Sarah McBride’s husband, Andrew “Andy” Cray, was a dedicated LGBTQ+ health advocate whose work significantly advanced transgender healthcare access. He became widely respected for his legal insight, compassion, and unwavering commitment to equality.
Andy played a major role in shaping policies that expanded healthcare protections for transgender individuals. His efforts influenced national conversations, strengthened community support systems, and helped open doors for more inclusive medical coverage.
Beyond his advocacy, Andy was cherished for his warmth, humor, and resilience. His marriage to Sarah reflected deep partnership, shared purpose, and enduring love, continuing to inspire countless people even after his passing.
Profile Summary
| Category | Summary |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Andrew “Andy” Cray |
| Born | 1986, Wisconsin, USA |
| Profession | LGBTQ+ health policy advocate and attorney |
| Known For | Pioneering work on transgender health inclusion, co-founding Out2Enroll, shaping ACA nondiscrimination protections |
| Education | Northwestern University (Communications), University of Michigan Law School (J.D.) |
| Advocacy Focus | Transgender health care, LGBTQ+ equality, insurance inclusion, youth protections |
| Key Roles | Policy Analyst at Center for American Progress, Fellow at NCTE, Advocate at National Coalition for LGBT Health |
| Notable Achievements | Posthumously honored as a White House Champion of Change; established impact on national LGBTQ+ health policy reforms |
| Personal Life | Married Sarah McBride in 2014, four days before his passing |
| Legacy | Fellowships, scholarships, and ongoing advocacy programs named in his honor; continues to inspire LGBTQ+ equality efforts |
“To the Man Who Mattered Most: Remembering Andrew ‘Andy’ Cray”
“If I didn’t find you when I did, would I still believe in hope?” It’s a question I’ve carried with me, whispered in the quietest moments of grief. But then, Andy Cray wasn’t just hope — he was hope shaped into a person whose life changed mine and countless others.
Who Was Andrew “Andy” Cray?
Andy Cray was not some distant figure on the margins of activism. He was a policy visionary, a compassionate change-maker, and a man who believed deeply that health equity wasn’t just a policy issue — it was justice. Born in Wisconsin in 1986, Andy rose to become one of the most important voices in LGBTQ+ health, even though he lived only 28 years. His work ranged from founding outreach programs to shaping national legislation, all while staying deeply rooted in empathy and community.
Early Life and Background
Andy grew up in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, the son of Steven and Ardis Cray. He was a bright and musical child — multi-instrumentalist, student band leader, and recipient of the John Philip Sousa Award in high school. After graduation, he attended Northwestern University, where he earned a degree in communications, and later earned his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School. His early years revealed not just academic promise, but an emerging sense of purpose that would define his adult life.
Childhood and Personal Growth
As a student, Andy wasn’t just book-smart; he was heart-smart. In high school, he directed the concert band and played multiple instruments while nurturing a growing awareness of social issues. At Northwestern, he became part of the Rainbow Alliance and eventually its activism chair. During this period, he publicly came out as a transgender man — a deeply personal milestone that would shape both his identity and his career in advocacy.
Advocacy and Early Public Involvement
From his earliest activist days, Andy was drawn to the intersection of law, health, and equality. While in law school, he interned with LGBTQ organizations and contributed to early anti-discrimination legislation. He co-founded the Northwestern Gender Protection Initiative, successfully pushing for gender identity protections on campus. These early accomplishments reflected a pattern in his life: see a need, build a solution, fight for implementation.
Career Highlights in LGBTQ+ Rights
After law school, Andy joined the National Coalition for LGBT Health, where he contributed research and authored reports on LGBTQ veterans and health needs. He later served as a legal fellow at the National Center for Transgender Equality, focusing on transgender health care policy. In 2012, he became a Policy Analyst at the Center for American Progress, where he advocated for transgender-inclusive health insurance, improved data collection, and nondiscrimination protections under the Affordable Care Act. Each role expanded his influence and impact.
Breakthrough Moments in His Activism
Andy’s most defining professional milestone came through his work on the Affordable Care Act. He co-founded Out2Enroll, a national project connecting LGBTQ people with health insurance options under the ACA. He collaborated closely with the White House and HHS to ensure transgender people were protected under nondiscrimination provisions. His contributions helped millions access coverage — a tangible, life-altering outcome of his relentless advocacy.
Impact on Public Perception and the LGBTQ+ Community
Andy never sought attention; he sought results. Still, his work caught national visibility when he spoke at a White House event celebrating expanded health coverage under the ACA — earning a standing ovation. His efforts helped reframe how the public understood transgender health, reinforcing that inclusion is not optional but essential. His advocacy shifted both policy and narrative, expanding what was considered possible for LGBTQ rights.
Health Challenges and Cancer Diagnosis
In September 2013, Andy received a diagnosis of oral cancer. The news was devastating, yet he continued working with fierce dedication. His own experience with illness fueled his public arguments for access to health care, reminding others that “no one is invincible.” After a period of remission, the cancer returned, spreading to his lungs. Even then, Andy faced his illness not with despair, but with clarity and courage.
Shared Journey: Sarah and Andy’s Relationship
Andy and Sarah McBride’s love story began in June 2012 at a White House reception. Their connection grew through shared experiences in advocacy, humor, intellect, and kindness. Their relationship deepened through everyday tenderness and through the challenges of Andy’s treatment. Sarah often spoke about Andy’s warmth, brilliance, and empathy — qualities that shaped both their partnership and his contributions to the world.
Marriage and Final Days Together
In August 2014, after learning that his illness was terminal, Andy and Sarah married on the rooftop of their Washington, D.C. apartment in a small, heartfelt ceremony officiated by Bishop Gene Robinson. Four days later, Andy passed away with Sarah by his side. Their time as spouses was brief, but filled with profound love — the kind that feels both fleeting and eternal.
Public Statements and Tributes
After Andy’s passing, tributes poured in from colleagues, friends, and national leaders. They remembered a brilliant thinker, a patient teacher, and a gentle soul. The White House honored him posthumously as a Champion of Change for his groundbreaking work on LGBT health. Those who had worked with him recalled how he transformed policy with precision and compassion — quietly building systems that would outlast him.
Legacy and Continued Influence
Andy’s legacy continues to grow. Fellowships and awards were created in his name to support ongoing advocacy in transgender and LGBTQ health. Scholarships in Wisconsin honor his roots and support new generations of LGBTQ youth. His policy work remains embedded in national health-care systems — a testament to the enduring impact of a life dedicated to justice.
Comparisons to Other Advocates of His Era
While many leaders of his era were known for fiery speeches or large public platforms, Andy’s influence came through data, policy drafting, and strategic coalition-building. His approach was distinct — deeply intellectual, profoundly empathetic, and grounded in lived experience. He bridged theory and practice, activism and policy, in ways that set him apart from his contemporaries.
Media Coverage and Public Response
Media coverage of Andy’s story underscored not just his achievements, but the emotional and human dimensions of his life. Outlets highlighted his contributions to health policy, his love story with Sarah, and the loss felt by the community. His life became part of a broader conversation about care, dignity, and the personal realities behind national policy battles.
Social Media Reflections and Community Support
Across social media, people shared memories, photos, and reflections about Andy. They spoke of the lives he touched, the kindness he showed, and the example he set. Sarah often reflects publicly on Andy’s influence, drawing strength from his memory and carrying forward the values he embodied. The digital community that mourned him also continues to celebrate him.
Andy Cray’s Lasting Impact on Sarah McBride’s Work
Andy’s influence remains present in Sarah’s public service and advocacy. His belief in equitable health care, his strategic mindset, and his compassion continue to shape her leadership. His memory acts as a guidepost — a reminder of what justice looks like when pursued with both intellect and heart. To Sarah, Andy’s legacy is not only political; it is deeply personal, a motivating force behind her mission to build a more compassionate world.
FAQs
What happened to Sarah McBride’s husband?
Sarah McBride’s husband, Andrew “Andy” Cray, passed away in 2014 after a courageous battle with oral cancer, leaving a lasting legacy in LGBTQ+ advocacy.
Who was Andrew Cray?
Andrew “Andy” Cray was a respected LGBTQ+ health advocate and attorney known for advancing transgender rights, expanding healthcare access, and shaping inclusive national policy reforms.
What does Cray Cray mean in slang?
“Cray Cray” is playful slang meaning someone or something is extremely crazy, wild, or unpredictable, often used humorously rather than literally.
What is Andrew McBride’s background?
Andrew McBride is known for his work in advocacy and public service, recognized for supporting equality-focused initiatives and contributing to community-centered policy conversations.
What nationality is the last name Cray?
The surname Cray is generally of English origin, often linked to geographic locations or descriptive terms found in early medieval records.
What was the most powerful computer in 1983?
In 1983, the Cray-1 supercomputer was considered the most powerful system, renowned for groundbreaking processing speeds and transforming high-performance scientific computing.
Final Thoughts
Andy Cray’s life reminds us that true impact doesn’t always come from longevity, but from intention. He poured purpose into every role, every relationship, and every fight for justice, leaving behind a legacy that continues to guide and uplift countless people. His work reshaped systems, but his kindness reshaped lives — a dual legacy few ever achieve.
In remembering Andy, we also remember the power of empathy, advocacy, and love woven together. His story encourages us to keep pushing for a world where dignity and equality are non-negotiable. Though his time was brief, his influence endures, carried forward by those inspired by his courage, clarity, and heart.
