Statement by Supervisor Joel Engardio
San Francisco Board of Supervisors meeting
February 14, 2023
Resolution honoring Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi as the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House. 

Honoring Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Who Gave Us Hope

Speaker Emerita Pelosi, thank you for sharing your story of your first day at the House of Representatives. You mentioned how you took the opportunity to use your voice and speak your truth. I will follow your example as the newest member of this Board of Supervisors. 

On your first day in the House in 1987, you said you were there to fight HIV/AIDS and that you speak for the people of San Francisco. 

It wasn’t just San Francisco. You also spoke for me. I was a 14-year-old kid in Saginaw, Michigan who was deeply closeted and scared that being gay meant death. I had no hope for my future. I had no one to say it would be OK.

By speaking out, you gave me hope. Just like Harvey Milk said, “you gotta give them hope.” Harvey was gone. But you were there. Thank you.