[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8387--JUNE 1, 2009

Proclamation 8387 of June 1, 2009
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, 2009
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Forty years ago, patrons and supporters of the Stonewall Inn in New York
City resisted police harassment that had become all too common for
members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community.
Out of this resistance, the LGBT rights movement in America was born.
During LGBT Pride Month, we commemorate the events of June 1969 and
commit to achieving equal justice under law for LGBT Americans.
LGBT Americans have made, and continue to make, great and lasting
contributions that continue to strengthen the fabric of American
society. There are many well-respected LGBT leaders in all professional
fields, including the arts and business communities. LGBT Americans also
mobilized the Nation to respond to the domestic HIV/AIDS epidemic and
have played a vital role in broadening this country's response to the
HIV pandemic.
Due in no small part to the determination and dedication of the LGBT
rights movement, more LGBT Americans are living their lives openly today
than ever before. I am proud to be the first President to appoint openly
LGBT candidates to Senate-confirmed positions in the first 100 days of
an Administration. These individuals embody the best qualities we seek
in public servants, and across my Administration-in both the White House
and the Federal agencies-openly LGBT employees are doing their jobs with
distinction and professionalism.
The LGBT rights movement has achieved great progress, but there is more
work to be done. LGBT youth should feel safe to learn without the fear
of harassment, and LGBT families and seniors should be allowed to live
their lives with dignity and respect.
My Administration has partnered with the LGBT community to advance a
wide range of initiatives. At the international level, I have joined
efforts at the United Nations to decriminalize homosexuality around the
world. Here at home, I continue to support measures to bring the full
spectrum of equal rights to LGBT Americans. These measures include
enhancing hate crimes laws, supporting civil unions and Federal rights
for LGBT couples, outlawing discrimination in the workplace, ensuring
adoption rights, and ending the existing ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell''
policy in a way that strengthens our Armed Forces and our national
security. We must also commit ourselves to fighting the HIV/AIDS
epidemic by both reducing the number of HIV infections and providing
care and support services to people living with HIV/AIDS across the
United States.

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These issues affect not only the LGBT community, but also our entire
Nation. As long as the promise of equality for all remains unfulfilled,
all Americans are affected. If we can work together to advance the
principles upon which our Nation was founded, every American will
benefit. During LGBT Pride Month, I call upon the LGBT community, the
Congress, and the American people to work together to promote equal
rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2009 as Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the
United States to turn back discrimination and prejudice everywhere it
exists.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of June,
in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of
the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
BARACK OBAMA