President Barack Obama on Tuesday
signed a proclamation recognizing June as Gay Pride month.
“The story of America's Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community is the story of our fathers
and sons, our mothers and daughters, and our friends and neighbors
who continue the task of making our country a more perfect union,”
the proclamation said.
June is widely recognized throughout
the world as Gay Pride month.
The president touts his own record
supporting the gay community and advancing gay rights in his
proclamation, including repeal of “Don't Ask, Don't Tell,” the
1993 law that bars gay and bisexual troops from serving openly,
efforts to wipe out discrimination in federal housing programs, and
passage of a gay-inclusive hate crimes law.
The president also called attention to
the 30th anniversary of the emergence of the HIV/AIDS
epidemic, saying he's committed to eradicating the disease.
“However, government cannot take on
this disease alone. This landmark anniversary is an opportunity for
the LGBT community and allies to recommit to raising awareness about
HIV/AIDS and continue the fight against this deadly pandemic.”
(Read
the full proclamation.)
President Bill Clinton was the first
president to recognize Gay Pride month in 1999.