Today, LGBTQI+ rights in the United States are under relentless attack. Members of the LGBTQI+ community – especially people of color and trans people – continue to face discrimination and cruel, persistent efforts to undermine their human rights, the president said. Joseph Biden.
In a statement issued by the White House for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex Pride Month (LGBTQI+), which is celebrated in June, the president stressed that his administration's commitment will be to "do more" for their rights both in the US and abroad.
She said that an avalanche of dangerous laws against the LGBTQI+ community have been introduced and approved throughout the country, targeting transgender children and their parents and interfering with their access to health care.
Such “unconscionable” attacks, she said, have left countless LGBTQI+ families in fear and grief.
“All of this has been especially difficult for LGBTQI+ youth, 45 percent of whom have seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year – a devastating reality that our nation must urgently work to address,” she stressed.
However, she explained, “This month, we remind the LGBTQI+ community that they are loved and appreciated. My Administration sees them for what they are: deserving of dignity, respect, and support.”
In that regard, he said that, especially to younger transgender Americans, "I will always have your back as your president so that you can be yourselves and reach the potential that God has given you."
He also condemned dangerous state laws and bills targeting LGBTQI+ youth, and affirmed his commitment to helping LGBTQI+ people in the United States and around the world live free from violence.
He said that despite steps he has taken to ensure that all people - no matter who they are or who they love - have an equal place in our democracy, "there is still work to be done."
In response, she called on Congress to pass the Equality Act, which would enshrine long-overdue civil rights protections and build a brighter future for all LGBTQI+ Americans.
Biden added that it is also necessary to fight for LGBTQI+ seniors, so that they can age with dignity; and to address the disproportionate levels of poverty, homelessness and unemployment in the LGBTQI+ community.
“This month, we honor the resilience of LGBTQI+ people who fight to live authentically and freely. We reaffirm our belief that LGBTQI+ rights are human rights. And we recommit to providing protection, safety, and equality to LGBTQI+ families so that all can realize the full promise of America,” he said.
Finally, the president called on citizens to recognize the achievements of the LGBTQI+ community, and to celebrate the great diversity of the American people and wave their pride flags high.
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