Today, the rights of the LGBTQI+ community 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 and persistent efforts to undermine their human rights, said President Joseph Biden.
In a statement issued by the White House for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex (LGBTQI+) Pride Month, which is celebrated in June, the president stressed that his administration's commitment will be to "do more" for their rights both in the U.S. and abroad.
And that is because, he said, a spate of dangerous anti-LGBTQI+ laws have been introduced and passed across the country, targeting transgender children and their parents and interfering with their access to health care.
Such "unconscionable" attacks, he said, have left countless LGBTQI+ families in fear and grief.
"All of this compounding has been especially difficult for LGBTQI+ youth, 45 percent of whom seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year - a devastating reality that our nation must urgently work to address," he stressed.
However, he 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 referred that, especially to younger transgender Americans, "I will always have your back as your president so that you can be yourselves and reach your God-given potential."
In turn, he condemned dangerous state laws and bills that target LGBTQI+ youth, and affirmed his commitment to helping LGBTQI+ people in the U.S. 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 whom they love - have an equal place in our democracy, "there is still work to be done."
In light of this, he called on Congress to pass the Equality Act, which will enshrine long-overdue civil rights protections and build a better future for all LGBTQI+ Americans.
Biden added that it is also necessary to fight for LGBTQI+ seniors, so 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 struggle to live authentically and freely. We reaffirm our belief that LGBTQI+ rights are human rights. And we recommit to providing protection, safety and equality for LGBTQI+ families so that everyone 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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