President Joe Biden is recognizing “the valuable contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals across America” as Pride Month kicks off during the month of June.
“Pride is a time to recall the trials the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) community has endured and to rejoice in the triumphs of trailblazing individuals who have bravely fought — and continue to fight — for full equality,” Biden wrote in a proclamation.
The president also said, “We reaffirm our commitment to standing in solidarity with LGBTQ+ Americans in their ongoing struggle against discrimination and injustice.”
Biden noted that the LGBTQ community now serves in “nearly every level of public office,” from “city halls and State capitals, Governors’ mansions and the halls of the Congress, and throughout my Administration.”
He pointed out that Pete Buttigieg, who is the Transportation secretary, is “the first openly LGBTQ+ person to serve in the Cabinet.” He added that Assistant Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine is also “the first openly transgender person to be confirmed by the Senate.”
While noting there has been progress, Biden said “LGBTQ+ individuals still lack protections for fundamental rights and dignity.”
“Ending violence and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community demands our continued focus and diligence,” he wrote. “As President, I am committed to defending the rights of all LGBTQ+ individuals. My Administration is taking historic actions to finally deliver full equality for LGBTQ+ families.”
“We see you, we support you, and we are inspired by your courage to accept nothing less than full equality.”
The president called on Congress to enact the Equality Act to “ensure civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ people and families across our country.”
“During LGBTQ+ Pride Month, we recognize the resilience and determination of the many individuals who are fighting to live freely and authentically. In doing so, they are opening hearts and minds, and laying the foundation for a more just and equitable America. This Pride Month, we affirm our obligation to uphold the dignity of all people, and dedicate ourselves to protecting the most vulnerable among us.”
LGBTQ groups are looking to draw attention to anti-transgender laws this month. Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Executive Director Alphonso David told The Hill that those bills are “damaging” and “dehumanizing.”
David told the outlet that the HRC will be using this month “as a platform to really amplify the importance of advocacy and engagement.”
“We need to make sure that the community understands and appreciates the current climate that we live in, in the United States, where state legislators are looking to take away legal protections that we have,” David said. “We have members of the trans and non-binary community that are living in a state of fear.”
