tridd forums

President Obama proclaims June 2009 to be LGBT Pride Month

http://www..whitehouse.gov/the_press_of ... ide-Month/

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary

___________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release June 1, 2009

LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER PRIDE MONTH, 2009
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

Forty years ago, patrons and supporters of the Stonewall Inn in New York City resisted police harassment that had become all too common for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. Out of this resistance, the LGBT rights movement in America was born. During LGBT Pride Month, we commemorate the events of June 1969 and commit to achieving equal justice under law for LGBT Americans.

LGBT Americans have made, and continue to make, great and lasting contributions that continue to strengthen the fabric of American society. There are many well-respected LGBT leaders in all professional fields, including the arts and business communities. LGBT Americans also mobilized the Nation to respond to the domestic HIV/AIDS epidemic and have played a vital role in broadening this country's response to the HIV pandemic.

Due in no small part to the determination and dedication of the LGBT rights movement, more LGBT Americans are living their lives openly today than ever before. I am proud to be the first President to appoint openly LGBT candidates to Senate-confirmed positions in the first 100 days of an Administration. These individuals embody the best qualities we seek in public servants, and across my Administration -- in both the White House and the Federal agencies -- openly LGBT employees are doing their jobs with distinction and professionalism.

The LGBT rights movement has achieved great progress, but there is more work to be done. LGBT youth should feel safe to learn without the fear of harassment, and LGBT families and seniors should be allowed to live their lives with dignity and respect.

My Administration has partnered with the LGBT community to advance a wide range of initiatives. At the international level, I have joined efforts at the United Nations to decriminalize homosexuality around the world. Here at home, I continue to support measures to bring the full spectrum of equal rights to LGBT Americans. These measures include enhancing hate crimes laws, supporting civil unions and Federal rights for LGBT couples, outlawing discrimination in the workplace, ensuring adoption rights, and ending the existing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in a way that strengthens our Armed Forces and our national security. We must also commit ourselves to fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic by both reducing the number of HIV infections and providing care and support services to people living with HIV/AIDS across the United States.

These issues affect not only the LGBT community, but also our entire Nation. As long as the promise of equality for all remains unfulfilled, all Americans are affected. If we can work together to advance the principles upon which our Nation was founded, every American will benefit. During LGBT Pride Month, I call upon the LGBT community, the Congress, and the American people to work together to promote equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2009 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to turn back discrimination and prejudice everywhere it exists.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

BARACK OBAMA

On June 2, 2000, President Bill Clinton declared June 2000 "Gay & Lesbian Pride Month".

On June 1, 2009, President Barack Obama declared June 2009 "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Pride Month".

Bi and Trans were added and the Lesbians moved up a notch.

I'm "queer", so I'm still not covered.

Ox

Yeah... and when are they going to include those of us who only identify as "friends of Dorothy?"

Hmmm...
I could do without the repeated disrespect and sarcasm, my friend. Now I'm remembering why I (and possibly others) post so infrequently.

Ox, I know you're joking, right? Since when are we not supposed to kid each other?

On a serious note, no disrespect was intended, my friend -- nor have I ever felt anything but respect for you. I thought you were joking, so I joked back. In fact, I thought you might have been hurt if I hadn't responded.

We've always kidded each other, but I won't in the future if you'd prefer.

All the best - Troy

Yes, that was just a crack, albeit perhaps in poor taste given the history of these forums, huh? It would have probably sounded better out loud. Didn't mean to cause alarm, but it is very thoughtful of you to show concern.

I don't expect "Queer" to be added to LGBT any before "friend of Dorothy". Don't stop kidding, whatever you do. Shoot, that's the main reason I drop in, to get a dose of humor that can only be served up Troy style. I just wish more people would post.

Yippee! - Ya, you got me good on that one.

Hey Troy, a fellow LGBA band member made a reference to one I hadn't heard before... "LGBTQICLMNOPEIEIO". I get the Intersex, Curious, and Pansexual part, however the LMNO and especially the EIEIO are more than even I care to ponder.

Ox