Jerome Goldstein

Jerome Goldstein, M.D., a San Francisco neurologist and gay-rights activist perhaps best known for the giant Christmas tree and holiday merriment he and his late husband offered passers-by for many decades at their Noe Valley home, passed away on November 15, 2023.

Jerome Goldstein was born in Niagara Falls, New York, on April 5, 1941, to Hyman and Mildred (Cherry) Goldstein. He was predeceased by his beloved husband of 47 years, Tomas Jesse Taylor, and by his sister, Rosalie. He leaves his niece Judith Weidman, nephews Sydney Weidman (Dianne) and Joshua Weidman (Amanda), great-nieces Samara, Zoe, Maya, Emma and great-nephew Paul.

Although he said his greatest desire was to become a musician, he followed his father’s wishes and became a physician. In 1969-70 he moved to San Francisco, where he practiced medicine, becoming Chief of Neurology at St. Francis Hospital, founder of the San Francisco Headache Clinic, and a noted specialist helping people with headache pain. He was featured in the documentary film Born This Way: The Science of Sexual Orientation (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cECzz2L-Ous ). Jerome Goldstein was a noted authority on HIV/AIDS-related neurological problems and lectured extensively on the subject worldwide.

Jerry and his husband gave generously of their time and resources to the nascent LGBTQ+ Equality Movement in the 1970s and 1980s, and he is regarded as one of the heroes of the battle to conquer HIV/AIDS. Among the many nonprofit organizations Jerry supported are Theater Artaud, the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, Frameline, Golden Gate Business Association and Human Rights Campaign. there is likely not one San Francisco LGBTQ+ or arts organization that has not benefited from his philanthropy.

As conservative as he may have found the medical field, Jerome was determined to ensure that his private life was anything but. If you invited Tom and Jerry to a party you could be sure of two things: that they would arrive late, because Jerry loved to make an entrance, and that Jerome would be dressed in something so outrageous, usually with lighting attached, that it was useful to warn other guests in advance what to expect.

Jerry and Tom, after decades together, were finally married in [YEAR?] in a ceremony officiated by Bruce Vilanch, Gilbert Baker and chanteuse Sharon McNight. After Tom's passing, Jerome’s health declined, perhaps in part because he never fully recovered from the loss of his dear partner. The City of San Francisco, and the LGBTQ+ community have lost an icon.

May his memory be for a blessing.