In 2010, Lane, along with a coalition of LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and lawmakers, launched a concerted effort to repeal the policy. After months of intense lobbying and advocacy, the policy was finally repealed, marking a major milestone in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

In 1982, Lane made history by becoming one of the first openly lesbian candidates to run for public office in the United States. Her campaign for a seat on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors was groundbreaking, but ultimately unsuccessful. Undeterred, Lane continued to build her reputation as a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, eventually earning a seat on the Los Angeles City Council in 1987.

One of Lane's most significant legislative achievements was her role in the repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, which prohibited openly LGBTQ+ individuals from serving in the United States military. Introduced in 1993, the policy was widely criticized for its discriminatory nature and was seen as a major obstacle to LGBTQ+ equality.