On November 6, 2025, an era in American politics quietly drew to a close as Nancy Pelosi, the formidable former Speaker of the House, announced her retirement after 38 years representing San Francisco. For many, Pelosi’s departure is more than just the end of a storied political career—it marks the conclusion of a chapter defined by fierce advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, unwavering support during the darkest days of the AIDS crisis, and a legacy of legislative milestones that have shaped the nation’s evolving understanding of equality.
Pelosi’s journey began in 1987, when she won a special election against gay activist Harry Britt, inheriting not just a congressional seat but also a city at the epicenter of LGBTQ+ activism. According to reporting from major national outlets, Pelosi wasted no time making her priorities clear. In her very first speech on the House floor, she addressed the AIDS crisis—a topic many in Washington were still hesitant to confront. That same year, she played a pivotal role in securing permits for the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt to be displayed on the National Mall, a powerful act of remembrance for those lost to the epidemic. She also marched in the Second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, signaling that her commitment was not just rhetorical but deeply personal.
Throughout the early years of her career, Pelosi’s advocacy for those affected by HIV/AIDS was relentless. She co-sponsored the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program in 1990, providing critical housing support at a time when discrimination and stigma ran rampant. Her testimony alongside actress and activist Elizabeth Taylor for increased HIV/AIDS funding further cemented her reputation as a champion for the marginalized. Despite a few controversial votes—such as her support for the 1994 Defense Authorization Act that included the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) policy—Pelosi consistently opposed discriminatory laws. She voted against the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in 1996 and helped establish the AIDS Memorial Grove in San Francisco as a national landmark, ensuring that the stories of those lost would not be forgotten.
Pelosi’s influence only grew as she ascended to House Minority Leader in 2002. She was instrumental in building bipartisan support for the creation of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a program that would go on to save millions of lives globally. During this period, she also voted against constitutional amendments that sought to restrict marriage to heterosexual couples, standing firm in her belief that equality should not be subject to popular vote.
Her tenure as Speaker of the House from 2007 to 2011 brought even more significant advances for LGBTQ+ rights. Pelosi supported the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), though she faced criticism for backing a version that excluded gender identity protections. She endorsed California’s legalization of same-sex marriage and was a driving force behind the passage of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. Perhaps most notably, Pelosi played a major role in removing the U.S. entry ban for people living with HIV, a policy that had long stigmatized and isolated those affected.
Under Pelosi’s leadership, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was enacted, filling crucial healthcare gaps for LGBTQ+ Americans. But it was her work to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” that stands as one of her most defining moments. She called the policy “contravenes our American values,” and her efforts helped ensure that LGBTQ+ Americans could serve openly in the military without fear of reprisal.
From 2011 to 2019, even as political winds shifted, Pelosi remained a steadfast ally. She endorsed transgender military service and vocally opposed Trump-era bans that sought to roll back protections. When the Supreme Court ruled in favor of same-sex marriage in Obergefell v. Hodges, Pelosi celebrated the decision and condemned ongoing efforts to restrict gender-affirming care for trans troops. She also played a crucial role in blocking attempts to eliminate transgender healthcare access and was honored for her AIDS advocacy by the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Pelosi’s return to the Speaker’s gavel in 2019 ushered in a wave of pro-LGBTQ+ legislation in the House. She led the passage of the Equality Act, the PRIDE Act, and the Respect for Marriage Act—which repealed DOMA and protected same-sex and interracial marriages. Many of these efforts, however, met resistance in the Senate, where Republican leadership often stalled or killed the bills. Pelosi was undeterred, condemning Trump’s transgender military ban as “bigoted” and passing a House resolution urging its reversal. She even took her advocacy to popular culture, appearing twice on RuPaul’s Drag Race to voice her support for LGBTQ+ rights, a move that resonated with younger generations and the broader community alike.
Even after stepping down from party leadership in 2023, Pelosi’s commitment to equality did not waver. She condemned the 2023 Supreme Court ruling in 303 Creative v. Elenis as discriminatory, warning of the dangers posed by legal decisions that chip away at hard-won rights. At the Library of Congress’s “Collecting Memories” exhibition, she reflected on the profound toll of the AIDS crisis, ensuring that the lessons of the past would inform the fights of the future.
In a revealing interview in February 2025, Pelosi shared a deeply personal perspective, disclosing that her trans grandniece now lives in fear under the Trump administration. “They want to strip trans individuals and their families of essential services,” Pelosi warned, adding, “The message has to be: We are with you. You are not alone.” Her words underscored the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ Americans—and the importance of allies in positions of power.
As reported on November 16, 2025, the focus now shifts to Pelosi’s successor, with speculation that the next representative may be a tech antagonist, potentially signaling a shift in political priorities for San Francisco and beyond. Meanwhile, institutions like Duke Energy continue to highlight their commitment to supporting growing energy needs and advancing technology, though the intersection with Pelosi’s legacy remains largely symbolic rather than direct.
For nearly four decades, Nancy Pelosi has been a fixture in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, using her considerable influence to champion causes that many once considered politically risky. Her retirement leaves a void not just in San Francisco, but in the national conversation about equality, justice, and the enduring power of advocacy. As the city and the country look to the future, Pelosi’s legacy serves as both a roadmap and a challenge: to continue the work, to protect the vulnerable, and to never take progress for granted.
