Next to a giant LGBT flag, and in front of a large group of people gathered on the White House lawn, Joe Biden assured that "America is a nation of pride" and declared war on the "hundreds of callous and cynical bills and laws introduced in states targeting transgender children." The president bragged about the advances that have been made during his term for members of the LGBT community, such as the Respect for Marriage Act, and noted that his next goal is for Congress to pass the Equality Act.
Today, the People's House – your house – sends a clear message to the country and to the world.
America is a nation of pride. pic.twitter.com/ZZS9oTpDww
— President Biden (@POTUS) June 11, 2023
Biden's message to LGBT people: "You are loved"
Accompanied by First Lady Jill Biden, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg (the first gay man to hold such a position) and Adm. Rachel Levine (the first trans person to hold an office that requires Senate confirmation), Biden presided over a festive tribute ceremony that included a performance by Australian singer Betty Who.
In several posts on Twitter, the president expressed his support for the LGBT movement and expressed discomfort that this community is "worried and afraid about their future and their safety.” For this reason, he wanted to "send a message to the entire community, especially to transgender children: You are loved. You are heard. You are understood. You belong."
I know that too many people in the LGBTQI+ community are worried and afraid about their future and their safety.
I want to send a message to the entire community – especially to transgender children.
You are loved.
You are heard.
You are understood.
You belong. pic.twitter.com/gFo0vKViT9
— President Biden (@POTUS) June 11, 2023
Special measures "to protect LGBTQI+ communities"
In addition to the speeches, the White House announced the launch of a series of measures "to protect LGBTQI+ communities." Among them,"the Assistant Attorney General of the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department will serve as the Department’s liaison to the LGBTQI+ community on issues related to protecting the rights of the community."
In addition, the government will make public funds available for supporting "programs that help parents affirm their LGBTQI+ kids, and advancing new regulations to protect LGBTQI+ youth in foster care." It will also invest part of the budget in "launching a new federal initiative to address LGBTQI+ youth homelessness."
Finally, Biden announced that the Department of Education "will appoint a new coordinator to address the growing threat that book bans pose for the civil rights of students."
Tune in as Jill and I host a Pride Celebration with Betty Who on the South Lawn. https://t.co/qd2TVAPpAB
— President Biden (@POTUS) June 10, 2023
