Prior to serving as City Council speaker, she sponsored the Equal Benefits Bill, which opted for benefits between domestic partners and she advocated the Health Care Security Act, which ensured that grocery workers receive health coverage.

Quinn attracted widespread attention in 2006 when she refused to march in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Its organizers have banned gay and lesbian organizations from participating since 1991.

Quinn, an open lesbian, wanted to wear her gay pride pin during the parade but regulations were not amended in her favor, so she boycotted instead.