[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 107 (Friday, June 3, 2016)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 36131-36132]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-13361]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 81 , No. 107 / Friday, June 3, 2016 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 36131]]


                Proclamation 9457 of May 31, 2016

                
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride 
                Month, 2016

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Since our founding, America has advanced on an unending 
                path toward becoming a more perfect Union. This 
                journey, led by forward-thinking individuals who have 
                set their sights on reaching for a brighter tomorrow, 
                has never been easy or smooth. The fight for dignity 
                and equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and 
                transgender (LGBT) people is reflected in the tireless 
                dedication of advocates and allies who strive to forge 
                a more inclusive society. They have spurred sweeping 
                progress by changing hearts and minds and by demanding 
                equal treatment--under our laws, from our courts, and 
                in our politics. This month, we recognize all they have 
                done to bring us to this point, and we recommit to 
                bending the arc of our Nation toward justice.

                Last year's landmark Supreme Court decision 
                guaranteeing marriage equality in all 50 States was a 
                historic victory for LGBT Americans, ensuring dignity 
                for same-sex couples and greater equality across State 
                lines. For every partnership that was not previously 
                recognized under the law and for every American who was 
                denied their basic civil rights, this monumental ruling 
                instilled newfound hope, affirming the belief that we 
                are all more free when we are treated as equals.

                LGBT individuals deserve to know their country stands 
                beside them. That is why my Administration is striving 
                to better understand the needs of LGBT adults and to 
                provide affordable, welcoming, and supportive housing 
                to aging LGBT Americans. It is also why we oppose 
                subjecting minors to the harmful practice of conversion 
                therapy, and why we are continuing to promote equality 
                and foster safe and supportive learning environments 
                for all students. We remain committed to addressing 
                health disparities in the LGBT community--gay and 
                bisexual men and transgender women of color are at a 
                particularly high risk for HIV, and we have worked to 
                strengthen our National HIV/AIDS Strategy to reduce new 
                infections, increase access to care, and improve health 
                outcomes for people living with HIV.

                Despite the extraordinary progress of the past few 
                years, LGBT Americans still face discrimination simply 
                for being who they are. I signed an Executive Order in 
                2014 that prohibits discrimination against Federal 
                employees and contractors on the basis of sexual 
                orientation or gender identity. I urge the Congress to 
                enact legislation that builds upon the progress we have 
                made, because no one should live in fear of losing 
                their job simply because of who they are or who they 
                love. And our commitment to combatting discrimination 
                against the LGBT community does not stop at our 
                borders: Advancing the fair treatment of all people has 
                long been a cornerstone of American diplomacy, and we 
                have made defending and promoting the human rights of 
                LGBT individuals a priority in our engagement across 
                the globe. In line with America's commitment to the 
                notion that all people should be treated fairly and 
                with respect, champions of this cause at home and 
                abroad are upholding the simple truth that LGBT rights 
                are human rights.

                There remains much work to do to extend the promise of 
                our country to every American, but because of the acts 
                of courage of the millions who

[[Page 36132]]

                came out and spoke out to demand justice and of those 
                who quietly toiled and pushed for progress, our Nation 
                has made great strides in recognizing what these brave 
                individuals long knew to be true in their hearts--that 
                love is love and that no person should be judged by 
                anything but the content of their character. During 
                Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, as 
                Americans wave their flags of pride high and march 
                boldly forward in parades and demonstrations, let us 
                celebrate how far we have come and reaffirm our 
                steadfast belief in the equal dignity of all Americans.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim June 2016 as Lesbian, 
                Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon 
                the people of the United States to eliminate prejudice 
                everywhere it exists, and to celebrate the great 
                diversity of the American people.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                thirty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand sixteen, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and fortieth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2016-13361
Filed 6-2-16; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F6-P