Born in 1936, Hancock worked as an attorney and dedicated her legal practice to LGBTQ work. In 1990 she organized and led the first Pride March through downtown Columbia. Hancock also helped create a permanent community center in Columbia The center was later renamed in her honor.
According to the center, Hancock’s activism started soon after her son came out to her. She was moved to provide support and education to other parents and friends of those in the LGBTQ community. By 1982, she founded the Columbia chapter of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG).
She is remembered by the community as a woman who changed South Carolina.
The Harriet Hancock Center is accepting donations in her memory on its website.
You can hear more of Hancock’s story here.
