This is very exciting...

[AloneInTheDark]

Regardless of your stance on sexuality, this is a HUGE step.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2009 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to turn back discrimination and prejudice everywhere it exists.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Presidential-Proclamation-LGBT-Pride-Month/

[punkpixie]

wow. thats pretty amazing.

[MADSTA]

Will every June be Pride Month then? Or just this year?

[Rawrr]

Hope it's every year, this is way cool.

[LaDiabla]

it's 2009 and people still can't do how they please.
Like pride month is going to help...

[Smash Adams]

This is fantastic, of course any day now Fred Phelps is gonna spew some nonsense about this and I'm gonna lose whatever faith this gave me

[ArmedROBery]

I'm waiting for the first jackass to stand up and say "WHAT ABOUT HETEROSEXUAL PRIDE?!?"

[LaDiabla]

I'm waiting for the first jackass to stand up and say "WHAT ABOUT HETEROSEXUAL PRIDE?!?"

WHAT ABOUT HETEROSEXUAL PRIDE?!?

[Heart-A-Tact]

This is great news.

[zion the lion]

Why havent I heard about this on the news?

[AloneInTheDark]

I'm waiting for the first jackass to stand up and say "WHAT ABOUT HETEROSEXUAL PRIDE?!?"

This was on the news, and someone at work said that, it made me heated. I read this comment on Digg, that basically sums it up.

gigi52, comparing Gay Pride Month to a theoretical Heterosexual Pride Month is a dishonest dodge.

Heterosexuals are omnipresent. The default assumption is that people are heterosexual.

Gay Pride Month is about visibility. It is about showing that we exist, and we're just like everyone else. It is about showing that we are equal members of society even if society isn't prepared or chooses not to recognize us.

The presumption that Gay Pride Month shouldn't be recognized or shouldn't exist is a facet of heterosexism.

In retrospect, this isn't going to do anything grand for the community, but it's a step to showing the world that there is a community, and it's not going away. It's very exciting, and a lot of people are saying it's Obama's way of avoiding making a decision when it comes to gay marriage, I think that it's terrible criticism.

[lfdfforever]

yay for being gay

[Jason Tate]

:appl:

[anamericangod]

Uh oh, I think the South is rising...

[WakingTheMisery]

I'd make a joke if this was still in the General Forum. I guess this is a step in the right direction although only minorities seem to get months. Hmmmm...

[Machu505]

Coolio.

[Maxwell]

I'd make a joke if this was still in the General Forum. I guess this is a step in the right direction although only minorities seem to get months. Hmmmm...

Pretty much what i was going to do/ what i was thinking.

[AloneInTheDark]

I'd make a joke if this was still in the General Forum. I guess this is a step in the right direction although only minorities seem to get months. Hmmmm...

If people didn't consider them minorities, then they wouldn't need to have their own month.

[WakingTheMisery]

If people didn't consider them minorities, then they wouldn't need to have their own month.

And if they were equal they wouldn't need a month/be considered a minority.

[zion the lion]

Why are people even complaining about how minorities get their own month? Why should it even matter to anybody?

[Animalhill]

And if they were equal they wouldn't need a month/be considered a minority.
But they are a minority. Giving them a month is at least a step toward equality, versus simply denying they exist.

[AloneInTheDark]

And if they were equal they wouldn't need a month/be considered a minority.

How are they not equal? They're not equal because people perceive them as lesser individuals, and that is not they're fault. So if they can't live life being equal, then they have every right to celebrate the fact that they can overcome it and still live fulfilling lives, and that's what pride is about.

[saysmydoctor]

He did this but he doesn't have the balls to address head on the problem of DADT and the clearly illegal and unconstitutional separate-but-equal civil unions that he has proposed. This proclamation of LBGT Month is nice and his efforts to decriminalize homosexuality worldwide are also equally hopeful but it's hypocritical to not work for equal rights for all American citizens so excuse me if I don't jump up and down with joy as he attempts to regain favor with LBGT community.

Also I find it equally disgusting that the State Department is considering extending benefits to same-sex marriages of diplomats from foreign nations. But we can't provide these same benefits to our own citizens.

[WakingTheMisery]

How are they not equal? They're not equal because people perceive them as lesser individuals, and that is not they're fault. So if they can't live life being equal, then they have every right to celebrate the fact that they can overcome it and still live fulfilling lives, and that's what pride is about.

I'm not saying its their fault. I'm just saying that in the eyes of the (general) majority, they are typically looked down upon and not seen as equal. Its clear that much of the US still has homophobic sentiment. What I'm saying is not anything foreign. I don't see where the disagreement is.

[AloneInTheDark]

He did this but he doesn't have the balls to address head on the problem of DADT and the clearly illegal and unconstitutional separate-but-equal civil unions that he has proposed. This proclamation of LBGT Month is nice and his efforts to decriminalize homosexuality worldwide are also equally hopeful but it's hypocritical to not work for equal rights for all American citizens so excuse me if I don't jump up and down with joy as he attempts to regain favor with LBGT community.

Also I find it equally disgusting that the State Department is considering extending benefits to same-sex marriages of diplomats from foreign nations. But we can't provide these same benefits to our own citizens.

I do agree with you here, as a member of the community, it's a shame to see a world leader constantly backpedaling on important issues. But at the same time, this is something that is a step in the right direction. While there could have been more efficient and more productive steps, it's still a step.

[Praetor]

He did this but he doesn't have the balls to address head on the problem of DADT and the clearly illegal and unconstitutional separate-but-equal civil unions that he has proposed. This proclamation of LBGT Month is nice and his efforts to decriminalize homosexuality worldwide are also equally hopeful but it's hypocritical to not work for equal rights for all American citizens so excuse me if I don't jump up and down with joy as he attempts to regain favor with LBGT community.

Also I find it equally disgusting that the State Department is considering extending benefits to same-sex marriages of diplomats from foreign nations. But we can't provide these same benefits to our own citizens.
Bingo on all counts. This is just a symbol; pretty cool I suppose, but still, at its heart, it's just a symbol. A gesture. Essentially meaningless when we're faced with real LGBT problems like DADT and marriage inequality. Bottom line, what the LGBT community needs isn't a special month, they need real rights.

[AloneInTheDark]

I'm not saying its their fault. I'm just saying that in the eyes of the (general) majority, they are typically looked down upon and not seen as equal. Its clear that much of the US still has homophobic sentiment. What I'm saying is not anything foreign. I don't see where the disagreement is.

Your response about only minorities getting a special month was my main disagreement...

[saysmydoctor]

If we're going to count steps as things that really do nothing in the long run, Kennedy's initial civil rights proposal that never passed was a good step. It wasn't until blacks were beaten as they marched to Montgomery to vote on Bloody Sunday that civil rights legislation successfully went through the Congress.

Do we really need to take 'small steps' or should we aim for great strides, completely avoiding violence and discrimination?

[Adeniz19]

If we're going to count steps as things that really do nothing in the long run, Kennedy's initial civil rights proposal that never passed was a good step. It wasn't until blacks were beaten as they marched to Montgomery to vote on Bloody Sunday that civil rights legislation successfully went through the Congress.

Do we really need to take 'small steps' or should we aim for great strides, completely avoiding violence and discrimination?sometimes if you push something too fast it could end up backfiring. i think when obama says he is going to repeal DADT, he is being sincere, and I'm waiting to hold judgement on him on that issue for at least a little while longer seeing as how much he has on his plate right now. His stance (or lack thereof) on the whole marriage thing is pretty frustrating, however.

[J.C.]

The gesture's fine, but more needs to be done. I know Barry's got a plan in how/when he wants to hit all these issues though.

[x togepi x]

I mean, i'm glad it's a month now, but i wonder how much of this is to appear that he's doing something instead of actually doing it. i feel as if the democrats just string the community along because they know they have their support.

[Jake Denning]

Do not like.

While we are at it, lets make July " Eat McDonalds every day" month.

[Machu505]

I suppose McDonald's eaters are oppressed minorities who do not have the same rights as Burger King patrons.

[MattRM]

Do not like.

While we are at it, lets make July " Eat McDonalds every day" month.
Because being a homosexual and fighting for equal rights and respect from your country and eating McDonalds every day are two completely comparable things.

:hitself:

[mimi12]

I didn't know this, but its cool

[Jake Denning]

Because being a homosexual and fighting for equal rights and respect from your country and eating McDonalds every day are two completely comparable things.

:hitself:

might as well be, they're both wrong.

[MattRM]

might as well be, they're both wrong.
Ohai homophobe. How's ignorance treating you?

[Machu505]

might as well be, they're both wrong.
Now I'm all for opinions and debate, but this is unacceptable. Your opinion is objectively wrong.

[zion the lion]

might as well be, they're both wrong.

And so are you! How fun!

[dontsneeze]

might as well be, they're both wrong.

come on.

[zion the lion]

I hope they actually do something with this month instead of it being just about pride. Like they should really make an effort to educate people, show why civil unions arent enough (because I know plenty of people who dont know), put a spotlight on all of the gay people who are making an effort to make their community a better one. A pride month isnt going to do much for everyone else if all they do is have a pride parade and declare this month theirs.

[saysmydoctor]

Now I'm all for opinions and debate, but this is unacceptable. Your opinion is objectively wrong.
Pretty much all that needs to be said about hateful comments such as those.

[macabre]

might as well be, they're both wrong.

Homosexuality has been shown, study after study, to be primarily genetic. I don't believe anybody is in the position to judge others for something they are born with.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18536986

http://repositories.cdlib.org/postprints/1413/

http://psycnet.apa.org/index.cfm?fa=search.displayRecord&uid=2000-07236-009

[Machu505]

Pretty much all that needs to be said about hateful comments such as those.

Also, happy birthday yo.

[x togepi x]

might as well be, they're both wrong.

I would like you to explain how me occasionally making out with a guy is "wrong" in clear and distinct language, especially since you're never going to see it and it will never effect you.

[AloneInTheDark]

might as well be, they're both wrong.

Oh jesus.

[TK]

Doesn't seem like that big of a deal to me. It doesn't accomplish anything except making Obama look like he's trying to make progress in LGBT rights when in fact he's done nothing significant at all.

[AloneInTheDark]

Doesn't seem like that big of a deal to me. It doesn't accomplish anything except making Obama look like he's trying to make progress in LGBT rights when in fact he's done nothing significant at all.

It's not a big deal right now, but look at the effects of Black History Month. Schools teach about the topic and kids become more and more aware of acceptance and tolerance through it. If pro-homosexuality is something that can be taught in schools or to the youth in general, it's something that can make a huge difference down the line.

[TK]

It's not a big deal right now, but look at the effects of Black History Month. Schools teach about the topic and kids become more and more aware of acceptance and tolerance through it. If pro-homosexuality is something that can be taught in schools or to the youth in general, it's something that can make a huge difference down the line.

I personally think Black History Month has had more of an overall negative/neutral effect than a positive one. I also don't believe tolerance of others is something that can be taught in schools if parents are sending an opposite message at home. Tolerance grows with each generation, I don't think having a LGBT month is really going to affect that.

[brentkid]

He did this but he doesn't have the balls to address head on the problem of DADT and the clearly illegal and unconstitutional separate-but-equal civil unions that he has proposed. This proclamation of LBGT Month is nice and his efforts to decriminalize homosexuality worldwide are also equally hopeful but it's hypocritical to not work for equal rights for all American citizens so excuse me if I don't jump up and down with joy as he attempts to regain favor with LBGT community.

Also I find it equally disgusting that the State Department is considering extending benefits to same-sex marriages of diplomats from foreign nations. But we can't provide these same benefits to our own citizens.
Someone with a brain on here.

[Ben09]

Eh. I'm glad it's in June and I'm not in high school anymore because I'd hate to have to learn about gays during the school year.

It's stupid. I hate the whole hispanic month in September and I'm part hispanic.

[zion the lion]

Eh. I'm glad it's in June and I'm not in high school anymore because I'd hate to have to learn about gays during the school year.

It's stupid. I hate the whole hispanic month in September and I'm part hispanic.

It's pride month, not history, there's a big difference. And quite frankly there's nothing new to learn in those months anyway, theyre all useless.

[Duexy]

whatever

[MattRM]

To all the people bitching that Obama's not really doing anything about these issues: wouldn't it make sense for him to raise awareness and educate people about them a little more before tackling them head-on? Maybe that's what he's trying to do with this month.

[AloneInTheDark]

To all the people bitching that Obama's not really doing anything about these issues: wouldn't it make sense for him to raise awareness and educate people about them a little more before tackling them head-on? Maybe that's what he's trying to do with this month.

:thumbup:

[saysmydoctor]

To all the people bitching that Obama's not really doing anything about these issues: wouldn't it make sense for him to raise awareness and educate people about them a little more before tackling them head-on? Maybe that's what he's trying to do with this month.
Awareness? The awareness is already there if six states are legalizing it. The awareness is already there if a two lawyers from different sides of the political spectrum to file a lawsuit in a federal court demanding equal rights. People are already aware that there are people of homosexual backgrounds are out there.

Honestly, how long does the gay community have to wait until people are tolerant and aware? Do you know if there is some sort of system set up to measure that sort of thing? A plurality of Americans support gay marriage, according to one poll, but more importantly and statistics aside it's the legality of what the 'straight' community is proposing. Brown vs. Board tells us you can't have separate but equal because it isn't equal and therefore is completely unconstitutional. It took an executive order for Eisenhower to desegregate the armies, not legislative process. So who is to say that Obama can't write an executive order demanding the military stop enforcing DADT.

What this is pandering on his part, trying to rectify a situation of his own creation. So if 'bitching' is me complaining because I see what he is doing as a backtrack from his already pretty weak stance on gay marriage (in support of civil unions rather than gay marriage) and promises he made on the campaign trail, then so be it.

[Mercy Medical]

With this Obama still gets a D- in regards to LGBT rights. It's nice, but June has pretty much been LGBT Pride month unofficially for quite some time now considering most pride parades occur in June.

I find minority pride/history months to be a bit silly anyway.

[x togepi x]

To all the people bitching that Obama's not really doing anything about these issues: wouldn't it make sense for him to raise awareness and educate people about them a little more before tackling them head-on? Maybe that's what he's trying to do with this month.

the problem with "raising awareness" is that it very rarely does anything in the real-world. this example's on a microlevel, but i've been to plenty of punx fundraiser shows/college lectures on various issues meant to raise awareness, yet seen no real results.

i mean, i get having to walk a thin line on the issue so a bunch of people don't go all OMG OBAMA IS ONE OF TEH GAYZZZZZZ but, i'd like to see more pressure from within the party towards these issues instead of just stringing the gblt community along because they're not *as* homophobic as the republicans tend to be.

[Mercy Medical]

the problem with "raising awareness" is that it very rarely does anything in the real-world. this example's on a microlevel, but i've been to plenty of punx fundraiser shows/college lectures on various issues meant to raise awareness, yet seen no real results.

i mean, i get having to walk a thin line on the issue so a bunch of people don't go all OMG OBAMA IS ONE OF TEH GAYZZZZZZ but, i'd like to see more pressure from within the party towards these issues instead of just stringing the gblt community along because they're not *as* homophobic as the republicans tend to be.
The LGBT community is always strung along. Clinton was supposed to do something for the community and was supposed to be an ally, then he signed DOMA into law. That was a gigantic slap in the face to the LGBT community considering what he was promising to them. I'm really very tired of Democrats promising things to the LGBT community and never following through. The only reason they don't follow through is merely because of the negative reaction they're going to get from the opposition. It's just stupid, honestly.

I really hope the federal court case for Prop 8 does something serious for the whole LGBT community because if anything is going to change things, it will be that before Obama does anything.

[x togepi x]

the democrats are terrible at winning the culture wars, and this is coming in a time where nobody really wants the republicans to win.

[Mitch]

Awareness? The awareness is already there if six states are legalizing it. The awareness is already there if a two lawyers from different sides of the political spectrum to file a lawsuit in a federal court demanding equal rights. People are already aware that there are people of homosexual backgrounds are out there.

Honestly, how long does the gay community have to wait until people are tolerant and aware? Do you know if there is some sort of system set up to measure that sort of thing? A plurality of Americans support gay marriage, according to one poll, but more importantly and statistics aside it's the legality of what the 'straight' community is proposing. Brown vs. Board tells us you can't have separate but equal because it isn't equal and therefore is completely unconstitutional. It took an executive order for Eisenhower to desegregate the armies, not legislative process. So who is to say that Obama can't write an executive order demanding the military stop enforcing DADT.

What this is pandering on his part, trying to rectify a situation of his own creation. So if 'bitching' is me complaining because I see what he is doing as a backtrack from his already pretty weak stance on gay marriage (in support of civil unions rather than gay marriage) and promises he made on the campaign trail, then so be it.

This, unfortunately--although I do hope it is the start of him actually getting things done.

[The Personist]

the democrats are terrible at winning the culture wars, and this is coming in a time where nobody really wants the republicans to win.

This.

[Mercy Medical]

the democrats are terrible at winning the culture wars, and this is coming in a time where nobody really wants the republicans to win.
Well and the sad thing is that I'm pretty sure the LGBT community will jump on the bandwagon of anyone saying they will provide them with rights. We all know that no one on the Republican side is going to help us, so we jump at anyone who even mentions giving us more rights because, honestly, that is all we have at this time...promises in the form of words.

I mean, if you move forward with giving the LGBT community more rights it's not like the administration is going to lose any Republican support because we already know they won't support it. So the fear is losing the moderates. However, I feel like the Republicans are making such a horrific name for themselves at this point that even the moderate democrats probably want nothing to do with them, so it's not like they're going to jump ship on the democratic party. So honestly, now is a better time then any to get it done. I hope that by the end of Obama's first term he has at least repealed DADT. I don't necessarily expect gay marriage to be legalized on a federal level in the next 4 years, but DADT has to go. I mean, I suppose it sucks that I still can't marry my girlfriend, but I would prefer that good soldiers not lose their jobs because of the fact that they are gay then me be able to get married.