Roberta Achtenberg is the first known gay politician in the United States whose appointment to a federal position was confirmed by the United States Senate. She was a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and unsuccessfully ran for mayor of San Francisco before she was appointed assistant secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

She is also an author. Her books include:

• , by Paula Martinac , Roberta Achtenberg
• , by Teresa Decrescenzo (Editor), Roberta Achtenberg
• Sexual Orientation and the Law , by Roberta Achtenberg (Editor)