“LGBTQI+ Americans Are Under Attack” Says Joe Biden As He Officially Proclaims June Pride Month
June 1 is the start of Pride Month where the LGBTQIA+ community takes stock of our hard-won progress. It’s a month for celebrating diversity and for campaigning against continuing bigotry. USA President Joe Biden has released a proclamation via The White House affirming his administration’s commitment to LGBTQIA+ people both in the US and abroad. In his statement, Biden firmly encourages the passing of a federal Equality Act.
PRESIDENT BIDEN DEMONSTRATES ALLYSHIP
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Pride Month is a direct result of the Stonewall uprisings in New York City during the late ’60s. Since the inception of Pride, the month of June has become a time where the LGBTQIA+ community proudly proclaims our presence and willingness to fight for the right to exist.
The need for allies is as necessary now as it has ever been. In President Biden’s proclamation, he mentions the rising tide of anti-queer sentiment among conservative lawmakers. “Today, the rights of LGBTQIA+ Americans are under relentless attack. Members of the LGBTQI+ community – especially people of colour and trans people – continue to face discrimination and cruel, persistent efforts to undermine their human rights,” says Biden.
“These unconscionable attacks have left countless LGBTQIA+ families in fear and pain. All of this compounded has been especially difficult on LGBTQIA+ youth, 45 percent of whom seriously considered attempting suicide in the last year,” he says.
Biden also addresses areas where LGBTQIA+ Americans experience disproportionate struggles such as in housing, health care, education, employment, credit and lending services, and the criminal justice system. These institutional discrepancies are the reason behind Biden’s urge for an Equality Act that would offer civil protections for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
The need for congress to pass an Equality Act has always been present in the US. During a year where Republican-led states have passed controversial anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation, such as Florida’s Don’t Say Say law, creating foundational protections for minority populations is crucial.
In officially recognising June as Pride Month, President Biden hopes to lay the groundwork for a burgeoning civil rights renaissance in the US and to offer his overt support to Queer Americans. “This month, we remind the LGBTQIA+ community that they are loved and cherished. My Administration sees you for who you are – deserving of dignity, respect, and support,” he writes.
“Today and every day, my Administration stands with every LGBTQIA+ American in the ongoing struggle against intolerance, discrimination, and injustice.”
