Dr. Fritz Klein
A leader and pioneer of the bisexual movement, Fritz died on May 24, 2006, at the age of 73. Dr. Klein was best known for groundbreaking sex research and as a tireless activist for bisexual issues and the bisexual community.
Fritz also loved the arts and served on the Diversionary Theatre Board of Trustees from 2000-2006. Diversionary was the beneficiary of three gifts from his estate: a gift of $250,000, restricted to starting an endowment fund; a gift of the building which houses the Theatre at 4545 Park Boulevard; and a gift from Dr. Klein’s Charitable Remainder Trust.
The Board and Staff are incredibly honored that Fritz would care for Diversionary so deeply that he felt the need to have his gifts continue our mission for years to come. We learned from Fritz that he wanted to use his gifts as an incentive for others to give, He knew that the endowment would do just that, He knew that whatever money was needed, instead of a one-time gift, a challenge in the form of a matching gift would encourage others to give, to think about the future. He would be the first one to say, “I’ll give if you give.” We thank him for his inspiration.
The Fritz Klein Award: A New Tradition
The Fritz Klein Award is an honor bestowed upon individuals in our community who demonstrate the fearless and pioneering leadership and vision of its namesake. Dr. Klein was a passionate supporter of Diversionary and advocate in the LGBTQIA+ community, and his legacy is a beacon to us all. He was known to say, “I’ll work if you work,” a philosophy that helped galvanize everyone he encountered. He made an incredible difference in the lives he touched and the community in which he lived and worked. This special recognition is made in honor of his contributions, and to inspire us all to continue the hard work his life exemplified.