When former Mayor Gavin Newsom defied the law and began marrying same-sex couples at City Hall I was ecstatic, and as Proposition 8 was passed by the voters, I was disappointed and confused. Blame was targeted at the African American community and although this has been proven untrue, I would like to be a bridge between those communities, here in our local community and beyond.

Supporting Federal Legislation  Although San Francisco and California have strong laws protecting the rights of LGBT individuals, other states do not provide those same protections. That is why I strongly support the passing of federal legislation such as ENDA, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, as well as putting an end to DOMA, the Defense of Marriage Act, which would allow same-sex couples to marry.

Following the Example of LGBT Leaders  As Supervisor, I would nominate members of the LGBT community to sit on commissions, ensuring LGBT folks have a voice and are given fair opportunity to represent their community. I will look to the leadership of the LGBT community and rely on organizations such as the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club, for which I am a member, to guide my policy creation and decision-making. I will also look to leaders already holding office, such as Supervisors’ Scott Weiner and David Campos, and State Assembly member Tom Ammiano, as well as friends who have been true advocates in the LGBT community, including health advocate Roma Guy, arts advocate Jeff Jones and Assistant District Attorney Rebecca Prozan when policy is presented that affects the LGBT community.