A Proclamation on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month, 2021

The uprising at the Stonewall Inn in June, 1969, sparked a liberation movement — a call to
action that continues to inspire us to live up to our Nation’s promise of equality, liberty, and
justice for all.  Pride is a time to recall the trials the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and
Queer (LGBTQ+) community has endured and to rejoice in the triumphs of trailblazing
individuals who have bravely fought — and continue to fight — for full equality.  Pride is both a
jubilant communal celebration of visibility and a personal celebration of self-worth and dignity. 
This Pride Month, we recognize the valuable contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals across
America, and we reaffirm our commitment to standing in solidarity with LGBTQ+ Americans in
their ongoing struggle against discrimination and injustice.

The LGBTQ+ community in America has achieved remarkable progress since Stonewall. 
Historic Supreme Court rulings in recent years have struck down regressive laws, affirmed the
right to marriage equality, and secured workplace protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in every
State and Territory.  The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act
broadened the definition of hate crimes to include crimes motivated by sexual orientation or
gender identity.  Members of the LGBTQ+ community now serve in nearly every level of public
office — in city halls and State capitals, Governors’ mansions and the halls of the Congress, and
throughout my Administration.  Nearly 14 percent of my 1,500 agency appointees identify as
LGBTQ+, and I am particularly honored by the service of Transportation Secretary Pete
Buttigieg, the first openly LGBTQ+ person to serve in the Cabinet, and Assistant Health
Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine, the first openly transgender person to be confirmed by the Senate. 

For all of our progress, there are many States in which LGBTQ+ individuals still lack protections
for fundamental rights and dignity in hospitals, schools, public accommodations, and other
spaces.  Our Nation continues to witness a tragic spike in violence against transgender women of
color.  LGBTQ+ individuals — especially youth who defy sex or gender norms — face bullying
and harassment in educational settings and are at a disproportionate risk of self-harm and death
by suicide.  Some States have chosen to actively target transgender youth through discriminatory
bills that defy our Nation’s values of inclusivity and freedom for all.

Our Nation also continues to face tragic levels of violence against transgender people, especially
transgender women of color.  And we are still haunted by tragedies such as the Pulse Nightclub
shooting in Orlando.  Ending violence and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community
demands our continued focus and diligence.  As President, I am committed to defending the
rights of all LGBTQ+ individuals. 

My Administration is taking historic actions to finally deliver full equality for LGBTQ+
families.  On my first day in office, I signed an Executive Order charging Federal agencies to
fully enforce all Federal laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity or
sexual orientation.  As a result, the Federal Government has taken steps to prevent discrimination
against LGBTQ+ people in employment, health care, housing, lending, and education.  I also
signed an Executive Order affirming all qualified Americans will be able to serve in the Armed
Forces of the United States — including patriotic transgender Americans who can once again
proudly and openly serve their Nation in uniform — and a National Security Memorandum that
commits to supporting LGBTQ+ Federal employees serving overseas.  My Administration is
also working to promote and protect LGBTQ+ human rights abroad.  LGBTQ+ rights are human
rights, which is why my Administration has reaffirmed America’s commitment to supporting
those on the front lines of the equality and democracy movements around the world, often at
great risk.  We see you, we support you, and we are inspired by your courage to accept nothing
less than full equality.

While I am proud of the progress my Administration has made in advancing protections for the
LGBTQ+ community, I will not rest until full equality for LGBTQ+ Americans is finally

achieved and codified into law.  That is why I continue to call on the Congress to pass the
Equality Act, which will ensure civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ people and families across
our country.  And that is why we must recognize emerging challenges, like the fact that many
LGBTQ+ seniors, who faced discrimination and oppression throughout their lives, are isolated
and need support and elder care. 

During LGBTQ+ Pride Month, we recognize the resilience and determination of the many
individuals who are fighting to live freely and authentically.  In doing so, they are opening hearts
and minds, and laying the foundation for a more just and equitable America.  This Pride Month,
we affirm our obligation to uphold the dignity of all people, and dedicate ourselves to protecting
the most vulnerable among us.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by
virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do
hereby proclaim June 2021 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month.  I
call upon the people of the United States to recognize the achievements of the LGBTQ+
community, to celebrate the great diversity of the American people, and to wave their flags of
pride high.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of June, in the year of our
Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the
two hundred and forty-fifth.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.