Born: November 6, 1933 (Havana, Cuba)
Died: March 31, 2023
Biography:
Ada C. Bello (November 6, 1933 March 31, 2023) was a Cuban-American LGBT rights activist and medical laboratory researcher of Portuguese descent. She played a crucial role in advancing LGBTQ+ rights in Philadelphia and was dedicated to fighting for equality and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community throughout her life.
Ada Bello was born on November 6, 1933, in Havana, Cuba. Her mother was a homemaker from Madeira, and her father was a lawyer and judge. Bello spent her early years in Matanzas before moving to Havana to pursue her studies. She attended the University of Havana from 1953 until 1956. However, due to the closure of the university under the regime of Fulgencio Batista, she had to transfer to Louisiana State University (LSU) in the United States.
In 1961, Bello received her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from LSU. During this time, she resided in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, from 1958 to 1961, before briefly moving to Picayune, Mississippi. It was during her time in the United States that Bello began to notice the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community, and she became determined to make a difference.
After completing her education, Bello started working for the University of Pennsylvania as a medical laboratory assistant in 1962. She later became a medical laboratory researcher at the same institution in 1980. Bello’s work at the University of Pennsylvania allowed her to contribute to the field of medical research while advocating for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.
Bello’s activism began in the late 1960s when she moved to Philadelphia. She actively participated in the emerging homophile movement, co-founding the Philadelphia Chapter of the Daughters of Bilitis (DOB) in 1967. Alongside fellow activist Carole Friedman, Bello edited the DOB-Philadelphia newsletter. The newsletter played a crucial role in spreading awareness and providing a platform for LGBTQ+ voices in the Philadelphia community.
In 1968, Bello and Friedman were instrumental in dissolving DOB and founding the Homophile Action League (HAL). Bello assumed the role of editor for the HAL newsletter, which aimed to combat police harassment against the LGBTQ+ community. She and other HAL members began to engage with Pennsylvania legislators, advocating for equal rights and protections for LGBTQ+ individuals under state law. These efforts marked a significant step forward in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
Bello’s dedication to activism continued to grow in 1968 when she decided to become an activist herself. This decision followed a police raid on Rusty’s Bar, a local lesbian establishment, resulting in the arrest of 12 women. Bello, along with HAL, sought a meeting with the Philadelphia Police Department to address the issue. Although she was unable to participate directly in the meetings due to her immigration status at the time, Bello played a vital role by driving the car for the HAL representatives.
In 1968 and 1969, Bello attended the final two Annual Reminder day protests, having obtained her U.S. citizenship in 1968. Her activism during this period bridged pre-Stonewall and post-Stonewall political activities and significantly contributed to the evolving LGBTQ+ movement.
Ada Bello’s impact extended beyond the 1960s and 1970s. She was one of the original organizers of the Philadelphia Gay Pride Parade, solidifying Philadelphia as a city committed to LGBTQ+ visibility and celebration. Bello’s advocacy work, leadership, and determination have left an indelible mark on Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ community and the broader fight for equality.