That is why I continue to call on the Congress to pass the Equality Act, which will ensure civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ people and families across our country.
#Gay pride colors in order full
While I am proud of the progress my Administration has made in advancing protections for the LGBTQ+ community, I will not rest until full equality for LGBTQ+ Americans is finally achieved and codified into law. We see you, we support you, and we are inspired by your courage to accept nothing less than full equality. LGBTQ+ rights are human rights, which is why my Administration has reaffirmed America’s commitment to supporting those on the front lines of the equality and democracy movements around the world, often at great risk. My Administration is also working to promote and protect LGBTQ+ human rights abroad. I also signed an Executive Order affirming all qualified Americans will be able to serve in the Armed Forces of the United States - including patriotic transgender Americans who can once again proudly and openly serve their Nation in uniform - and a National Security Memorandum that commits to supporting LGBTQ+ Federal employees serving overseas.
As a result, the Federal Government has taken steps to prevent discrimination against LGBTQ+ people in employment, health care, housing, lending, and education. On my first day in office, I signed an Executive Order charging Federal agencies to fully enforce all Federal laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation. My Administration is taking historic actions to finally deliver full equality for LGBTQ+ families. As President, I am committed to defending the rights of all LGBTQ+ individuals. Ending violence and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community demands our continued focus and diligence. And we are still haunted by tragedies such as the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando.
Our Nation also continues to face tragic levels of violence against transgender people, especially transgender women of color. Some States have chosen to actively target transgender youth through discriminatory bills that defy our Nation’s values of inclusivity and freedom for all. LGBTQ+ individuals - especially youth who defy sex or gender norms - face bullying and harassment in educational settings and are at a disproportionate risk of self-harm and death by suicide. Our Nation continues to witness a tragic spike in violence against transgender women of color. Rachel Levine, the first openly transgender person to be confirmed by the Senate.įor all of our progress, there are many States in which LGBTQ+ individuals still lack protections for fundamental rights and dignity in hospitals, schools, public accommodations, and other spaces.
Nearly 14 percent of my 1,500 agency appointees identify as LGBTQ+, and I am particularly honored by the service of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, the first openly LGBTQ+ person to serve in the Cabinet, and Assistant Health Secretary Dr. Members of the LGBTQ+ community now serve in nearly every level of public office - in city halls and State capitals, Governors’ mansions and the halls of the Congress, and throughout my Administration. Hate Crimes Prevention Act broadened the definition of hate crimes to include crimes motivated by sexual orientation or gender identity. Historic Supreme Court rulings in recent years have struck down regressive laws, affirmed the right to marriage equality, and secured workplace protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in every State and Territory. The LGBTQ+ community in America has achieved remarkable progress since Stonewall. This Pride Month, we recognize the valuable contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals across America, and we reaffirm our commitment to standing in solidarity with LGBTQ+ Americans in their ongoing struggle against discrimination and injustice. Pride is both a jubilant communal celebration of visibility and a personal celebration of self-worth and dignity. 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. The uprising at the Stonewall Inn in June, 1969, sparked a liberation movement - a call to action that continues to inspire us to live up to our Nation’s promise of equality, liberty, and justice for all.