"From the moment our Nation first came together to declare the
fundamental truth that all men are created equal, courageous and
dedicated patriots have fought to refine our founding promise and
broaden democracy's reach. Over the course of more than two centuries of
striving and sacrifice, our country has expanded civil rights and
enshrined equal protections into our Constitution. Through struggle and
setback, we see a common trajectory toward a more free and just society.
But we are also reminded that we are not truly equal until every person
is afforded the same rights and opportunities -- that when one of us
experiences discrimination, it affects all of us -- and that our journey
is not complete until our lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender
(LGBT) brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law.
"Across our Nation, tremendous progress has been won by determined
individuals who stood up, spoke out, and shared their stories. Earlier
this year, because of my landmark Executive Order on LGBT workplace
discrimination, protections for Federal contractors went into effect,
guarding against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender
identity. The Federal Government is now leading by example, ensuring
that our employees and contractors are judged by the quality of their
work, not by who they love. And I will keep calling on the Congress to
pass legislation so that all Americans are covered by these
protections, no matter where they work.
"In communities throughout the country, barriers that limit the
potential of LGBT Americans have been torn down, but too many
individuals continue to encounter discrimination and unfair treatment.
My Administration supports efforts to ban the use of conversion therapy
for minors because the overwhelming scientific evidence demonstrates
that it can cause substantial harm. We understand the unique challenges
faced by sexual and gender minorities -- especially transgender and
gender non-conforming individuals -- and are taking steps to address
them. And we recognize that families come in many shapes and sizes.
Whether biological, foster, or adoptive, family acceptance is an
important protective factor against suicide and harm for LGBTQ youth,
and mental health experts have created resources to support family
communication and involvement.
"For countless young people, it is not enough to simply say it gets
better; we must take action too. We continue to address bullying and
harassment in our classrooms, ensuring every student has a nurturing
environment in which to learn and grow. Across the Federal Government,
we are working every day to unlock the opportunities all LGBT
individuals deserve and the resources and care they need. Too many LGBTQ
youth face homelessness and too many older individuals struggle to find
welcoming and affordable housing; that is why my Administration is
striving to ensure they have equal access to safe and supportive housing
throughout life. We are updating our National HIV/AIDS Strategy to
better address the disproportionate burden HIV has on communities of gay
and bisexual men and transgender women. We continue to extend family
and spousal benefits to legally married same-sex couples.
"And because we know LGBT rights are human rights, we are championing
protections and support for LGBT persons around the world. All people
deserve to live with dignity and respect, free from fear and violence,
and protected against discrimination, regardless of their gender
identity or sexual orientation. During Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and
Transgender Pride Month, we celebrate the proud legacy LGBT individuals
have woven into the fabric of our Nation, we honor those who have fought
to perfect our Union, and we continue our work to build a society where
every child grows up knowing that their country supports them, is proud
of them, and has a place for them exactly as they are.
"NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2015 as Lesbian,
Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of
the United States to eliminate prejudice everywhere it exists, and to
celebrate the great diversity of the American people.
"IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day
of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirty-ninth. - BARACK OBAMA.
Reposted from Joe Jervis
