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

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

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.