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Showing posts with label Gay Pride. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gay Pride. Show all posts
Friday, May 23, 2014
2014 US Gay Pride Festivals & Celebrations
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Presidential Proclamation: June 2012 is Pride Month for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
In a proclamation that was distributed earlier this month President Barack Obama has declared June 2012 as Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month for the third year in a row. This
year also marks the President’s open support of marriage equality for
all people.
You can read his full proclamation below:
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, 2012
By The President Of The United States Of America
A Proclamation
From
generation to generation, ordinary Americans have led a proud and
inexorable march toward freedom, fairness, and full equality under the
law ‑‑ not just for some, but for all. Ours is a heritage forged by
those who organized, agitated, and advocated for change; who wielded
love stronger than hate and hope more powerful than insult or injury;
who fought to build for themselves and their families a Nation where no
one is a second-class citizen, no one is denied basic rights, and all of
us are free to live and love as we see fit.
The lesbian, gay,
bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community has written a proud chapter
in this fundamentally American story. From brave men and women who came
out and spoke out, to union and faith leaders who rallied for equality,
to activists and advocates who challenged unjust laws and marched on
Washington, LGBT Americans and allies have achieved what once seemed
inconceivable. This month, we reflect on their enduring legacy,
celebrate the movement that has made progress possible, and recommit to
securing the fullest blessings of freedom for all Americans.
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.
More remains to be done to ensure every
single American is treated equally, regardless of sexual orientation or
gender identity. Moving forward, my Administration will continue its
work to advance the rights of LGBT Americans. This month, as we reflect
on how far we have come and how far we have yet to go, let us recall
that the progress we have made is built on the words and deeds of
ordinary Americans. Let us pay tribute to those who came before us, and
those who continue their work today; and let us rededicate ourselves to a
task that is unending ‑‑ the pursuit of a Nation where all are equal,
and all have the full and unfettered opportunity to pursue happiness and
live openly and freely.
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 2012 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to eliminate
prejudice everywhere it exists, and to celebrate the great diversity of
the American people.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my
hand this first day of June, in the year of our Lord
two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States
of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.
BARACK OBAMA
Monday, October 10, 2011
Celebrate National Coming Out Day: October 11th, 2011
Founded in 1988 by Robert Eichberg and Jean O'Leary, marking the anniversary of the 1987 march on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. Since then, NCOD has become an internationally recognized day of celebration for the LGBT community and their allies.
Robert Eichberg, who died in 1995 of complications from AIDS, said in a 1992 interview, "Most people think they don't know anyone gay or lesbian, and in fact everybody does. It is imperative that we come out and let people know who we are and disabuse them or their fears and stereotypes."
And this year, we have many LGBT successes to celebrate; DADT has finally been repealed and now Gay & lesbian couples can legally get married in New York...these are huge steps. I know we still have a long way to go, but for tomorrow, lets take the time and be grateful for what we have accomplished...and let that jo spill out for the year ahead!
So, on October 11th, 2011 where ever you may be, let those you know & love, family members, friends, maybe even a stranger, know who you are… and that you are proud. No matter if you're lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, or a straight alliance member, stand up and be proud!
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