Writer and LGBT advocate Bliss "Frontierre" Frings, passed away in her home in Bisbee, Arizona, on Oct. 23 from respiratory failure. She was 55.
Bliss was pre-deceased by her father, Manfred S. Frings and survived by her mother, Emma J. Broussard, step-mother, Karin M. Frings and by her partner of 6 years, Phylane L. Norman.
Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1961, Bliss spent her early childhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Cologne, Germany, the latter of which she maintained a special attachment throughout her life, returning there for extended stays periodically.
Bliss moved to Chicago at age 5, where she lived until 1998.
Bright, charming, and enigmatic, she was loved by many and known by few. Her quick wit, strong opinions, commitment to social justice and her uproarious laugh were signatures of her character.
In 1981, Bliss co-founded the first LGBT student association at a Catholic University in the United States, today known as DePaul University's Center for Identity, Inclusion and Social Change.
She received her bachelor's degree from DePaul University in 1986.
Politically active in the Chicago LGBT community, Bliss participated in national marches on Washington ( for Gay Rights ) in 1987 and in 1993 with ACT UP ( AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power ), an advocacy group fighting to increase medical research and treatment, and to change policies affecting persons with AIDS. She continued the fight for LGBT rights and justice in Chicago, Illinois, and in Bisbee, Arizona, where she resided for the last 18 years of her life.
During the 1990s, Bliss wrote a column for Outlines Magazine, one of two LGBT publications in Chicago founded by Tracy Baim, publisher of both Outlines and Windy City Times.
Her column, written under the nom de plume, The Commander, was replete with her witty and satirical observations of LGBTQ life.
She eschewed her career in corporate finance to pursue an avocation in body adornment and piercing, training at The Gauntlet with Paul King and becoming a certified master piercer.
Bliss was one of the early members of the Association of Professional Piercers and helped advance opportunities for women in this field.
She practiced at Tatu Tattoo in Chicago. Illinois and at Piercing Ear to There in Bisbee, Arizona.
Bliss was a Bisbee Transit board member and most recently volunteered with The Bisbee Coalition for the Homeless.
She was always right, never wrong and forever outspoken. She will be missed.