[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 126, 112th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8834--JUNE 1, 2012

Proclamation 8834 of June 1, 2012

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

From generation to generation, ordinary Americans have led a proud and
inexorable march toward freedom, fairness, and full equality under the
law--not just for some, but for all. Ours is a heritage forged by those
who organized, agitated, and advocated for change; who wielded love
stronger than hate and hope more powerful than insult or injury; who
fought to build for themselves and their families a Nation where no one
is a second-class citizen, no one is denied basic rights, and all of us
are free to live and love as we see fit.
The lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community has written
a proud chapter in this fundamentally American story. From brave men and
women who came out and spoke out, to union and faith leaders who rallied
for equality, to activists and advocates who challenged unjust laws and
marched on Washington, LGBT Americans and allies have achieved what once
seemed inconceivable. This month, we reflect on their enduring legacy,
celebrate the movement that has made progress possible, and recommit to
securing the fullest blessings of freedom for all Americans.
Since I took office, my Administration has worked to broaden
opportunity, advance equality, and level the playing field for LGBT
people and communities. We have fought to secure justice for all under
the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act, and
we have taken action to end housing discrimination based on sexual
orientation and gender identity. We expanded hospital visitation rights
for LGBT patients and their loved ones, and under the Affordable Care
Act, we ensured that insurance companies will no longer be able to deny
coverage to someone just because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or
transgender. Because we understand that LGBT rights are human rights, we
continue to engage with the international community in promoting and
protecting the rights of LGBT persons around the world. Because we
repealed ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell,'' gay, lesbian, and bisexual Americans
can serve their country openly, honestly, and without fear of losing
their jobs because of whom they love. And because we must treat others
the way we want to be treated, I personally believe in marriage equality
for same-sex couples.
More remains to be done to ensure every single American is treated
equally, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Moving
forward, my Administration will continue its work to advance the rights
of LGBT Americans. This month, as we reflect on how far we have come and
how far we have yet to go, let us recall that the progress we have made
is built on the words and deeds of ordinary Americans. Let


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us pay tribute to those who came before us, and those who continue their work
today; and let us rededicate ourselves to a task that is unending--the
pursuit of a Nation where all are equal, and all have the full and
unfettered opportunity to pursue happiness and live openly and freely.
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 2012 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 first day of June,
in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of
the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.
BARACK OBAMA