HRC Blog

Congresswoman Jackie Speier visits SF LGBT Community Center

September 4, 2009

Ed. Note: this post comes from Ian Hart, political co-chair on HRC's San Francisco Steering Committee.

In what might have been the least hostile community meeting of this summer’s Congressional recess, Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-CA 12) paid a visit to the San Francisco LGBT Community Center on Monday, August 31. Members of HRC’s San Francisco Steering Committee and Board of Governors joined representatives from other organizations for an hour-plus discussion of the issues of greatest import to our community. San Francisco Supervisor Bevan Dufty introduced Congresswoman Speier, saying “She has never kowtowed to anyone.” “You are an advisory committee, from my perspective,” she told those in attendance. Although she has only been a member of Congress since April 2008, the Congresswoman has co-sponsored an impressive array of legislation affecting the LGBT community, including H.R. 1024, the Uniting American Families Act; H.R. 1283, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act; H.R. 3017, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act; and H.R. 2517, the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act. “We still have a long road to travel, but I’ve got to tell you, I’m very optimistic,” the Congresswoman told those in attendance. The Congresswoman was energetic and forthcoming in the discussion, which touched on topics ranging from immigration rights to HIV-AIDS funding, public education, and the Defense of Marriage Act.