Josh Shapiro: Harris' Democratic VP pick and LGBTQ+ ally

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro speaks during a visit to the Erie West Senior Center to discuss property tax and rent rebate programs for seniors on May 4, 2023. Photo: GREG WOHLFORD/ERIE TIMES-NEWS / USA TODAY NETWORK via IMAGN

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) is rumored to be on Vice President Kamala Harris’s short-list of possible running mates in the 2024 presidential election. Known for his ability to build bipartisan consensus by adopting centrist and progressive policy stances, he could possibly make history as the first Jewish vice president… if Harris picks him.

But who is Josh Shapiro, and where does he stand on LGBTQ rights? Let’s delve into the life and career of this dynamic leader.

Josh Shapiro at a glance

Full Name: Joshua David Shapiro
Date of Birth: June 20, 1973
Political Affiliation: Democratic Party
Current Position: Governor of Pennsylvania (since 2023)
Education: University of Rochester (B.A.), Georgetown University Law Center (J.D.)
Notable Achievements: Leading lawsuits against opioid manufacturers, defending voting rights, and advocating for LGBTQ+ protections.
LGBTQ+ Ally: Yes

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Biography

Born on June 20, 1973, in Kansas City, Missouri, and raised in Pennsylvania, Shapiro has dedicated his life to public service. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Rochester in 1995 and graduated with his Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center in 2002.

After graduating, Shapiro moved to Washington, D.C. where he worked as a legislative assistant and advisor to three Democratic congress members. He was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2004 and was re-elected in 2006, 2008, and 2010. He was elected to the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners in 2011, where he focused on social services and administration—he chaired the board from 2012 to 2016. He simultaneously practiced corporate law at the firm Stradley, Ronon, Stevens, and Young in Philadelphia from 2006 through 2017.

He won his election for Pennsylvania attorney general in November 2016 and was re-elected in 2020. He was elected as Pennsylvania’s governor in November 2022, defeating anti-LGBTQ+ Christian nationalist Doug Mastriano. As governor, Shapiro has supported increased taxpayer funding of public schools, private schools, and transit improvements. He has also opposed pro-Palestinian protests and anti-Israel divestments and boycotts, though he has criticized Isreali leadership and endorsed a two-state solution.

Shapiro’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues

Governor Josh Shapiro has consistently championed LGBTQ+ rights throughout his political career. His unwavering support for equality is evident in his bold actions and policy stances, reflecting a deep commitment to justice and inclusion.

Same-sex marriage

Shapiro has been a long-standing supporter of same-sex marriage. In 2013, as Montgomery County Commissioner, he took a bold stance by offering marriage licenses to same-sex couples, defying state law at the time and demonstrating his commitment to marriage equality long before it became federal law.

As governor, Shapiro said he would sign a bill to repeal Pennsylvania’s dormant ban on same-sex marriage. He has also publicly stated, “As your governor, I’ll always defend your freedom to marry who you love and be who you are here in Pennsylvania.”

Trans children in sports

Shapiro opposes bans on transgender athletes participating in sports aligned with their gender identity. His campaign has stated that he prefers to leave decisions about eligibility to the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association — just as it has been for years — rather than implement blanket bans. The association instructs school principals to decide on the participation of any student-athlete whose gender identity is under question.

Transgender access to public bathrooms

As attorney general, Shapiro filed a legal brief supporting a transgender student in Virginia who sued his school after being prevented from using the bathroom corresponding to his gender. This action underscores Shapiro’s commitment to protecting transgender rights and ensuring equal access to public facilities.

Don’t say gay/LGBTQ+ discussions in schools

Shapiro has been vocal in his opposition to legislation that would restrict discussions of LGBTQ+ issues in schools. His campaign spokesperson, Manuel Bonder, criticized such efforts, stating that the legislature needs to stop “wasting time and taxpayer dollars on these attempts to bully LGBTQ Pennsylvanians.”

Discrimination protections

As governor, Shapiro has been a staunch advocate for comprehensive anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. He has pledged to “put his full capital behind the effort” to enshrine housing, education, and employment protections for the LGBTQ+ community.

He has urged the state Senate to pass the Fairness Act, which would add sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression to the state’s list of protected classes . He emphasized the importance of this legislation, stating, “It’s ridiculous that here in Pennsylvania, two women can get married on a Sunday and then fired from their job on a Monday just because they’re in love.”

Other LGBTQ+ issues

Shapiro criticized former President Donald Trump’s ban on transgender military service members and had previously called for an end to banning gay and bisexual men from donating blood. He has also called for including gender identity in the state’s hate crime laws and supports banning conversion therapy for minors.

Career summary

Elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives (2005-2012)
Served as Member and Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners (2012-2017)
Elected as Attorney General of Pennsylvania (2017-2023)
Sworn in as Governor of Pennsylvania (2023-present)

In conclusion

Josh Shapiro’s unwavering support for LGBTQ+ rights, coupled with his robust legal and political background, positions him as a formidable influence in the Democratic Party, no matter his political future.