Gordon was a music producer for many years ( Rustron Productions and Publishing ) ; produced one of the first-ever women-only women's music festivals ( Yale University, 1972 ) ; started the Whimsey Political Clearinghouse for women ( 1967 ) ; heavily involved with NOW ( 1970 onwards ) ; helped start the Florida LGBT Democratic Caucus ( 1995 ) , with which she held various offices; involved with many LGBT causes through Equality Florida and other groups; and was named as a Feminist Who Changed America and awarded the Veteran Feminists of America medal ( 2008 ) . Most recently, the Palm Beach County Democratic Committee established the Rusty Gordon Award, to be given to people who have exhibited extensive commitment to local community activism.

She is survived by her life partner, Davilyn "Davy" Whims of West Palm Beach, Fla. A memorial is being planned for early December in the West Palm Beach area.