Just in time for Pride Month, the Obama administration has released a list of the actions it's taken to further equality for LGBT Americans. Ever wonder what your President has done for you? Take a look at the significant gains on this list. I warn you, it's a long list, but that's a good thing.
The Obama Administration’s Commitment to Winning the Future for the LGBT Community
The Obama Administration has taken decisive actions and made historic strides to advance Lesbian,
Gay, Bisexual and Transgender equality and strengthen LGBT families and communities, and continues
to do so. Some of these accomplishments include:
Preventing bullying and hate crimes against LGBT Americans
President Obama signs the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act into law -- the
first federal civil rights legislation to include “sexual orientation” and “gender identity”
President Obama, Vice President Biden and other Administration officials record “It Gets Better” videos to
address the issue of bullying and suicide among LGBT teens
The President and First Lady Michelle Obama host the White House Conference on Bullying Prevention
The Department of Education issues guidance to support educators in combating bullying in schools by
clarifying when student bullying may violate federal education anti-discrimination laws
Supporting LGBT families
Following a directive from the President, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) requires all
hospitals receiving Medicare and Medicaid funds to allow visitation rights and medical decision making rights
to LGBT patients
HHS creates the National Resource Center for LGBT Elders
The Department of Labor clarifies that the Family Medical Leave Act ensures that LGBT parents can provide
care for their children in the event of illness
The State Department clarifies that transgender applicants can obtain, under certain conditions, passports
that accurately reflect their gender
The Justice Department clarifies that persons with HIV and persons with AIDS are covered by the Americans
with Disabilities Act and that it would be illegal to exclude them from occupational training and state licensing
The Justice Department issues a memo stating that federal prosecutors should enforce criminal provisions in
the Violence Against Women Act in cases involving gay and lesbian relationships
HHS’s Administration for Children and Families issues a memorandum to ensure that LGBT and questioning
youth in foster care are protected and supported
The US Interagency Council on Homelessness releases “Opening Doors: Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent
and End Homelessness,” the nation’s first comprehensive strategic plan to prevent and end homelessness,
including LGBT homeless youth
The Obama Administration works to ensure that the Census provides a fair and accurate count of all
Americans, including LGBT couples
Ensuring equal access to housing for LGBT families
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announces the first ever national study of
discrimination in housing against LGBT persons
HUD proposes new regulations to ensure that housing programs are open to all persons regardless of sexual
orientation or gender identity
HUD requires grant applicants to comply with state and local anti-discrimination laws
Supporting LGBT health
President Obama releases the first-ever National HIV/AIDS Strategy
President Obama urges Americans to get tested for HIV
President Obama signs the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act
HHS issues recommendations to improve the health and well-being of LGBT communities
Despite challenging budgetary times, the President’s Fiscal Year 2012 Budget not only maintains, but
increases domestic HIV/AIDS funding
Supporting job creation among LGBT-owned businesses
The Department of Commerce signs a Memorandum of Understanding with National Gay and Lesbian
Chamber of Commerce to support federal contracting and exporting
Setting precedents in hiring and benefits for LGBT Americans
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announces that gender identity is a prohibited basis of
discrimination in federal employment
President Obama expands federal benefits for same-sex partners of federal employees
OPM allows same-sex domestic partners to apply for long-term care insurance
President Obama sends the first U.S. Executive branch official to testify in support of the Employment Non-
Discrimination Act (ENDA) before Congress
President Obama continues to appoint LGBT Americans to positions at every level throughout his
Administration
Repealing the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Law
President Obama signs the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010, which will allow gay, lesbian and
bisexual Americans to serve openly and with integrity
Providing global leadership on LGBT issues
The U.S. lifts the discriminatory entry ban for individuals with HIV
President Obama and his administration play active roles in protecting LGBT populations in Uganda,
Honduras, Malawi and other countries
The U.S. leads an effort at the United Nations resulting in 85 countries supporting a resolution to end violence
and human rights violations related to sexual orientation and gender identity
The White House announces major three-year investment in combating global AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria
Honoring LGBT history
President Obama honors the 40th Anniversary of Stonewall riots
President Obama awards the Medal of Freedom to Harvey Milk and Billie Jean King
Supporting LGBT Progress
President Obama has called for the Congressional repeal of the discriminatory “Defense of Marriage Act” and
has announced that in his view, Section 3 of DOMA is unconstitutional
President Obama also continues to support legislation that would directly impact the LGBT community,
including an inclusive ENDA and the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act
President Obama believes that all students should be safe and healthy and learn in environments free from
discrimination, bullying and harassment; that we must ensure adoption rights for all couples and individuals,
regardless of their sexual orientation; and that Americans with partners from other countries should not be
faced with a painful choice between staying with their partner or staying in their country
