"NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America..."

[Prof.]

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

LINK (http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Presidential-Proclamation-LGBT-Pride-Month/)

We are one step closer, ladies and gentlemen. :D

[gotzero]

Looks like a start. :)

[leekohler]

Awesome. That IS a good start. :)

[it5five]

Really? Seems like nothing more than an empty gesture to me. It's probably meant to placate the angry LGBT community that voted for him, but have yet to see any action regarding LGBT rights.

A good start would be the overturning of DADT, not this.

[leekohler]

Really? Seems like nothing more than an empty gesture to me. It's probably meant to placate the angry LGBT community that voted for him, but have yet to see any action regarding LGBT rights.

A good start would be the overturning of DADT, not this.

Did you read the whole thing? Prof- you should post the whole proclamation.

[gibbz]

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.

Good to see.

[yojitani]

Actually, this seems pretty gutsy to me considering the amount of gay hate being dished out after the gay marriage rulings (pro and con).

[leekohler]

Here's the text of the entire proclamation:

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

[it5five]

Yes, it still seems like an empty gesture. Of all of the goals he stated in the speech, only the hate crimes legislation has any traction right now. I have seen nothing that indicates he is close to moving on federal rights or civil unions or removing the DADT policy.

So again, I'll believe this when I see actual results. This is nothing more than an attempt to win back support from a group that was becoming increasingly disappointed with his administration.

[leekohler]

Yes, it still seems like an empty gesture. Of all of the goals he stated in the speech, only the hate crimes legislation has any traction right now. I have seen nothing that indicates he is close to moving on federal rights or civil unions or removing the DADT policy.

So again, I'll believe this when I see actual results. This is nothing more than an attempt to win back support from a group that was becoming increasingly disappointed with his administration.

We're not that stupid. And we won't sit still for empty words either. You should know that by now. That he is saying something means he's at least hearing us. This just means we turn the heat up even more.

And compared to Bush, this is a lot better.

[Unspoken Demise]

Wow. BIG step in the right direction. I'm glad to hear things like this happening in our country.

However, and by no means is this a threat towards the President on my behalf, why do I have the sinking feeling that when I'm 80 years old telling my grandchildren about my life, I'll have the unfortunate ability to say "One of the Presidents of my day was assassinated?" :(

[it5five]

I'm not saying the LGBT community is stupid, Lee. I believe that this will only increase demands for equality, but I was questioning Obama's motives.

To me, it seems like he knows he will not be acting on any of this for a while (except for the hate crimes legislation, which is making its way through Congress). It just seems like he is trying to please the LGBT community until he thinks it is more politically advantageous to himself to act. He knows that the left is becoming increasingly disappointed with him, especially in regards to civil liberties, so he had to do something to shore up his support.

Although it is great to see a President do something like this, it does not improve my opinion of the Obama administration.

[patrick0brien]

This is indeed interesting progress, and I do see it as so. However, I feel that the goal will only be truly reached when nobody cares anymore. And we can all just... conquer space or something.

[leekohler]

I'm not saying the LGBT community is stupid, Lee. I believe that this will only increase demands for equality, but I was questioning Obama's motives.

To me, it seems like he knows he will not be acting on any of this for a while (except for the hate crimes legislation, which is making its way through Congress). It just seems like he is trying to please the LGBT community until he thinks it is more politically advantageous to himself to act. He knows that the left is becoming increasingly disappointed with him, especially in regards to civil liberties, so he had to do something to shore up his support.

Although it is great to see a President do something like this, it does not improve my opinion of the Obama administration.

I could care less about his motives. He's a politician- no one here is missing that. And this won't do much to shore up any support if he fails to act. We've been waiting a long time for this. Don't think we won't seize the moment.

[NT1440]

I'm not saying the LGBT community is stupid, Lee. I believe that this will only increase demands for equality, but I was questioning Obama's motives.

To me, it seems like he knows he will not be acting on any of this for a while (except for the hate crimes legislation, which is making its way through Congress). It just seems like he is trying to please the LGBT community until he thinks it is more politically advantageous to himself to act. He knows that the left is becoming increasingly disappointed with him, especially in regards to civil liberties, so he had to do something to shore up his support.

Although it is great to see a President do something like this, it does not improve my opinion of the Obama administration.
What is it that makes it seem this way to you?

[it5five]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30830397/

Morrell said the White House has not asked for the 1993 policy to be scrapped.

"I do not believe there are any plans under way in this building for some expected, but not articulated, anticipation that 'don't ask-don't tell' will be repealed," Morrell told reporters at the Pentagon.

Morrell said Defense Secretary Robert Gates and the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, Adm. Mike Mullen, both have discussed the issue with Obama.

"They're aware of where the president wants to go on this issue, but I don't think that there is any sense of any immediate developments in the offing on efforts to repeal `don't ask-don't tell'," Morrell said.

[mactastic]

Well... it's better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick.

[Queso]

Actions speak louder than words. We shall see.

[Shivetya]

Actually, this seems pretty gutsy to me considering the amount of gay hate being dished out after the gay marriage rulings (pro and con).

considering the news coverage is near zero...


says it is an empty gesture... and even better... he calls for civil unions, NOT MARRIAGE.


So much for anything there...

[neiltc13]

This is worth absolutely nothing unless he also declares a different month Heterosexual month.

[leekohler]

... and even better... he calls for civil unions, NOT MARRIAGE.

Anyone paying any sort of attention knows that has been his position from the beginning.

So- since he said "civil unions", not "marriage", that means what to you? And how is it "better"?

[NT1440]

This is worth absolutely nothing unless he also declares a different month Heterosexual month.

Just like we have white history month right? :rolleyes:

[TwinCities Dan]

Just like we have white history month right? :rolleyes:

Much better than what I was about to post. :o

[gibbz]

considering the news coverage is near zero...


says it is an empty gesture... and even better... he calls for civil unions, NOT MARRIAGE.


So much for anything there...

Who cares what it is called. If you live on the supposition that marriage is a religious institution, then the edict of separation of church and state should mean that the government makes no preferential acknowledgements or policy based on religion.

As such, the government should only recognize unions, regardless of whether the couple is hetero/homosexual. When people go to get a license, it should only be to tell the state of the intentions to act as a union and the state should acknowledge only that. If a church wants to wed homosexuals, great. If not, that's their prerogative. It should have no bearing on whether the state recognizes their partnership.

As it stands now, the government is denying basic civil liberties to a group based on a religious argument, which is plain bunk. The fact that we continue to deny rights shows our great country has moved little past its days during the civil rights fight. We have simply moved to another group to disparage.

[Ugg]

My take on this proclamation is that it's the first shot fired across the bow of the SS Discrimination. I've no doubt that he believes what he just wrote, but he's also a man who seems to believe in building support for issues. He's letting the extremists know where he stands.

As has been said, actions speak louder than words, but has any other president made any similar statement? He's definitely not so stupid as to offer up something so grand without intending to follow through on it.

[.Andy]

As has been said, actions speak louder than words, but has any other president made any similar statement?
I was going to post something similar. It's perhaps just a gesture at this stage, but when has a US President had the courage to say such a thing? Surely it's unprecedented. I'd also wager that he's among a very select group of heads of state worldwide that have openly proclaimed such a thing. You should be proud america.

[Prof.]

This is worth absolutely nothing unless he also declares a different month Heterosexual month.

Every month is heterosexual month.

[Tomorrow]

This is worth absolutely nothing unless he also declares a different month Heterosexual month.

Now I'm curious: just how does proclaiming a "Heterosexual month" add or take away any meaning from this proclamation?

Hypothetically, I'll say fine - let's have a heterosexual month. Then what? As a heterosexual, am I supposed to spend that month going all-out to be heterosexual? But wait, I already am heterosexual. And what am I supposed to be the other eleven months? Your suggestion doesn't make any sense to me.

"No, we're not homosexual, but we are *willing to learn*." - Stripes

[Queso]

Every month is heterosexual month.
Not any more. 11/12 is about the right percentage IMO. Let "those other people" have the rest of the year. June's my favourite anyway :)

[neiltc13]

Now I'm curious: just how does proclaiming a "Heterosexual month" add or take away any meaning from this proclamation?

People in these minorities always say they are looking for equality. What they are getting here is more than equality, so things need evened out.

[mactastic]

People in these minorities always say they are looking for equality. What they are getting here is more than equality, so things need evened out.
What they are getting here are platitudes. They are still far from anything approaching equality. If anything needs to be "evened out" it's not by giving anything to the heterosexual side.

[freeny]

Baby steps people. Some of you will complain about anything. While certainly not the end all, its hard to see this as anything but good and progressive.

[NT1440]

People in these minorities always say they are looking for equality. What they are getting here is more than equality, so things need evened out.

My god, that is probably the stupidest thing I have heard today. Do you really care that they have a month to acknowledge them?

Do you push for a White History month too?

[EricNau]

Why June? Am I the only one that sees the irony?

[mactastic]

Why June? Am I the only one that sees the irony?
Nope ;)

[NT1440]

Nope ;)

:confused:

Am I missing something?

[beatzfreak]

Why June? Am I the only one that sees the irony?

June has unofficially been gay pride month since 1969, because of the Stonewall riots.

[Prof.]

Why June? Am I the only one that sees the irony?
What irony...?:confused:

[brad.c]

Every month is heterosexual month.
Not the whole month, just 21 days of it.

[yojitani]

Although not directly related, this conversation reminds me of this cartoon that came in my inbox today:

http://www.bendib.com/newones/2009/may/small/5-30-Rush.jpg

[EricNau]

:confused:

Am I missing something?

What irony...?:confused:

In what month do most weddings traditionally occur? June. ;)

[Prof.]

In what month do most weddings traditionally occur? June. ;)
I did not know that.

[TwinCities Dan]

I laughed...

[mactastic]

I did not know that.
They don't call 'em June Brides for nothing. :p

[Queso]

People in these minorities always say they are looking for equality. What they are getting here is more than equality, so things need evened out.
Whilst in the UK legal equality has been pretty much achieved (full gay marriage excepted), don't make the mistake of thinking for one second that it is the same in the United States. There is no protection against employment discrimination enshrined in their legal systems, their military does not allow openly gay servicemen, most states do not recognise gay relationships or allow long standing stable gay partners to adopt. The list goes on. Therefore in a country where equality is still years away having the President make such a proclamation is a big deal.

Take those blinkers you're wearing off and take a look beyond your immediate surroundings.