their connection even more significant.
As their friendship blossomed into romance, Frank offered emotional support during a difficult time for Ready. After Palmer’s passing, Frank flew to Maine to comfort Ready, who was understandably distraught. Their companionship gradually transitioned into a loving relationship, leading to their historic marriage.
Reflecting on their decision to marry, Ready initially hesitated, fearing the public scrutiny that might accompany their union. However, he ultimately recognised the power of their relationship in inspiring others. “The kids that are going to see us and feel strong enough to be able to come out and be who they are, that gives me more encouragement that I’m doing the right thing,” Ready expressed, acknowledging the broader implications of their marriage beyond their personal lives.
Barney Frank’s legacy as a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ rights will continue to influence future generations. His love story with Jim Ready is a testament to the transformative power of love, highlighting how personal relationships can inspire broader societal change. As the couple demonstrated, relationships can thrive even in the face of adversity, and love can indeed flourish in unexpected circumstances.