Former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is to be honoured by the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute for her longstanding support of LGBTQ+ rights during nearly four decades in public office.
The veteran Democratic politician, who represented San Francisco in Congress and became the first woman to serve as Speaker of the US House of Representatives, will receive the Chris Abele Impact Award at the organisation's annual International LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference in Washington DC this December.
The LGBTQ+ Victory Institute is a US-based organisation that works to support LGBTQ+ people seeking elected and appointed public office. The award recognises individuals who have made a significant impact on equality and LGBTQ+ representation.
Pelosi has been one of the most prominent allies of the LGBTQ+ community in American politics, championing a series of landmark legislative measures during her time in Congress.
Among the most significant were the repeal of the US military's controversial "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, which barred openly gay and lesbian people from serving in the armed forces, and the passage of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr Hate Crimes Prevention Act, a federal law that expanded protections against hate crimes motivated by sexual orientation and gender identity.
She also helped steer multiple versions of the Equality Act through the House of Representatives. The proposed legislation, which has yet to become law, would introduce comprehensive federal protections against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity in areas including employment, housing and public services.
Throughout her congressional career, Pelosi was also a prominent advocate for funding and policies aimed at tackling HIV and AIDS, particularly during the height of the epidemic's impact on LGBTQ+ communities.
Announcing the honour, the Victory Institute said Pelosi's record had made her one of the most influential champions of LGBTQ+ equality in modern American politics.
Speaking earlier this year, Pelosi credited activists and campaigners outside Washington with helping to secure progress on LGBTQ+ rights.
"Anything that we accomplished, whether it was fighting HIV and AIDS, ending discrimination, passing hate crimes legislation, or ending 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' would never have happened without outside mobilisation," she said.
"Our inside manoeuvring was important, but we couldn't do our best job without the community."
Pelosi also highlighted the importance of safeguarding marriage equality through federal legislation amid ongoing concerns that future legal challenges could threaten existing protections for same-sex couples in the United States.
The award will be presented at the Victory Institute's International LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference, which takes place in Washington from 3-5 December. The annual gathering brings together LGBTQ+ elected officials, political candidates, activists and community leaders from across the US and around the world.
Last year's recipient was former US President Joe Biden, who was recognised for his support of LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion.
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