A Proclamation

[BSB_WebMonkey]

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 Because we repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," gay, lesbian, and bisexual Americans can serve their country openly, honestly, and without fear of losing their jobs because of whom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

 

[Beth]

I am so glad that he is stepping forward and turning his promises into action!

 

[stowe1]

Thanks for posting this.


__________________

 

[cumrag27]

In this sad time of the Gov. Walker's and Mitt Romney's of this world (and the like), I am proud to proclaim my support for the expansion of human rights in the US as recommended by President Barack Obama, in keeping with the Bill of Rights as originally outlined by our founding fathers, and in direct opposition to those negating and dismissive voices that would have us merely remain eternally unheard, unrepresented, and ignored.

Let America live up to her charter and promise, rather than take refuge in centuries of ignorance, divisiveness, and hatred of any one of God's creations. As we are founded "One Nation Under God", so too, be it that we live up to the challenges that formed the basis of our founding, dedicated to broadening human liberty.


Sincerely,


Stimpy

 

[BrokeColin]

BOOOOOO YAAAAAA finally someone tells it like it is! We are all equals no matter what! People need to let go of the hate in their hearts and if they cant then they are only doing a dis-service to them selfs by missing out on some of the coolest people you could ever meet in your life!!

 

[joninliverton]

It's a pink vote winning speech isn't it ? If the president comes out with stuff like that then why doesn't he make every state do as he tells them to. But guess it's not the way America works. I wish David Cameron would come out with a similar statement instead of hiding behind his Eton suite.

 

[peterh6308]

Man I started to well up a little. He has come a little short of some of his promises he made 4 yrs ago, but the things he has done or changed have made a huge impact on the people of this country. Coming from a miniority family- My Dad is mexican and my mom is a full blooded Native American, so i'm mixed and gay (triple whammy)lol i personnally have never been prejudiced against, I'm very light skinned and naturally masculine acting but my siblings have been. My sisters have long black hair and dark skin (very native looking) and my brothers are dark olived skinned and look latino. My mother grew up in southern Oregon in the early 40s through the late 50s where there were signs in the country stores and restaurants saying "no indians allowed". They were treated like the blacks were in the south. I have quite the diverse family now among my indian/mexican backgrounds my sister has grandchildren with black and asian mixed nationalities. So as long as we have a leader who see's all people as equals then we are still moving forward and no steps back.

 

[Frontier]

We really have made allot of progress in the past several years. I', especially happy that this will make it much easier on the LGBT youth of this country and help reduce the sad number of suicides which Mitt Romney, the Mormon Church and Christian Right contribute to on a daily.