2012 Highlights

As we kick off 2013, we want to take a few moments to reflect upon the last year of progress towards dignity, justice, and equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people.

December 13: US Leadership to Advance Equality for LGBT People Abroad
Samantha Power, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights at the National Security Council, describes the Obama Administration’s commitment to human rights and human dignity for LGBT people abroad.

November 20: Transgender Day of Remembrance
The White House marks Transgender Day of Remembrance by meeting with a small group of community advocates.

October 19: Going Purple for Spirit Day
The White House honors Spirit Day to support young people who have been victims of bullying.

September 19, 2012. (Official White House Photo by 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))

September 21: Celebrating the Next Generation of LGBT Leaders
The Vice President and Dr. Biden welcome young LGBT leaders from around the country – students and community organizers, advocates and artists, and veterans – to a reception at the Vice President’s Residence.

September 20: Marking One Year Since the Repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to the President, meets with a small group of openly gay and lesbian servicemembers, together with several of their partners and spouses, to celebrate the one year anniversary of the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

July 26: Dr. Jill Biden Views the AIDS Memorial Quilt
Dr. Jill Biden views some panels of the AIDS Memorial Quilt during the week of the 19th International AIDS Conference in Washington, D.C.

July 18: The White House Celebrates LGBT Champions of Change
The White House honors six ordinary Americans as LGBT Champions of Change because of their extraordinary work across the country to ensure safety, dignity, and equality for the LGBT community.

 

June 26, 2012. (by Brenda S. “Sue” Fulton, far right, speaks during a panel at DoD’s LGBT Pride Month event at the Pentagon, June 26, 2012. (Photo courtesy of DoD, by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley))

June 28: Defense Department Hosts First Ever LGBT Pride Month Event
The Department of Defense holds its first-ever LGBT Pride Month event at the Pentagon, commending the service and sacrifice of gay and lesbian servicemembers and LGBT civilian personnel.

June 19: The Obama Administration Honors LGBT Pride Month
Throughout the month of June, the Obama Administration honors LGBT Pride Month with video messages, statements by senior officials, events, and even a Presidential Proclamation.

May 9, 2012. (Official White House Photo by President Barack Obama participates in an interview with Robin Roberts of ABC's Good Morning America, in the Cabinet Room of the White House, May 9, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza))

May 10: President Obama Supports Same-Sex Marriage
During an interview with ABC News, the President expresses his personal support for marriage equality.

May 10: Reactions to President Obama’s Support for Marriage Equality
Following the President’s statement in support of marriage equality, individuals and organizations across the country – including labor unions, environmental groups, social justice and civil rights advocates, and organizations advocating for equal rights for LGBT people – express their support for the President.

April 20: Ending Bullying in Our Schools & Communities
Valerie Jarrett describes the White House screening of the movie BULLY, describes the Obama Administration’s efforts to address and prevent bullying, and announces the President’s endorsement of the Student Non-Discrimination Act (SNDA) and Safe Schools Improvement Act (SSIA).

April 11: LGBT Families at the 2012 White House Easter Egg Roll
The White House welcomes thousands of families for the 2012 White House Easter Egg Roll – including LGBT families from as far away as Utah and as nearby as Maryland.

March 3, 2012. (by Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett delivers keynote remarks at the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network 20th National Dinner in Washington, D.C., Saturday, March 3, 2012 (Photo by Chris Burch/SLDN).)

 March 4: Celebrating Repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” at the SLDN National Dinner

Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett delivers keynote remarks before over 1,000 gay and lesbian service members, veterans, and military families at the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network national dinner in Washington, D.C.

February 23: On the Road in Philadelphia: Focus on LGBT Health
The White House Office of Public Engagement kicks off the White House LGBT Conference series with a day-long conference on LGBT Health in Philadelphia, PA, featuring keynote remarks by Secretary of Health & Human Services Kathleen Sebelius.

February 6: On the Road in Peoria: Combating Hate, One Community at a Time
The Department of Justice continues to enforce and implement the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.

January 30: Ending Housing Discrimination Against LGBT Americans
At the 24th national Gay and Lesbian Task Force “Creating Change” Conference, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan announces the publication of a new Equal Access to Housing Rule that says clearly and unequivocally that LGBT individuals and couples have the right to live where they choose.

January 25: A Special Message on National Gay-Straight Alliance Day
Secretary of Education Arne Duncan records a video message to students across the country in honor of the first-ever National Gay Straight Alliance Day.

June 15, 2012. (Official White House Photo by President Barack Obama delivers remarks at the LGBT Pride Month Reception in the East Room of the White House, June 15, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy))

 Gautam Raghavan is an Associate Director in the Office of Public Engagement