"During the HIV/AIDS pandemic, Representative Pelosi-representing California's 5th congressional district-called for action from then President Reagan in her first House floor speech in 1987. She also worked closely with LGBTQ+ activist and San Francisco Bay Times founding contributor Cleve Jones to secure permits for the AIDS Memorial Quilt to be displayed on the National Mall for the first time. She helped to co-author the Ryan White CARE Act, which provides HIV/AIDS care to people who have no viable financial options."
"Respect for Marriage Act - She led the push for this act to ensure federal protections for same-sex and interracial marriages and to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell - Inspired by the activism of former San Francisco Bay Times columnist and Naval Commander Zoe Dunning, Pelosi was a key force in repealing the law that barred openly gay and lesbian people from serving in the U.S. military. Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act - She was instrumental in passing this law, which expanded federal hate crimes protections to include those based on sexual orientation and gender identity."
Nancy Pelosi built decades of sustained support for LGBTQ+ people through early AIDS-era advocacy, legislative leadership, and opposition to discriminatory measures. She demanded presidential action during the HIV/AIDS crisis, collaborated with activists to secure National Mall display permits for the AIDS Memorial Quilt, and co-authored the Ryan White CARE Act to fund care for people with HIV/AIDS. She led passage of the Respect for Marriage Act, helped repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell, and aided the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. Pelosi also played a role in the Affordable Care Act, incorporating anti-discrimination language to improve healthcare access.
Read at San Francisco Bay Times
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