Obama
Presidential Proclamation--Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month
Submitted by Ryan on Wed, 06/02/2010 - 1:03pmThe White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate ReleaseMay 28, 2010BARACK OBAMA
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.
Community Gathers for Historic Hate Crimes Signing
Submitted by Breanna on Thu, 10/29/2009 - 12:43amToday President Obama signed into law the first federal law protecting transgender people in US history: The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
In attendance for the White House signing celebration was a gathering of leading national LGBT rights leaders including Ingersoll Gender Center's own founder and co-President, Marsha Botzer.
"This is truly a great moment for our community. Through perseverance and unfailing teamwork and solidarity with the full LGBT community and with communities of color, through the legislative process and with a supportive administration, we have made great strides toward justice. " stated Marsha following the signing ceremony. "Legislation does not in itself bring about justice or the lessening of hate but it sends important signals to everyone that violence against our community cannot be tolerated and puts vital tools in the hands of law enforcement."
Just weeks from the annual observation of the Transgender Day of Remembrance we have received official recognition of the fact that violence against transgender people due to their gender identity and expression constitutes a hate crime.
In televised statements following the signing, President Obama made clear the importance and symbolic significance of adding sexual orientation and gender identity to national Hate Crimes protection:
