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Pelosi Statement on Passing of Wayne Friday

October 13, 2016

Contact: Drew Hammill/Caroline Behringer, 202-226-7616

San Francisco – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on the death of Wayne Friday, the Bay Area Reporter's former longtime political editor:

"Today, San Francisco has lost a pioneering fighter for LGBT rights, a beloved journalist, and a dear friend. Time and again, on issue after issue, Wayne Friday was an early voice of vision and conscience urging a way forward for our city and for America.

"Whenever it was hardest to speak out, Wayne Friday stepped forward. Wayne's advocacy and leadership constantly improved our community, whether he was advising Harvey Milk, writing his incisive column for the Bay Area Reporter or working to diversify the ranks of the SFPD. Both behind-the-scenes and on the front lines of the struggle, Wayne was a champion for pride and progress who laid the foundation for many of the transformational victories for LGBT Americans we have celebrated in recent years.”

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