Last week, we concluded an inspiring LGBT Pride Month that included celebrations at the White House, the Department of Justice, the Department of Homeland Security, and elsewhere. In case you missed it, check out the 2012 LGBT Pride Month Proclamation and President Obama’s Pride Month video message.
As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day, I would like to share some of the President’s words from 2011:
We don’t believe in a small America. We believe in a big America — a tolerant America, a just America, an equal America — that values the service of every patriot. We believe in an America where we’re all in it together, and we see the good in one another, and we live up to a creed that is as old as our founding: E pluribus unum. Out of many, one. And that includes everybody. That’s what we believe. That’s what we’re going to be fighting for.
Happy Fourth!
Gautam Raghavan
Office of Public Engagement
The White House
Defense Department Hosts First Ever LGBT Pride Month Event
Brenda S. “Sue†Fulton, far right, speaks during a panel at DoD’s LGBT Pride Month event at the Pentagon, June 26, 2012. (Photo courtesy of DoD, by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley)
Last week, the Department of Defense (DoD) held its first ever LGBT Pride Month event at the Pentagon. In delivering keynote remarks, Jeh Johnson, DoD’s General Counsel, commended the service and sacrifice of gay and lesbian servicemembers and LGBT civilian personnel:
We have the mightiest military in the world. Not just because of our planes, guns, tanks and ships. But because of our people, their ability to adapt to change, and their respect for the rule of law, their commanders and their civilian leaders.
The event also featured Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta’s video message as well as a panel discussion on “The Value of Open Service and Diversity.”
Read a transcript of the event, watch archived video, and view a photo essay of the event
June Highlights
- USAID Administrator Raj Shah administered the oath of Office to Peter Malnak, USAID’s new Mission Director to Rwanda. This marked the first time a same-sex partner of a new Mission Director participated in such a ceremony by holding a copy of the U.S. Constitution. Read more.
- The U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development continues to implement HUD’s Equal Access to Housing rule by partnering with the Illinois Department of Human Rights. Read more.
- Rev. George Walker, a Member of the President’s Advisory Board for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) reflects on his time at Morehouse and the importance of opening doors to a new generation of Americans, including LGBT youth. Read more.
Tweet of the Week
On June 20, the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa, Honduras hosted an event in celebration of LGBT Pride Month featuring U.S. Ambassador Lisa Hubiske, Deputy Chief of Mission Matthias Mitman, author Ken Seifert, and members of the LGBT community. Read more about the event.
In Case You Missed ItÂ
President Barack Obama pets Bo, the Obama family dog, in the Oval Office, June 21, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)