LGBT rights and political advocacy
Griffin is an outspoken supporter for LGBT rights, including same-sex marriage.[72][73] She has protested with fellow proponents in West Hollywood, California,[74] and showcased the footage of such protests on her reality show Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List. Her mother, Maggie Griffin, is also a supporter of LGBT rights and is seen in Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List protesting alongside her daughter. Prior to the Proposition 8 ballot results, Griffin volunteered for the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center’s "Vote for Equality" campaign, going door-to-door asking Los Angeles residents for their opinion of LGBT marriage rights.[75]
In March 2010, Griffin helped organize a rally in Washington, D.C. to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." She stated that she organized the rally after meeting with several closeted gay people serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Griffin held meetings with several Members of Congress to encourage its repeal; she also organized a rally in Freedom Plaza.[76][77]
Griffin caused controversy when she confronted Republican Congresswoman Michele Bachmann over her views on homosexuality at the 2010 Radio and Television Correspondents' Association Dinner, while in town for her rally against DADT. According to Griffin, she asked Bachmann "were you born a bigot or did you grow into it," a reference to Bachmann's belief that homosexuality is strictly environmental.[78] Griffin claimed that Bachmann replied by saying, "That's a good question, I'll have to think about that." Bachmann's office confirmed the exchange but claimed that Griffin confronted Bachmann after Bachmann approached Griffin to compliment her appearance.[79][80]
Griffin has been a long-time supporter of the Aid for AIDS annual fundraiser, Best in Drag Show in Los Angeles, and hosted the opening of the show for more than five years.[81] In November 2009, Aid For AIDS presented Kathy Griffin with an AFA Angel Award at their silver anniversary celebration.[81][82]
Griffin has been a long-time critic of Sarah Palin, and has made fun of Palin's daughter, Bristol Palin, using the Palin family as material in her comedy routines.[83] In March 2011, Sarah Palin responded to Griffin by calling her a "bully." Palin went on to dare Griffin to "come up to Alaska and pick on me."[84] In connection with her reality TV show, Griffin visited the Palin family home in Wasilla, Alaska and invited Palin to attend her stand-up show in Anchorage, Alaska.[85] Griffin has also poked fun at Willow Palin as a result of her Facebook statements on homosexuality.[86]