U.S. President Joseph Biden called on all citizens to recognize the achievements of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) community, celebrate diversity and reaffirm a commitment to solidarity in their ongoing struggle against discrimination and injustice.
In a statement issued Tuesday by the White HouseThe Stonewall Inn uprising in June 1969 sparked a liberation movement, "a call to action that continues to inspire us to fulfill our nation's promise of equality, liberty and justice for all," the U.S. leader recalled.
«Pride is a time to remember the trials the LGBTQ+ community has endured, and to rejoice in the triumphs and achievements of the pioneering people who have courageously fought, and continue to fight, for full equality," he said.
On this first day of June 2021, which he proclaimed as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Transsexual Pride Month, he pointed out that the pride is both a joyous community celebration of visibility and a personal celebration of self-worth and dignity.
Biden noted that landmark Supreme Court rulings in recent years have struck down regressive laws, affirmed the right to marriage equality, and secured workplace protections for LGBTQ+ people in every state and territory.
In that regard, he added that the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act expanded the definition to include those motivated by sexual orientation or gender identity.
He stressed that members of the LGBTQ+ community are now in almost every level of public office: in city halls and state capitals, governors' residences and the halls of Congress, and throughout the administration.
"Nearly 14 percent of my 1,500 agency appointees identify as LGBTQ+, and I am particularly humbled by the service of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, the first openly LGBTQ+ person to serve in the Cabinet, and Assistant Secretary for Health Dr. Rachel Levine, the first openly transgender person to be confirmed by the Senate."
However, he pointed out, despite all the progress, there are many states where LGBTQ+ people still lack protection for fundamental rights and dignity in hospitals, schools, public facilities and other spaces.
"Our nation continues to witness a tragic rise in violence against transgender women of color. LGBTQ+ people, especially youth who defy sexual or gender norms, face bullying and harassment in educational settings and are disproportionately at risk of self-harm and death by suicide."
In light of this, he explained that some states have chosen to actively target transgender youth through discriminatory bills that defy the nation's values of inclusion and freedom for all.
"Our Nation also continues to face tragic levels of violence against transgender people, especially transgender women of color. And we are still haunted by tragedies like the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando. Ending violence and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community requires our continued focus and diligence. As president, I am committed to defending the rights of all LGBTQ+ people," he said.
Joe Biden said his administration is taking historic action to finally achieve full equality for LGBTQ+ families.
"While I am proud of the progress my administration has made in advancing protections and achievements for the LGBTQ+ community, I will not rest until full equality for LGBTQ+ Americans is finally achieved and codified into law. That's why I continue to call on Congress to pass the Equality Act, which will ensure civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ individuals and families across our country," said the president.
He recognized the resilience and determination of the many people who struggle to live freely and authentically. "In doing so, they are opening hearts and minds, and they are laying the foundation for a more just and equitable America. This Pride Month, we affirm our obligation to uphold the dignity of all people, and we dedicate ourselves to protecting the most vulnerable."
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