President Bill Clinton declared the first Gay and Lesbian Pride Month in June 2000. While he failed to recognize the remainder (B&T) of the community, this seemed to be a step in the right direction. Unfortunately, once Bush took office he refused to recognize Pride Month and eight years passed without national recognition.
During Barack Obama’s campaign he said that he would help the LGBT community gain equality, and every year during his administration he has declared June to be LGBT Pride Month. Every year they have made another advancement like ending DADT or stopping the federal defense of DOMA. On May 1st, 2011, in a proclamation detailing steps his administration has taken to help bring about equality, Barack Obama proclaimed June 2011 to be LGBT Pride Month; the third of his administration.
I take this declaration to mean that Obama does intend to carry out his promises to the LGBT Community. I believe that he is devoted to full equality. I also believe that every civil rights movement takes time.
While there are many who would argue that Obama hasn’t done enough, I believe he is taking steps in the right direction. As a straight ally any changes put in place by the Obama administration may not effect me directly, however I can see how these new policies are changing the lives of my friends and loved ones. I can also see that these slow changes are better than a complete halt of progress. If Obama wins a second term he’ll be able to champion more LGBT causes leading the way for full equality. Leading the way for full civil rights.
Realistically, changes in LGBT policy don’t affect me much. I’m less likely to be discriminated against as a cisgender heterosexual female. I’m unlikely to encounter someone trying to legislate whom I can or cannot fall in love with or marry. But I can be outraged on behalf of my friends. I can be angry that they’re refused service at restaurants because someone saw two same sex adults holding hands. I can be angry that I could pick up some strange man I’ve never met from a bus stop and apply for a marriage license anywhere and have a marriage that will be recognized in all 50 states; but, two men who’ve known and loved each other for years have to go through a waiting period and drive halfway across the country to get married and have a document that isn’t even honored in their home state. (I can also be angry that I could be forced to carry a child to term that I don’t want while they can’t even adopt a child that needs a home and a family, but that’s another blog.)
An Obama victory in 2012 could mean great leaps toward equality, while having any Republican in the White House would mean progress grinding to a halt. It would mean at least four more years of waiting for something that’s long overdue. If for some reason you don’t believe me, look at Bush’s record on LGBT issues and consider that his views are pretty much standard for the Republican Party. http://www.ontheissues.org/george_w__bush.htm
I’m proud of Barack Obama and his administration, I’m proud that they’re taken a stand for LGBT equality. I’m also hopeful for what a 2012 Obama victory could mean not only for the LGBT community, but for all Americans.
Check the White House LGBT page here-
Read the 2011 LGBT Pride Month Proclamation here-
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