General Discussion

Behind the Aegis

(53,956 posts) Sun May 17, 2015, 02:35 AM May 2015

Barack Obama issues statement on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia

Michelle and I join our fellow Americans and others around the world in commemorating the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia tomorrow, May 17. We take this opportunity to reaffirm that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights are human rights, to celebrate the dignity of every person, and to underscore that all people deserve to live free from fear, violence, and discrimination, regardless of who they are of whom they love.

We work toward this goal every day. Here at home, we are working to end bias-motivated violence, combat discrimination in the workplace, and address the specific needs of transgender persons. Overseas, I am proud of the steps that the United States has taken to prioritize the protection and promotion of LGBT rights in our diplomacy and global outreach.

There is much more to do, and this fight for equality will not be won in a day. but we will keep working, at home and abroad, and we will keep fighting, for however long it takes until we are all able to live free and equal in dignity and rights.

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What a lovely gift to me from our President on my birthday!

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Highlight:

Barack Obama issues statement on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (Original Post) Behind the Aegis May 2015 OP

Isn't it though! Happy Birthday, BtA~ Cha May 2015 #1

Thanks! And from Barbara Lee... Behind the Aegis May 2015 #2

Mahalo for these important words from Barbara Lee, BtA! Cha May 2015 #6

I was just I was just talking about this elsewhere. Cassidy1 May 2015 #3

Happy birthday Gothmog May 2015 #4

Thanks! Behind the Aegis May 2015 #10

Thank you, Mr. President. MineralMan May 2015 #5

But of course he's focused on those "wedge issues!!11" and "distractions!one" Number23 May 2015 #7

Thanks! Behind the Aegis May 2015 #11

Mmmmm.... wedges.... Number23 May 2015 #13

LMAO! Behind the Aegis May 2015 #14

"I love both wedges and "The Simpsons"! Oh you and I would get along like a house on freaking fire! Number23 May 2015 #15

I am gonna have to find my recipe for wedges. Behind the Aegis May 2015 #16

K&R ismnotwasm May 2015 #8

Thanks! Behind the Aegis May 2015 #12

Equality matters. Initech May 2015 #9

Cha

(297,196 posts)

1. Isn't it though! Happy Birthday, BtA~

Reply to Behind the Aegis (Original post)

Sun May 17, 2015, 02:49 AM

May 2015

& Thanks Obama~

Behind the Aegis

(53,956 posts)

2. Thanks! And from Barbara Lee...

Reply to Cha (Reply #1)

Sun May 17, 2015, 03:02 AM

May 2015

US Congress resolution recognizes IDAHOT

More than 60 congressional members, led by Congresswoman Barbara Lee introduced a Congressional resolution in support of the goals and ideals of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia.

“Unfortunately, homophobia, transphobia and discrimination against the LGBT community can still be found in communities across our nation and around the world. Whether it is in the form of hatred, exclusion, bigotry or violence, it is unacceptable,” said Congresswoman Lee. “I hope this resolution is another step in the direction of full equality and acceptance for all.”

The resolution outlines the specific effects of anti-LGBT violence, homelessness and health disparities, especially related to mental health, substance abuse and HIV/AIDS.

Anti-LGBT violence is the third most frequent bias crime in the United States, amongst those reporting these crimes. Transgender women, people of color and young people often face the most severe violence as a result of these crimes.

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Cha

(297,196 posts)

6. Mahalo for these important words from Barbara Lee, BtA!

Reply to Behind the Aegis (Reply #2)

Sun May 17, 2015, 06:51 PM

May 2015

Cassidy1

(300 posts)

3. I was just I was just talking about this elsewhere.

Reply to Behind the Aegis (Original post)

Sun May 17, 2015, 04:12 AM

May 2015

There are still hardcore zealots against this. Some of them are employers, educators, etc. Recognition days are great, but you still need laws with teeth. Society has come a long way in employment, but much needs to be done. There is too much bullying and too much discrimination. It all starts with language. I would like to see words like faggot, queer, etc. be treated like the N word. This is actually the last frontier, so it will take much more for this to stick. We need stricter penalties in school, the workplace and elsewhere when hurtful language is used. If it is malicious with intent to defame or denigrate, then pass laws where appropriate.