Kudos from Contemporaries, Upon Ann Northrop’s Retirement as Co-Host of Gay USA

COMPILED BY SCOTT STIFFLER

Proof of a life well-lived came in the form of swift and swooning responses, upon soliciting testimonials in praise of Ann Northrop. The widely influential journalist, broadcaster, educator, activist, strategist, and golfer recently retired as co-host of the long-running weekly broadcast Gay USA (gayusatv.org).

Note: The below testimonials are a partial representation of Northrop tribute content published on August 12, 2026 (LGBTQCommunityNews.nyc)

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The Origin Story of Co-Hosts Ann & Andy

Prior to joining me as a co-host on Gay USA in 1996, Ann was a correspondent on Gay City News’ coverage of the 1996 Democratic and Republican conventions. And when my lesbian co-host on Gay USA, Lee Sharmat, moved on, Ann was really the only person I considered to replace her. Had she not said “Yes,” the show in its current form might have ended then and there. But she did agree, and we’ve been co-hosting virtually every week for the last 30 years.

Ann’s depth of knowledge on LGBTQ and other progressive issues is unmatched. Combined with her extensive experience in professional journalism, her ability to clearly convey the news and what it means for our communities is what makes Gay USA work…No one can replace Ann – but going forward, I’ll bring diverse community members to the table and keep Gay USA going.

─ Andy Humm (co-host, Gay USA)

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Great Strength and Determination

There are few people who have been more influential to the gay activist community than Ann. She arrived on the scene with skills that helped us plan and execute safe and effective direct actions, and journalist skills that taught us how to talk to and through the mainstream media…She’s whip smart, generous, and remains calm at all times. What a gift! I look forward to having Ann join (Rise and Resist) in the streets now that she has the luxury of free time.

─ Jackie Rudin (activist, documentarian, founding member of Rise and Resist)

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Her Purpose Has Always Been to Uplift

The debt NYC’s LGBTQIA activist community owes to Ann Northrop is incalculable. Her strategic thinking, intelligence, media savvy, and wit have been invaluable to so many of our movements. Whether it was with Gays Against Guns, Rise and Resist, The Reclaim Pride Coalition and Queer Liberation March, or Chelsea Neighbors United, when Ann has stepped up or been called upon to offer her leadership, expertise, or advice, she has approached the work without an iota of self-aggrandizement. Her purpose has always been to uplift the organizations and activists with whom she has worked. I am so grateful to Ann for her tutelage; but more so for her friendship.

─ Jay W. Walker (co-founder, Queer Liberation March, occasional Gay USA co-host)

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Chelsea Neighbors United in Praise of Ann Northrop

Ann became someone we turned to at Penn South when we needed help to activate folks to action…Ann joined the leadership of our neighborhood Hands Off group, Chelsea Neighbors United, despite the health challenge she was facing. In fact, she chaired our very first Town Hall meeting (attended by 200 Chelsea residents) when the threat of ICE emerged. She has always been a voice for fearless activism.

─ Margarita Aguilar & Trudy Rudnick

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Probably Mad at Her Coffee

I once wrote that when Ann Northrup wakes up, she’s probably mad at her coffee. I bet she even yells at it. And I always felt that stance was important because we have enough complacent people in the world (and also enough keyboard warriors), so the Anns of our community have always been the ones pushing things forward and making waves and actually making a difference…She also happens to have a great sense of humor, by the way.

─ Michael Musto (columnist, author, pundit)

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Unfailingly Welcoming

Ann is rightly lauded for her commitment to LGBTQ rights activism – but many of us got to know Ann on the public golf courses of New York City and environs. A member since 2009, Ann is an anchor, leader, and mentor to the LPGA Amateurs New York City chapter… Over time we learned that she “had a television show” or was “organizing an action.” But when on the golf course, Ann is all about the golf. And our chapter has been the richer for it. It would be selfish, but truthful, to say that we are looking forward to Ann having more time for golf post-Gay USA!

─ Marie Trexler

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A Beautiful Thing to Witness

My admiration for you runs deep. Getting to know you more closely through co-hosting Gay USA has only deepened that admiration. Your contributions to our community and your unwavering commitment to honesty are a beautiful thing to witness – especially when they’re delivered with your signature sarcasm and good humor. … Having you as a role model has taught me to step up, even when it’s scary.

─ Cathy Marino-Thomas (board member of the Gilbert Baker Foundation and occasional Gay USA co-host)

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Excerpts From Ann Northrop’s August 4 Speech at Julius’ Bar

I said on the last show that there are two things that were important to me in doing the show – truth and insight. And that was always my goal; for us to tell the truth and to be able to explain things in a way that taught people why it was important to pay attention and how to understand what was going on. And I think we’ve accomplished that week after week, not perfectly, but that has been a thrill every week…

It’s so much fun [the activism]. It’s so interesting. It is fascinating work, and I really wish more people would see that, so that they would get out in the streets and do it…And that’s the message I always want to send, that people should do it for their own satisfaction – because then the ripple effect is just amazing. And I think that’s proved by all of you showing up tonight, which just, you know, delights me and makes me very, very, very, happy.