Two decades ago, when gay marriage was not widely endorsed by Democratic presidential candidates, Kamala Harris, a newly elected district attorney, made history by officiating one of the first same-sex unions in the United States. The event took place during the “Winter of Love” in San Francisco when Mayor Gavin Newsom directed the approval of gay marriages, despite the absence of laws recognizing them, leading to a political backlash. However, Harris, without hesitation, embraced the opportunity to officiate these unions.
Harris’ decision to officiate the weddings was made spontaneously as she was on her way to the airport but decided to stop by City Hall. Alongside other local officials, she performed marriages in various parts of the building, describing the experience as unlike anything she had been a part of before and as beautiful. The marriages conducted during that period were later invalidated, which Harris found devastating.
Growing up in California’s liberal Bay Area and commencing her political career in San Francisco, a city with a vibrant gay community, influenced Harris’ early support for gay marriage. Her circle of advisers included members of the LGBTQ community, such as Jim Rivaldo, who had worked with Harvey Milk, California’s first openly gay elected official. Harris actively addressed legal issues concerning gay individuals and organized initiatives to educate prosecutors on handling defense tactics like the “gay panic” defense.
Despite the political risks associated with supporting gay rights, Harris remained unwavering in her support, even when facing criticisms for her stance on Proposition 8, which banned same-sex unions in California. She did not defend Proposition 8 as the state’s attorney general and faced accusations of selectively supporting laws, but her stance was eventually validated when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Proposition 8 in 2013.
Harris’ involvement in advocating for gay marriage has positioned her as a trailblazer on the issue within the Democratic Party. Although the party has since embraced gay marriage as a cornerstone of its platform, Harris’ early and unwavering support for LGBTQ rights has earned her admiration from LGBTQ leaders and allies alike. Her actions not only signify her commitment to equality but also highlight the importance of representation in politics, as demonstrated by her proactive engagement with the LGBTQ community throughout her career.
