Ruth Charlotte Ellis (July 23, 1899 – October 5, 2000) was an African-American woman known for being an LGBT rights activist and the oldest surviving open lesbian at the age of 101.

Her life is celebrated in Yvonne Welbon's documentary film Living With Pride: Ruth C. Ellis @ 100.

She was the youngest of four children, her brothers Charles, Harry and Wellington Ellis make her the only female in her family.

working for a printing company, but moved to Detroit in 1937 to babysit a young boy in Highland Park.

Soon after her 70th birthday, due to her fame within the community, Ellis would become a staple at the "Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival".

[7][5] Ellis was hospitalized for two weeks with heart problems, but wanted to spend her last days at home.

[3] In 2013, she was inducted into the Legacy Walk, an outdoor public display which celebrates LGBT history and people.