Kamala Harris: A Devoted Advocate for LGBTQ+ Rights

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Kamala Harris: A Devoted Advocate for LGBTQ+ Rights

A Candidate Supported by the LGBTQ+ Community

Kamala Harris, seen as the likely Democratic presidential candidate following Joe Biden’s withdrawal, is perceived as the most pro-LGBTQ+ political figure to aspire to the U.S. presidency. Despite some criticism from LGBTQ+ community members regarding her past decisions as California Attorney General, she has recently garnered support from numerous LGBTQ+ organizations and personalities, including transgender actress Angelica Ross. She also appointed Karine Jean-Pierre, a Black woman and openly lesbian, as her campaign director.

Broad and Diverse Support

Kamala Harris enjoys the backing of several influential governors, including Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania and Gavin Newsom of California. Other Democratic governors, such as Roy Cooper of North Carolina and Andy Beshear of Kentucky, have also expressed their support. Additionally, five new Democratic governors, potential rivals to Harris, have recently endorsed her, further solidifying her status as the favorite for the nomination.

A Historic First

If elected in November, Harris will make history as the first woman president of the United States, as well as the first woman of color and the first of South Asian descent to hold the office. In addition to these milestones, she would also be the most pro-LGBTQ+ president ever elected.

A Longstanding Commitment to LGBTQ+ Rights

Born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California, Kamala Harris grew up in an environment infused with the civil rights movement. A graduate of Howard University and the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, she began her legal career in 1990, specializing in prosecuting child sexual assault cases. In 2003, as San Francisco District Attorney, she officiated same-sex marriages despite their subsequent annulment, highlighting a moment of “pure joy and happiness.”


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Initiatives and Achievements

Kamala Harris has created units dedicated to combating hate crimes and environmental justice, as well as a drug offender rehabilitation program. In 2010, elected as California Attorney General, she played a crucial role in restoring marriage equality by opposing Proposition 8. She also worked to abolish the “gay panic” and “trans panic” defenses in criminal trials.

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A Strong Voice in the Senate and as Vice President

Elected to the Senate in 2016, Harris supported progressive initiatives, earning perfect scores from the Human Rights Campaign and reproductive rights advocacy groups. As a senator, she introduced a bill for PrEP coverage and opposed conservative judicial nominations.

As Vice President, she continued to defend LGBTQ+ rights, speaking out against anti-LGBTQ+ laws and hosting Pride Month receptions. Her work for marriage equality was recognized by Joe Biden when he gave her the pen that signed the Respect for Marriage Act in 2022.

Advocating for Reproductive and LGBTQ+ Rights

Since the Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade, Harris has intensified her support for reproductive and LGBTQ+ rights, asserting that these struggles are inherently linked. She has called on Congress to restore Roe’s protections and emphasized the importance of reproductive freedom at rallies.

In conclusion, Kamala Harris, with her long history of advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and her ongoing commitment, positions herself as an iconic figure for equality and civil rights, bringing a strong and determined voice to the fight for justice and inclusion.

  • LGBT POLITICAL NEWS

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