List of top 11 pro-LGBT U.S. Representatives released

Thinkprogress.org has compiled a list of the 11 most pro-gay congressmen and women in the U.S. House of Representatives, released a week after they identified the seven most anti-LGBT Republicans in the House. Each congress member identified has signed at least 20 pro-LGBT bill proposals, ranging in issues from equal medical care for same-sex couples to violence against gay women.

All eleven of the representatives acknowledged by thinkprogress.org are Democrats, with four out of the eleven representing California. Thinkprogress has recognized Congresswomen Barbara Lee of California as the most pro-LGBT member of Congress, citing her involvement as either co-sponsor or sponsor of 23 of the 27 pro-LGBT proposals this Congress. She has represented the Bay area for eight terms, during which she authored the Real Education for Healthy Youth Act and Health Equality and Accountability Act.

Representative Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin also made the list, as she is the first openly lesbian woman to serve in Congress and co-chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus.

The following Representatives also were included on the list:

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN)

Rep. Bob Filner (D-CA)

Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ)

Rep. John Lewis (D-GA)

Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY)

Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI)

Rep. Fortney “Pete” Stark (D-CA)

Rep. Edolphus Towns (D-NY)

Rep. Lynn C. Woolsey (D-CA)

Thinkprogress acknowledged Republican Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen from Florida for her co-sponsorship of six pro-LGBT proposals. As the only GOP backer of the Respect for Marriage Act, she is seen to be the most pro-LGBT Republican in the House.