Video: President Obama’s speech for LGBT Pride Reception
During a reception to mark LGBT pride month, President Obama tells gay and trans supporters that he will have a ‘friend’ and ‘fellow advocate’ in him as long as he remains at the White House.
Since coming out for equal marriage a month ago, his campaign has pursued a targeted campaign to court LGBT voters, releasing a separate manifesto for gay and trans voters, and devoting this month to celebrating LGBT pride.
During his speech, he recalls some of the advancements made for gay and trans rights over the past four years, including the repeal of the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy for military personnel, and the repeal of the entry ban for those who are HIV positive.
He also reaffirms his commitment to end the discrimination enshrined in the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DoMA).
Towards the end of his speech, he says: “Americans may be still evolving when it comes to marriage equality… but as I’ve indicated personally, Michelle and I have made up our minds on this issue.”
In a direct bid to court LGBT voters and their supporters, he adds: ‘And as long as I have the privilege of being your President, I promise you, you won’t just have a friend in the White House, you will have a fellow advocate.’
