Trailblazing Advocate: Dr. Cheri A. Pies
On July 4, 2023, the world lost a true pioneer and leader in women’s health as Dr. Cheri A. Pies passed away at the age of 73 after a battle with cancer. Her groundbreaking work has left an indelible mark on the lives of countless lesbian mothers and families.
In a time when same-sex marriage was not yet legally recognized, Dr. Pies provided a lifeline to lesbians aspiring to become mothers through her 1985 book, “Considering Parenthood: A Workbook for Lesbians.” This comprehensive guide offered crucial assistance in navigating the legal and practical challenges surrounding adoption, sperm donation, HIV, and other concerns.
Dr. G. Dorsey Green, a co-author of “The Lesbian Parenting Book,” emphasized the pioneering role played by Dr. Pies, stating, “I would recommend her book to clients. That was when lesbian couples were just starting to think about having children as out lesbians. Cheri started that conversation.”
Beyond her contributions to parenting literature, Dr. Pies spent many years as a clinical professor at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health, where her research focused on the social determinants of health and ways to address the social and economic inequalities affecting birth outcomes and generational health.
Her passion for teaching and mentoring the next generation of public health researchers and practitioners was evident throughout her career. The annual awards presented in her honor by Berkeley Public Health since 2017 exemplify the lasting impact of her work and dedication to nurturing future talent.
One of Dr. Pies’ most significant achievements was spearheading the Best Babies Zone Initiative (BBZ), which aimed to reduce infant mortality rates by fostering collaboration across various community sectors, including economic development, healthcare, education, and child care. BBZ eventually expanded to nine cities, leaving a positive and lasting impact on countless families.
Recognizing her exceptional contributions, the Health Resources and Services Administration, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, awarded Dr. Pies the prestigious 2018 Maternal and Child Health Bureau Director’s Award for her public health efforts.
Dr. Cheri Pies’ legacy extends beyond her groundbreaking work with lesbian mothers. As a mentor and educator, she touched the lives of numerous students and colleagues, earning their adoration and respect. She firmly believed that mentoring was the essence of her profession, cherishing the opportunity to guide and support the young minds that looked up to her.
Survived by her loving wife, Melina Linder, and sisters Lois Goldberg and Stacy Pies, Dr. Cheri A. Pies leaves behind an enduring legacy in the lives of the families she helped create, the students she mentored, and the countless lives touched by her dedication to improving women’s health and well-being.
As we bid farewell to this trailblazer, let us remember her as a symbol of empowerment, courage, and compassion—a beacon of hope for lesbian mothers and the LGBTQ community as a whole. Dr. Cheri A. Pies will forever remain an inspiration for generations to come.
Sources:
- MacNeil, M. (2023, July 26). Cheri A. Pies, public health leader who wrote pioneering book on lesbian parenting, dies at 73. UC Berkeley Public Health.
- Dodds, I. (2023, July 24). Cheri Pies death: Author of ‘pioneering’ lesbian parenting handbook dies of cancer at 73. The Independent.
- Image Credit: Taken from Facebook