June is Pride Month for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
and Transgender (LGBT) community. This is an opportunity to reflect on
the progress we’ve made, and recommit ourselves to the work ahead.
To help kick off LGBT Pride Month, today President Obama recorded the following
video message to Americans across the country:
In addition, the President also issued a
Proclamation where he describes the progress we’ve made over the
last few years and our ongoing commitment to the rights of LGBT
Americans. The Proclamation says in part:
Since I took office, my
Administration has worked to broaden opportunity, advance equality, and
level the playing field for LGBT people and communities. We have fought
to secure justice for all under the Matthew
Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act, and we have
taken action to end housing discrimination based on sexual orientation
and gender identity. We expanded hospital visitation rights for LGBT
patients and their loved ones, and under the Affordable
Care Act, we ensured that insurance companies will no longer be able to
deny coverage to someone just because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual,
or transgender. Because we understand that LGBT rights are human
rights, we continue to engage with the international
community in promoting and protecting the rights of LGBT persons around
the world. Because we repealed “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” gay, lesbian,
and bisexual Americans can serve their country openly, honestly, and
without fear of losing their jobs because of
whom they love. And because we must treat others the way we want to be
treated, I personally believe in marriage equality for same-sex
couples.
Throughout the month, we’ll be posting periodic updates at
whitehouse.gov/LGBT. Check back often, and make sure you
sign up for updates!