Last year, I received an invitation from the Vice President of the United States to attend an LGBT Pride Party at her residence in Washington, D.C. You can read a full report of how that trip went in the July 13, 2023, issue of this publication. During that trip and since then, I have reflected on why I was invited, why I was treated so well, and why the Vice President has continued to reach out to me. How did I get on that list? There is no better answer than the one Kamala Harris herself gave me when I asked her at the Naval Observatory: “I put you on the list.”
Please know that I recognize political expediency. I know that many have donated more money to the Democratic Party than I have. Many have given more hours working on individual campaigns, and many have more personal relationships with the Vice President than I can imagine. But every time I have had one-on-one time with her, she has reminded me that I was there for every one of her political campaigns. She demonstrates a remarkable memory or at least record-keeping skill.
I cannot remember when I first met Kamala Harris, but I have known her for at least 20 years. When she ran against Terence Hallinan, who had held the position of District Attorney for many years, and Bill Fazio, friends of mine encouraged me to get involved; among them was my good friend Mark Leno.
I met her and was impressed by her intention to challenge this entrenched politician, and I remember her commitment to addressing gun violence and domestic violence more aggressively, while questioning Hallinan’s low conviction rate and opposing the death penalty. I attended her victory party and she made a point of giving me a hug.
During her time as San Francisco District Attorney, I remember her creating a Hate Crimes Unit that included addressing LGBT violence, and joining then State Assemblyman Mark Leno’s campaign to ban gun shows at the Cow Palace. She stayed true to her opposition to the death penalty, even when pressured by Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer and Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown. We always spoke when we saw each other and she was a guest in my home on several occasions. We spoke about issues and we also chatted about high heels and lipstick colors.
When Kamala ran for Attorney General of California in 2010, I gladly supported her campaign, attended a number of fundraising parties, and celebrated with her at her victory party. When she won that office as the first woman, African American, and South Asian American, Kamala often reminded her audiences and me that her mother, whom I had met by then, told her that it is great to be first, but don’t be the last; in other words, she advised Kamala to break barriers, but to encourage others to do so as well.
As Attorney General, she won a number of cases against large banks, for-profit colleges, and telecommunication companies, resulting in payments and reimbursements to consumers. She also made the reduction of prisoner recidivism a major focus of her office. And we all remember her opposition to Prop 8, challenging its constitutionality, and vehement opposition to Gay and transgender panic defense in court.
When Senator Boxer announced that she would not run for re-election in 2016, both Loretta Sanchez and Kamala joined the race. This was one of her toughest campaigns, but I again joined the fight. After Kamala won the endorsement of Governor Jerry Brown, Vice President Joe Biden, and President Barack Obama, the tide turned in her favor. That led to another wonderful victory celebration and the first time I met her husband, Doug Emhoff. Her time as a Senator was challenged by newly elected President Donald Trump, but she stayed true to her standards, opposing his Supreme Court nominees, Cabinet appointments, and unreasonable immigration policies, and fully supporting his impeachments.
Many of us were excited to hear of her 2020 presidential campaign, but it was short-lived. Nevertheless, shortly after curtailing that campaign, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden announced that Kamala would be his running mate. As soon as I heard that news, I dialed the cell phone number I had for her, only to find it was no longer in service. I realized that Kamala had really entered the big leagues. As Vice President, she has grown into a seasoned statesperson, supporting her President, championing national causes, and broadening her international experience. I couldn’t be more excited to support her candidacy as President of the United States.
As I reflect on the time I have known Kamala, I remember her as a person of principle, demonstrated in each of the offices she has held. I know her as a person who looks you in the eyes and talks directly to you. Again, I know that politicians must find ways to engage with a variety of people, but she has always made me feel valued.
When I was invited to D.C. by her for that 2023 party, I made it clear to her Social Secretary that I intended to attend as Donna Sachet. I didn’t want any trouble with Secret Service or other security, even though my appearance might not match my documents. But it was important to me that the person who has called San Francisco home for 30 years, who has appeared at countless events in support of so many causes, and the person whom the LGBT Community knows be the person at that party in Washington. I cherish the answer I received: “Arriving in your drag person is not an issue at all … . The VP is very excited you are coming and has also shared with us how important you are to her.” It doesn’t get much better than that!
Donna Sachet is a celebrated performer, fundraiser, activist, and philanthropist who has dedicated over two decades to the LGBTQ Community in San Francisco. Contact her at empsachet@gmail.com
Harris for President
Published on July 25, 2024
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