As the Democratic National Convention draws closer, the party’s de facto nominee is under immense scrutiny regarding her record on certain issues. Here’s how has demonstrated her support for LGBTQ+ Americans.
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Harris’s Record on LGBTQ+ Rights
Kamala Harris has a long history of supporting LGBTQ+ rights. In her role as district attorney in San Francisco, she performed some of the first gay marriages in California in 2004. She has referred to those ceremonies as some of the “most joyful” experiences in her professional life.
Breaking Barriers as a Woman of Color
Notably, Harris was the first woman to hold the district attorney title in San Francisco and the first Black woman and South Asian woman to be named district attorney in all of California.
Harris’s Accomplishments as District Attorney
As district attorney, Harris created a new department specifically for prosecuting hate crimes. This unit was directed to protect LGBTQ+ students and also focused on educating other prosecutors nationwide on arguing against defenses based on “gay and trans panic.”
California’s First Black, South Asian Woman Attorney General
Harris rose to the ranks of Attorney General of California in 2010, a position she was elected for in a close-call vote. She was the first Black, South Asian woman in this role for the state, as well.
The Fight Against Prop. 8
As attorney general, Harris continued to fight for LGBTQ+ rights. She stood in staunch opposition to Proposition 8, which ultimately outlawed gay marriage in the state of California.
A Role in LGBTQ+ History
But after Prop. 8 was eventually dissolved, Harris proudly performed the first gay marriage in California to take place after the proposition fell.
Controversy Surrounding Transgender Inmates
A significant controversy that has plagued Harris in LGBTQ+ circles took place during her tenure as attorney general. California’s push to refuse gender-affirming care for a transgender inmate was supported by the then-AG.
Harris Faces Backlash
This caused distrust among the LGBTQ+ community, who felt that Harris did not have transgender rights and the well-being of LGBTQ+ people at the forefront of her priorities.
In Defense of Past Decisions
Harris defended her position at the time, saying that it was her job to back the state but that she still made great efforts to encourage changes at the policy level that would allow trans people in California prisons to get the healthcare they needed.
Harris Stands With Human Rights Groups
In 2016, after winning a seat in the Senate, several groups focused on LGBTQ+ and women’s rights evaluated Harris for her history of supporting LGBTQ+ causes.
HRC and Planned Parenthood Agree, Harris is Pro-Rights
She received a perfect score from both the Human Rights Campaign and Planned Parenthood, among other organizations.
Harris’s Role in Pro-LGBTQ+ Legislation
During Harris’s time in the Senate, she focused on legislation that aimed to protect queer and trans youth, often using her platform to denounce laws that target them.
Where Reproductive and Trans Healthcare Unite
She has discussed the idea that reproductive health and transgender healthcare go hand in hand and has fought for both issues.
“An Intersection Around Attacks That Are On An Identity”
“The intersection on the issue of reproductive care and trans care, and the ability of families to be able to have care for their children and their families, is really, again, an intersection around attacks that are on an identity,” Harris said last year.
Harris’s Pro-LGBTQ+ Pride Events
In her official capacity as a senator and as Joe Biden’s vice president, Harris has supported events honoring the LGBTQ+ community and its history.
“The Fight For Equal Rights Is Patriotic”
“The fight for equal rights is patriotic,” Harris said last year during a Pride event. “We believe in the foundational principles of our country; we believe in the promise of freedom and equality and justice.”
“An Expression of Love For Our Country”
“The fight for equal rights is an expression of love for our country,” she continued.
HIV Care and Prevention
Harris has also promised to take steps to promote comprehensive sex education, walk back laws that make transmitting HIV a federal crime, and work to decrease the price of drugs that prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.
“It’s a Fundamental Fight For Freedom”
“When it comes to the fight for LGBTQ rights, I know it’s a fundamental fight for freedom,” Harris said earlier this year. “You should be able to love and to be who you are openly and with pride. To be free from discrimination and bigotry and hate. The freedom to simply be.”
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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sheila Fitzgerald.
