Robert Watson Wood ((1923-05-21)May 21, 1923[1] – (2018-08-19)August 19, 2018[2]) was an American clergyman of the United Church of Christ, an early activist for LGBT rights and advocate for the LGBT community both before and after the pivotal Stonewall riots in the United States, and an author.
He enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania but left and enlisted in the United States Army to fight in World War II in North Africa and Italy with the 36th Infantry Division.
He was severely wounded in battle, receiving the Bronze Star Medal for "heroic achievement in combat"[2] and other military honors, and spent nearly two years medically recovering.
[3] He began his pastoral career after graduating from Oberlin Seminary in 1951 and being ordained by the Congregational Church at Fair Haven, Vermont.
[4][5][6] In a long career as a pastor he officiated at many same-sex weddings and continuously advocated in both the Christian world and broader society for the rights and spiritual integrity of LGBT people.