[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 130, 114th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
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 re

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flected 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
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 Con

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stitution 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.
BARACK OBAMA