The White House Plans For Pride

The White House Plans For Pride

As we embark on our Pride Month, we have to deal with the fact that so far this year, there are at least 515 anti-LGBTQ bills that have been introduced in the US. It just seems like the government is going backward when it concerns the queer community. It's not fun news as we try to celebrate our community. On a good note, we wanted to report on what Biden and The White House are doing for us this month that is good.

Last Friday, President Biden officially recognized June as Pride Month in a proclamation. He covered his administration's achievements towards LGBTQ+ rights. Among the highlights was ending the ban on trans service people in the military (as instituted by Trump), instituting of the Respect of Marriage Act, and issuing an executive order banning discrimination of queer people in health care, education, and employment. He also addressed the political and social attacks on the queer community, spotlighting the plight of the trans community. He encouraged the nation to celebrate diversity in the US and to recognize our community for our efforts towards a better nation.

Everyone is entitled to dignity and respect, no matter who they are, whom they love, or how they identify.

My Administration is committed to strengthening mental health and support resources for LGBTQI+ folks and families of LGBTQI+ kids.

— President Biden (@POTUS) June 2, 2024

Biden's campaign announced this week that it was putting together a new initiative with mass media to highlight Pride Month. This campaign would also encourage LGBTQ+ voters to get involved in the upcoming election.

First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will be leading Pride Month appearances. Dr. Biden visited Pittsburgh's Pride and talked about the progress the queer community has made. Kamala met with LGBTQ+ leaders in Los Angeles this past weekend. In addition to Pride appearances, they will be conducting interviews talking about the importance of the queer community and will be organizing efforts to gather the community in solidarity to become involved politically in fighting for our rights.

This April, Biden launched the "Out for Biden-Harris" campaign in order to rally voters. It will be involved in over 200 events during Pride in 23 states. It will also be involved in queer organizations, networks, and councils to mobilize its efforts. The Advocate reported that queer voters make up 8 percent of the population, with 20 percent of 18 to 25 identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community. They also reported that in 2022, almost 40 percent of US voters consider queer equality a decisive issue. As we know, the Trump administration stated that if reelected, he would reinstitute the trans ban in the military, remove anti-discrimination policies towards the queer community, and overturn same-sex marriage.

For generations, LGBTQI+ Americans have summoned the courage to live proudly – even when it meant putting their lives at risk.

This Pride Month, we recommit to realizing the promise of America for all, to celebrating LGBTQI+ people, and to taking pride in the example they set. pic.twitter.com/d9cBiGoKCr

— President Biden (@POTUS) June 1, 2024

Biden and the first lady will be hosting the 25th annual LGBTQ+ Leadership Council Gala in New York City on June 28th.

Any gay news to report?