After decades in public service, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi announced she will not seek reelection, closing a chapter on a history-making career in Congress. Pelosi’s tenure has been marked by steadfast support for the LGBTQ+ community, earning her a near-perfect lifetime score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Congressional Scorecard.
Legislative Milestones
Pelosi’s leadership helped drive some of the most significant advances for LGBTQ+ rights in U.S. history. Under her guidance, the House passed the Respect for Marriage Act in 2021, ensuring federal recognition of same-sex marriages and repealing the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). She also played a pivotal role in passing the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act and in repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” opening the door for LGBTQ+ individuals to serve openly in the military.
Her advocacy extended beyond marriage equality. Pelosi was an early champion of LGBTQ+ healthcare rights. In 1987, as a freshman congresswoman, she addressed the House to urge President Reagan to take action during the HIV/AIDS crisis and facilitated the National Mall debut of the AIDS Memorial Quilt.
Standing Up Amid Opposition
Pelosi’s commitment often came at personal cost. Speaking to The Advocate, she recalled losing friends because of her support for queer communities during the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. “People would say: ‘I’m not coming to your house if you’re having gay people help with your cooking,’” she said.
Even decades later, she remained vocal against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. In 2023, Pelosi criticized Republicans for introducing more than 300 anti-LGBTQ+ bills, calling them “losers” in a pointed interview.
A Personal Connection
Pelosi’s connection to the LGBTQ+ community has been lifelong. She reminisced about marching in her first Pride parade as a member of Congress over 35 years ago, a rare move at the time, and the impact it had on her constituents. “I got calls from all over, with people saying: ‘You stood with us.’ It meant so much beyond San Francisco,” she told The Advocate.
As Pelosi steps away from politics, her record remains a benchmark for future leaders. From marriage equality to healthcare advocacy, her decades-long career has left an indelible mark on the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
