Minnie Bruce Pratt Death, What Happened to Minnie Bruce Pratt? How Did Minnie Bruce Pratt Die?
by Kowsalya
Updated Jul 04, 2023
Minnie Bruce Pratt Death
Minnie Bruce Pratt, an esteemed poet, lesbian and feminist activist, and the longtime partner of trans activist Leslie Feinberg, passed away on July 2, 2023, at the age of 76.
Her death occurred in Syracuse, New York, where she was surrounded by loved ones. The news of her passing was initially shared by her sons, Ben, and Ransom Weaver, on Pratt's official website. In a previous announcement made in June, they informed that Pratt had been diagnosed with a severe health condition and was receiving palliative care at her home.
Hailing from Alabama, Pratt left an enduring literary legacy with the publication of eight collections of poetry. Notably, her work "Crime Against Nature" delved into her experiences as a lesbian raising her sons. Recognizing the power of her writing, the Academy of American Poets selected it in 1989 as the Lamont Poetry Selection, a prestigious annual honor awarded to the best second full-length book of poetry by a U.S. author.
Minnie Bruce Pratt's impact as a poet, her activism for the rights of marginalized communities, and her significant role in the LGBTQ+ movement will continue to resonate and inspire generations to come. Her contributions to literature and advocacy have left an indelible mark on the world.
What Happened to Minnie Bruce Pratt?
Minnie Bruce Pratt, a highly regarded poet, and feminist activist, and the long-term partner of trans activist Leslie Feinberg, passed away on July 2, 2023, at the age of 76.
Her death occurred in Syracuse, New York, where she was surrounded by her loved ones. The news was initially shared by her sons, Ben, and Ransom Weaver, on Pratt's official website. In a previous update in June, they revealed that Pratt had been grappling with a severe health issue and was under palliative care at her home in Syracuse.
Originally from Alabama, Pratt made a significant impact with the publication of eight poetry collections. Notably, her work "Crime Against Nature" delved into her experiences as a lesbian raising her sons. In recognition of its power, the Academy of American Poets bestowed upon it the esteemed Lamont Poetry Selection in 1989, an annual honor awarded to the best second full-length book of poetry by a U.S. author.
The judges lauded Pratt's ability to tell a poignant story of loss and recovery, unveiling the connections between her own marginalization and the plight of other minority groups.
They emphasized that her masterful sequence of poems revealed the true crime against nature to be violence and oppression. The impact of "Crime Against Nature" resonated further as it received accolades, including being named a Notable Book of the Year by The New York Times in 1991 and receiving the Gay and Lesbian Book Award for Literature from the American Library Association.
Throughout her career, Pratt's contributions extended beyond poetry. She coauthored and coedited several books and received the Lillian Hellman-Dashiell Hammett award in 1992, alongside Chrystos and Audre Lorde, recognizing her resilience as a writer who had experienced political persecution.
Pratt's profound essay "Identity: Skin Blood Heart" has become a staple in countless college courses and community groups, further solidifying her impact. It was published in the 1992 collection "Rebellion: Essays 1980-1991."
In her memoir "S/he," Pratt chronicled her journey of self-discovery and her life with Leslie Feinberg. Their meeting and subsequent partnership enriched her understanding of resistance against oppressive societal labels. Pratt and Feinberg were inseparable from 1992 until Feinberg's passing in 2014.
In addition to her literary accomplishments, Pratt held adjunct teaching positions at various colleges and universities before concluding her academic career as a professor of women's and gender studies, as well as writing and rhetoric, at Syracuse University. She divided her time between Centreville, Alabama, and Syracuse.
A public celebration of Minnie Bruce Pratt's life will be held at a later date, as announced by her sons. Details regarding the event will be posted on her official website. They kindly request that donations be made to the Friends of Dorothy House in Syracuse, an organization dedicated to providing care and support to individuals living with HIV or AIDS.
How Did Minnie Bruce Pratt Die?
Minnie Bruce Pratt, a celebrated poet, and activist who hailed from Alabama, passed away at the age of 76 on Sunday. Her sons, Ben, and Ransom Weaver, announced the sad news of her demise on her official website, where Pratt's profound poetry collection and her advocacy for LGBTQ+ and workers' rights were showcased.
The exact nature of her passing was attributed to a severe health problem, as disclosed by her sons in their statement. Pratt's literary contributions and her commitment to social justice causes have left an indelible mark on the world, making her loss deeply felt by those who admired her work.
Minnie Bruce Pratt Cause of Death
The cause of Minnie Bruce Pratt's death has not been specified in the given information. Minnie Bruce Pratt, the esteemed poet, lesbian and feminist activist, and longtime partner of trans activist Leslie Feinberg, has passed away at the age of 76.
She died in Syracuse, New York, surrounded by her loved ones. The news of her passing was shared by her sons, Ben, and Ransom Weaver, on Pratt's official website. Pratt had been facing a severe health issue and had been receiving palliative care at her home in Syracuse.
Who was Minnie Bruce Pratt?
Minnie Bruce Pratt was a highly respected American poet, educator, activist, and essayist, passed away on July 2, 2023. Born on September 12, 1946, in Selma, Alabama, she grew up in Centreville, Alabama. Her parents, Virginia Brown Pratt and William Luther Pratt Jr. were involved in social work and clerical work, respectively.
Pratt made significant contributions to academia and activism throughout her career. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Alabama in 1968, and later pursued a Ph.D. in English literature from the University of North Carolina, completing her studies in 1979. Her academic journey provided a strong foundation for her subsequent work in writing, women's studies, and LGBTQ+ studies.
In 2015, Pratt retired from her position as Professor of Writing and Women's Studies at Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York. During her tenure, she played a vital role in the development of the university's inaugural LGBT studies program, showcasing her dedication to fostering inclusivity and promoting the understanding of diverse identities.
Beyond academia, Pratt was widely recognized for her literary achievements. She was renowned for her poetry, essays, and memoirs, which explored themes of identity, feminism, and LGBTQ+ experiences. Her works served as powerful tools for social commentary and advocacy. Pratt's impact extended beyond the written word, as she actively engaged in activism for social justice, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community.
Throughout her life, Pratt remained committed to challenging societal norms and advocating for the rights and visibility of marginalized communities. Her passion for education, her compelling literary contributions, and her activism left an indelible mark on the fields of poetry, women's studies, and LGBTQ+ studies.
NAME
Minnie Bruce Pratt
DATE OF BIRTH
September 12, 1946
AGE
76
DATE OF DIED
July 2, 2023
OCCUPATION
Professor of Writing and Women's Studies at Syracuse University
SPOUSE
Leslie Feinberg
(m. 2011; died 2014)
CHILDREN
2
Minnie Bruce Pratt Death-FAQs
Minnie Bruce Pratt passed away on July 2, 2023.
Minnie Bruce Pratt passed away in Syracuse, New York.
The cause of Minnie Bruce Pratt's death has not been specified in the available information.
Minnie Bruce Pratt was 76 years old at the time of her passing.
Yes, Minnie Bruce Pratt was surrounded by her loved ones in Syracuse, New York, when she passed away.