I began wearing hats as a young lawyer because it helped me to establish my professional identity. Before that, whenever I was at a meeting, someone would ask me to get coffee.

N. She was one of the first members of Congress to support gay rights introducing the first federal gay rights bill known as the Equality Act of 1974 with fellow Democratic New York City Representative Ed Koch a future mayor of New York City. Often recognized by these vibrant hats Bella reminded all who admired them: "It’s what’s under the hat that counts!"
Abzug's career in Congress ended with an unsuccessful bid for the Democratic nomination for the US Senate in 1976.

Bella Savitsky Abzug (July 24 1920 – March 31 1998) nicknamed "Battling Bella" was an American lawyer Congresswoman social activist and a leader of the Women's Movement. In 1971 Abzug joined other leading feminists such as Gloria Steinem and Betty Friedan to found the National Women's Political Caucus. She was later appointed to chair the National Commission on the Observance of International Women's Year and to plan the 1977 National Women's Conference by President Gerald Ford and led President Jimmy Carter's commission on women.