President Biden Issues Historic Statement Of Support For LGTBQIA+ People For Pride Month
The White House has released a proclamation from President Biden which undeniably affirms the administration’s pro-LGBTQIA+ stance. The statement comes addressed directly from the POTUS, and this letter to the queer community promises to reverse discriminatory Trump-era policies, according to The White House.
The letter was released on June 1, which marks the start of Pride Month in the US and demonstrates support for the queer community. According to The Washington Post, Biden has been a champion of the LGBTQIA+ community beginning when he openly supported same-sex marriage in 2012 when he was vice-President to Obama’s administration. Since then, Biden has partnered with advocacy groups to build on his platform as an ally to the queer community.
Biden opens his letter by referencing Stonewall and continues by acknowledging the triumphs and tribulations of queer advocates throughout history. This open show of support for LGBTQIA+ advocacy is one of the most progressive demonstrations that a sitting president has shown, reports The Washington Post.
In his letter, President Biden details how he has plans to further the cause of transgender individuals who currently suffer under unethical discriminations. “Historic Supreme Court rulings in recent years have struck down regressive laws, affirmed the right to marriage equality, and secured workplace protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in every State and Territory,” said Biden.
“Our Nation also continues to face tragic levels of violence against transgender people, especially transgender women of colour. And we are still haunted by tragedies such as the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando,” he also said.
Vice-President Kamala Harris has also made her stance on LGBTQIA+ rights clear with public statements such as, “we celebrate the many contributions of LGBTQ+ Americans, and the incredible progress our nation has made toward equality”.
With this letter, the President offered actionable support when he said, “As President, I am committed to defending the rights of all LGBTQ+ individuals.”
Since President Trump, LGBTQIA+ individuals have been subjected to a “culture war” that divides democrats and republicans, reports The Washington Post. The Post reports that GLAAD, has recorded more than 180 anti-LGBTQ statements and actions by the Trump administration and those in the president’s circle since January 2017.
In contrast to these politics, Biden has made a significant promise to his constituents to amend the prior actions of the Presidency and prioritise progression. “We see you, we support you, and we are inspired by your courage to accept nothing less than full equality.”
