READ: President Barack Obama's Proclamation on LGBT Pride Month

The White House has issued this proclamation signed by the President today regarding Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. Of note, the proclamation recognizes gender identity, LGBT seniors, LGBT youth and LGBT families. It also notes Administration efforts on LGBT action items such as hate crimes, banning gender identity discrimination in federal employment, hospital visitation, HIV/AIDS funding, discrimination in housing and "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

The proclamation reads: .

As Americans, it is our birthright that all people are created equal and deserve the same rights, privileges, and opportunities.  Since our earliest days of independence, our Nation has striven to fulfill that promise.  An important chapter in our great, unfinished story is the movement for fairness and equality on behalf of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community.  This month, as we recognize the immeasurable contributions of LGBT Americans, we renew our commitment to the struggle for equal rights for LGBT Americans and to ending prejudice and injustice wherever it exists.

 LGBT Americans have enriched and strengthened the fabric of our national life.  From business leaders and professors to athletes and first responders, LGBT individuals have achieved success and prominence in every discipline.  They are our mothers and fathers, our sons and daughters, and our friends and neighbors.  Across my Administration, openly LGBT employees are serving at every level.  Thanks to those who came before us    the brave men and women who marched, stood up to injustice, and brought change through acts of compassion or defiance    we have made enormous progress and continue to strive for a more perfect union.

 My Administration has advanced our journey by signing into law the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which strengthens Federal protections against crimes based on gender identity or sexual orientation.  We renewed the Ryan White CARE Act, which provides life saving medical services and support to Americans living with HIV/AIDS, and finally eliminated the HIV entry ban.  I also signed a Presidential Memorandum directing hospitals receiving Medicare and Medicaid funds to give LGBT patients the compassion and security they deserve in their time of need, including the ability to choose someone other than an immediate family member to visit them and make medical decisions.

 In other areas, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced a series of proposals to ensure core housing programs are open to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.  HUD also announced the first ever national study of discrimination against members of the LGBT community in the rental and sale of housing.  Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services has created a National Resource Center for LGBT Elders.

Much work remains to fulfill our Nation's promise of equal justice under law for LGBT Americans.  That is why we must give committed gay couples the same rights and responsibilities afforded to any married couple, and repeal the Defense of Marriage Act.  We must protect the rights of LGBT families by securing their adoption rights, ending employment discrimination against LGBT Americans, and ensuring Federal employees receive equal benefits.  We must create safer schools so all our children may learn in a supportive environment.  I am also committed to ending "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" so patriotic LGBT Americans can serve openly in our military, and I am working with the Congress and our military leadership to accomplish that goal.

 As we honor the LGBT Americans who have given so much to our Nation, let us remember that if one of us is unable to realize full equality, we all fall short of our founding principles.  Our Nation draws its strength from our diversity, with each of us contributing to the greater whole.  By affirming these rights and values, each American benefits from the further advancement of liberty and justice for all.

 NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2010 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month.  I call upon all Americans to observe this month by fighting prejudice and discrimination in their own lives and everywhere it exists.

 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA

The first presidential proclamation issued by the Obama Administration on LGBT Pride Month was on June 1, 2009. It can be read HERE.

Comments

[MRCHOCOLATE615]

Well it's a start.
@ Rod Onyx party this weekend for IML?

[jacob]

Thank you mr president for signing the matthew shepard bill and thank you for being an advocate for gay rights your truly my role model

[TruTuffTX]

He's just 1 man. How can we demand any more from him? He has shown his determination that includes GLBT issues that he is working for our equal rights. Cut this man a break and let him do his job.

[sharyle lyndon]

Thank you President Obama,we've come a long way but still have sooo much more to do. I live in Vancouver, Canada and have just arrived in Honolulu Hawaii to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Gay Pride Parade on June 5th.
Ha'aheo O Me Ke Aloha
Together in Pride with all my
Love,
Sharyle Lyndon

[SteveDenver]

You know how some children, when asked to do a chore they don't like, will drag their feet or do a half-assed job? They hope you'll do it yourself or never ask them for another thing. That's Obama on gay rights. His efforts on behalf of DADT include SILENCE when top military officials and decorated retirees voiced favor for repeal. He remained silent when top performing officers were dismissed. Then he backpedaled on marriage equality.

The argument that "he's just 1 man" or "he has plenty to do" is puny and stupid: he has an entire government and cabinet with whom he works.

As a once-avid Obama supporter and campaign worker, it seems as if he has lost clear sight of what is RIGHT AND GOOD, and acquiesced to political decision-making.

Obama said "Gays and lesbians have a friend in the White House." I'm still waiting to find out who.