[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 3, 2015)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 31825-31826]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-13747]
Presidential Documents
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 106 / Wednesday, June 3, 2015 /
Presidential Documents
[[Page 31825]]
Proclamation 9290 of May 29, 2015
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride
Month, 2015
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
From the moment our Nation first came together to
declare the fundamental truth that all men are created
equal, courageous and dedicated patriots have fought to
refine our founding promise and broaden democracy's
reach. Over the course of more than two centuries of
striving and sacrifice, our country has expanded civil
rights and enshrined equal protections into our
Constitution. Through struggle and setback, we see a
common trajectory toward a more free and just society.
But we are also reminded that we are not truly equal
until every person is afforded the same rights and
opportunities--that when one of us experiences
discrimination, it affects all of us--and that our
journey is not complete until our lesbian, gay,
bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) brothers and sisters
are treated like anyone else under the law.
Across our Nation, tremendous progress has been won by
determined individuals who stood up, spoke out, and
shared their stories. Earlier this year, because of my
landmark Executive Order on LGBT workplace
discrimination, protections for Federal contractors
went into effect, guarding against discrimination based
on sexual orientation and gender identity. The Federal
Government is now leading by example, ensuring that our
employees and contractors are judged by the quality of
their work, not by who they love. And I will keep
calling on the Congress to pass legislation so that all
Americans are covered by these protections, no matter
where they work.
In communities throughout the country, barriers that
limit the potential of LGBT Americans have been torn
down, but too many individuals continue to encounter
discrimination and unfair treatment. My Administration
supports efforts to ban the use of conversion therapy
for minors because the overwhelming scientific evidence
demonstrates that it can cause substantial harm. We
understand the unique challenges faced by sexual and
gender minorities--especially transgender and gender
non-conforming individuals--and are taking steps to
address them. And we recognize that families come in
many shapes and sizes. Whether biological, foster, or
adoptive, family acceptance is an important protective
factor against suicide and harm for LGBTQ youth, and
mental health experts have created resources to support
family communication and involvement.
For countless young people, it is not enough to simply
say it gets better; we must take action too. We
continue to address bullying and harassment in our
classrooms, ensuring every student has a nurturing
environment in which to learn and grow. Across the
Federal Government, we are working every day to unlock
the opportunities all LGBT individuals deserve and the
resources and care they need. Too many LGBTQ youth face
homelessness and too many older individuals struggle to
find welcoming and affordable housing; that is why my
Administration is striving to ensure they have equal
access to safe and supportive housing throughout life.
We are updating our National HIV/AIDS Strategy to
better address the disproportionate burden HIV has on
communities of gay and bisexual men and transgender
women. We continue to extend family and spousal
benefits to legally married same-sex couples. And
because we know LGBT rights are human rights, we
[[Page 31826]]
are championing protections and support for LGBT
persons around the world.
All people deserve to live with dignity and respect,
free from fear and violence, and protected against
discrimination, regardless of their gender identity or
sexual orientation. During Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and
Transgender Pride Month, we celebrate the proud legacy
LGBT individuals have woven into the fabric of our
Nation, we honor those who have fought to perfect our
Union, and we continue our work to build a society
where every child grows up knowing that their country
supports them, is proud of them, and has a place for
them exactly as they are.
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 2015 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
twenty-ninth day of May, in the year of our Lord two
thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth.
(Presidential Sig.)
[FR Doc. 2015-13747
Filed 6-2-15; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F5