Obama-Biden's Pro-Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Record is Impressive
By: Nicholas M. Teich, Licensed social worker and author, 'Transgender 101'
Posted: 09/28/2012 2:35 pmhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/nicholas-m-teich/obamabidens-prolesbian-ga_b_1917236.htmlWe are used to politicians, especially at the executive level, never giving a straight answer when asked about LGBT rights. But there is something very different about this president and his administration. They don't seem to care about the negative consequences that these statements might yield. Not even in an election year. Good for them.
Last week I traveled to Washington to meet 100-plus other "emerging" LGBT leaders and attend a few panel discussions at the White House and a barbecue at the vice president's residence with him and his other half, Dr. Jill Biden, who also exudes support for advancing LGBT rights. Though I knew about the efforts that this administration has put forth, when the day was over I had a feeling of incredible optimism for the future of LGBT rights.
There are some who will say that it's about time and that they expected even more from Obama and his team, but those who fully grasp how difficult it is to move LGBT legislation forward are rightfully impressed.
After all, I have now been personally thanked by the vice president of the United States for my work with transgender youth.
Celebrating the Next Generation of LGBT Leaders
Posted by Gautam Raghavan on September 21, 2012 at 10:48 AM EDThttp://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/09/21/celebrating-next-generation-lgbt-leaders
Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden speak at a reception with emerging young leaders of the LGBT community at the Naval Observatory Residence in Washington, D.C., September 19, 2012. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)On Wednesday, the Vice President and Dr. Biden hosted an "End of Summer BBQ" at the Vice President's Residence with emerging young leaders of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. They were joined by senior Obama Administration officials, leaders of national LGBT organizations, and campus and community leaders from all over the country.
Guests at the event represented tremendous diversity and talent within the LGBT community. They included students and community organizers, advocates and artists, and veterans – all committed to the pursuit of equality, justice, and dignity for LGBT people.
