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Blog Posts Related to the LGBT Community

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Celebrating the Next Generation of LGBT Leaders

The Vice President and Dr. Biden host an “End of Summer BBQ” for emerging young leaders of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, and acknowledge the one-year anniversary of the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell."
September 21, 2012 at 10:48 AM ET by Gautam Raghavan

Marking One Year Since the Repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell

It should come as no surprise to any of us that the men and women of our armed forces have handled the repeal of DADT with the professionalism and class that we have come to expect from the finest fighting force in the world. As a consequence, our national security has been strengthened.
September 20, 2012 at 6:04 PM ET by Valerie Jarrett

From the Archives: The End of Don't Ask, Don't Tell

On this day in 2011, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was finally and formally repealed, allowing gay and lesbian service members to serve openly in our nation’s armed forces.
September 20, 2012 at 1:30 PM ET by Megan Slack

On the Road in Murray, Kentucky: Empowering & Supporting LGBT Students

September 18, 2012 at 6:19 PM ET by Gautam Raghavan

National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day: Recognizing the Challenges of Growing Older with HIV/AIDS

On National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day, we recognize that while the progress made in reducing HIV mortality and morbidity is remarkable, people aging with HIV face multiple, unique challenges.
September 18, 2012 at 2:29 PM ET by Dr. Grant Colfax

Empowering Young People to Build a Kinder, Braver World

We must all stay focused on ending bullying because no young person, or their loved ones, should have to endure the pain, agony, and loss to our families, schools, and communities that can come with bullying.
August 8, 2012 at 9:57 AM ET by Valerie Jarrett

Dr. Jill Biden Views the AIDS Memorial Quilt

The AIDS Memorial Quilt is an enduring symbol of the lives that have been lost to this epidemic. First started in 1987, the quilt now contains the names of more than 94,000 of individuals who have died of AIDS on more than 47,000 panels.
July 26, 2012 at 11:40 AM ET by Dr. Jill Biden

How Far We've Come on AIDS

White House officials sit down to discuss the impact that HIV/AIDS has had in their own lives and how far we’ve come in the fight against the terrible disease.
July 26, 2012 at 11:24 AM ET by Matt Compton

You Are Not Alone

In 2007 Heather Carter was asked by the Youth Suicide Prevention Program (YSPP) to start an LGBT component for the organization. She created OUTLoud in an attempt to reduce the rate of suicide among LGBT youth in Washington State.
July 19, 2012 at 11:55 AM ET by Heather Carter

The Ambition to Inspire All

The Redwood String Ensemble's mission is to demonstrate that music has the unique power to surpass the limits as race, creed, gender, and sexuality.
July 19, 2012 at 11:45 AM ET by The Redwood String Ensemble

Community, Patriotism and Responsibility

George Stewart has seen different forms of discrimination throughout his life, which has led him to advocate on behalf of the LGBT community through SAGE.
July 19, 2012 at 11:36 AM ET by George Stewart

Just Like You

The Military Acceptance Project is working to put a face to the service of gay and lesbian service members to shatter the negative stereotypes that the general public may have about their service.
July 19, 2012 at 11:35 AM ET by Kristen Kavanaugh

The Honest Passion to Give Back

Terry learned about the importance of working for my community from his mom and dad, and he has applied that lesson everyday for the past 20 years as he helped out the 33,000 people a week that seek shelter at LGBT Community Centers.
July 19, 2012 at 11:26 AM ET by Terry Stone

It Gets Better

JJ Kahle works to eliminate homophobia and transphobia from our educational environment as headlines throughout the United States painfully remind us, the consequences of the educational community turning a blind eye to bullying and harassment of students are starkly inadequate, negligent, and at times, fatal.
July 19, 2012 at 11:18 AM ET by JJ Kahle

The White House Celebrates LGBT Champions of Change

The White House honors Champions of Change who have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of LGBT people across the country, representing countless other individuals and organizations who are equally dedicated to equal rights for LGBT people.
July 18, 2012 at 4:56 PM ET by Gautam Raghavan

CIA Celebrates National LGBT Pride Month

The Central Intelligence Agency hosted a panel discussion of CIA senior leaders as part of the 2012 June Pride Month event, highligting the theme: “Inclusion for All, Celebrating with Pride.”
June 29, 2012 at 12:01 PM ET by The Central Intelligence Agency

Building a More Inclusive USAID

Mr. Malnak’s swearing-in took on special significance as it marked the first time a same-sex partner of a new USAID Mission Director participated in the event by holding the copy of the U.S. Constitution.
June 29, 2012 at 10:41 AM ET by Peter Malnak

Defense Department Hosts First Ever LGBT Pride Month Event

Following the full implementation of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeal, the U.S. Department of Defense honored LGBT servicemembers and civilians at its first ever Pride Month event.
June 28, 2012 at 12:35 PM ET by Gautam Raghavan

One Home at a Time: HUD Works with Illinois to Gain Equal Access for LGBT Americans

On a daily basis, Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity and the Illinois Department of Human Rights work to eliminate housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
June 28, 2012 at 11:27 AM ET by John Trasvina

A New Generation at America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Rev. George Walker, a member of President Obama’s Advisory Board for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, discusses the progress that has been made in making colleges and universities more inclusive.
June 26, 2012 at 5:55 PM ET by George Walker

Rising to the Challenge

John Berry, Director of the White House Office of Personnel Management, delivers the commencement address at the University of Maryland at College Park and challenges graduates to stand up for themselves and continue changing attitudes.
June 20, 2012 at 11:28 AM ET by John Berry

The Obama Administration Honors LGBT Pride Month

President Obama and members of the President’s Cabinet speak about LGBT Pride Month.
June 19, 2012 at 2:06 PM ET by Gautam Raghavan

Update: White House LGBT Pride Month Video Challenge

Watch the finalist videos for the LGBT Pride Month Champions of Change Video Challenge and vote for your favorite.
June 19, 2012 at 10:22 AM ET by Gautam Raghavan

President Obama Hosts LGBT Pride Reception at the White House

The President paid tribute to the generations of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans who devoted their lives to ensuring equality for all
June 15, 2012 at 6:59 PM ET by Colleen Curtis

The Power of Out

At the Department of Justice's annual LGBT Pride Month Program, Attorney General Holder speaks about DOJ's efforts to defend the civil rights of LGBT Americans and increase support for LGBT individuals working for the department.
June 11, 2012 at 4:07 PM ET by Tracy Russo

LGBT Students Give Secretary Duncan Homework

Secretary of Education Arne Duncan meets with students from the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network and Gay-Straight Alliance to hear directly about their experiences and to discuss bullying and possible solutions.
June 8, 2012 at 11:11 AM ET by Samuel Ryan

DHS Commemorates LGBT Pride Month

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano speaks at the DHS Pride Ceremony about the Department's commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all employees.
June 7, 2012 at 5:16 PM ET by Secretary Janet Napolitano

Kicking Off LGBT Pride Month

June is Pride Month for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community. This is an opportunity to reflect on the progress we’ve made, and recommit ourselves to the work ahead.
June 1, 2012 at 8:00 PM ET by Gautam Raghavan

On the Road in Minneapolis: Focus on All Families

The White House LGBT Conference on Families in Minneapolis, Minnesota highlights the Obama Administration's work to ensure the health, safety, and equality of families that are headed by or include lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.
May 21, 2012 at 6:06 PM ET by Gautam Raghavan

Ambassador Susan Rice on International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia

Susan E. Rice, the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, issues a statement on the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia.
May 17, 2012 at 7:08 PM ET by Shin Inouye