LGBT News: President Obama Proclaims June LGBT Pride Month

[Red87]

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_...T-Pride-Month/

I didn't see this anywhere else, so I posted it up, just released today.

I think this is pretty huge. What do you guys think? As a servicemember I'm hoping soon the ban on Don't ask Don't tell is lifted. One can only hope.

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

Forty years ago, patrons and supporters of the Stonewall Inn in New York City resisted police harassment that had become all too common for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. Out of this resistance, the LGBT rights movement in America was born. During LGBT Pride Month, we commemorate the events of June 1969 and commit to achieving equal justice under law for LGBT Americans.

LGBT Americans have made, and continue to make, great and lasting contributions that continue to strengthen the fabric of American society. There are many well-respected LGBT leaders in all professional fields, including the arts and business communities. LGBT Americans also mobilized the Nation to respond to the domestic HIV/AIDS epidemic and have played a vital role in broadening this country's response to the HIV pandemic.

Due in no small part to the determination and dedication of the LGBT rights movement, more LGBT Americans are living their lives openly today than ever before. I am proud to be the first President to appoint openly LGBT candidates to Senate-confirmed positions in the first 100 days of an Administration. These individuals embody the best qualities we seek in public servants, and across my Administration -- in both the White House and the Federal agencies -- openly LGBT employees are doing their jobs with distinction and professionalism.

The LGBT rights movement has achieved great progress, but there is more work to be done. LGBT youth should feel safe to learn without the fear of harassment, and LGBT families and seniors should be allowed to live their lives with dignity and respect.

My Administration has partnered with the LGBT community to advance a wide range of initiatives. At the international level, I have joined efforts at the United Nations to decriminalize homosexuality around the world. Here at home, I continue to support measures to bring the full spectrum of equal rights to LGBT Americans. These measures include enhancing hate crimes laws, supporting civil unions and Federal rights for LGBT couples, outlawing discrimination in the workplace, ensuring adoption rights, and ending the existing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in a way that strengthens our Armed Forces and our national security. We must also commit ourselves to fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic by both reducing the number of HIV infections and providing care and support services to people living with HIV/AIDS across the United States.

These issues affect not only the LGBT community, but also our entire Nation. As long as the promise of equality for all remains unfulfilled, all Americans are affected. If we can work together to advance the principles upon which our Nation was founded, every American will benefit. During LGBT Pride Month, I call upon the LGBT community, the Congress, and the American people to work together to promote equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2009 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to turn back discrimination and prejudice everywhere it exists.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

BARACK OBAMA

[Eccentric]

Hey, it's June right now! Cools!

[Shevanel]

Well That's a nice thing to know. Good to see he's at least attempting to start going in the right direction. Plus June is an absolutely awesome month.

[Hoppip]

October's for history and June's for priiiide! :'D

Niiice. This is very, very nice to hear.

[Emberstone]

yay, june is the anniversary of me coming out to the first people. also, my birthday is in june.

[Shevanel]

Originally Posted by Emberstone

yay, june is the anniversary of me coming out to the first people. also, my birthday is in june.

Me too with the birthday =D Its also the coming of Summer, the most beautiful season

[Just Adam]

congrats on getting anational pride month

[Cracked Actor]

He did that so he can see lebians going around kissing each other in short shorts. D:
xD

jk

Originally Posted by Cracked Actor

He did that so he can see lebians going around kissing each other in short shorts. D:
xD

jk

Haha well I wouldn't mind that. But this is good, I suppose.

[Wander]

Birthday month!

[Thisisnew]

Originally Posted by Cracked Actor

He did that so he can see lebians going around kissing each other in short shorts. D:
xD

jk

That doesnt sound bad to me haha.

[Markio]

My birthday is in June, too! Only like a week before Pride, too...

[Shevanel]

Originally Posted by Thisisnew

That doesnt sound bad to me haha.

Me Neither XD

[thebikelady]

Originally Posted by SurferDude420

Me Neither XD

A beautiful idea really.

[No One]

This is great but as soon as my dad hears about this i will never hear the end of it.

[Maddy]

Another June birthday This is awesome!

[notquitebutch]

Originally Posted by thebikelady

A beautiful idea really.

Totally agreed :'D

But in all seriousness, this is awesome!

[Emberstone]

now if only he will back these promises up with progress.

[George]

Awww... I want a national pride month now. ;_;

[Lucy]

Oh my goooddd!!! I have to wear my gay tshirt today!!!

*soo happeeee*