diplomacy and foreign assistance promote and protect LGBTQ rights around the world. Her responsibilities will involve ensuring that U.S. Also on display was a candle carried during the AIDS vigil and a pair of sandals owned by Matthew Shepard, a gay college student who was fatally beaten in 1998 and whose death inspired new hate crime laws.Īlso on Friday, Biden named Jessica Stern as a special diplomatic envoy at the State Department for LGBTQ rights.
“So many lives have been changed, saved by the sustained advocacy, the moral resolve, the political courage of countless LGBTQ-plus leaders and allies, some elected, some invisible, some long gone, some in this room right now.”Ī White House hallway was lit in the colors of the rainbow flag, a symbol of the LGBTQ movement, and Biden said he takes the hallway each day as he goes between the residence and the Oval Office. “Us even being here proves how much change is possible in America,” Buttigieg said. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, the first openly gay person confirmed to a Cabinet post, joined the president and first lady in the White House's East Room and also gave remarks. And above all, Pride Month stands for love.” Both the steps we've taken and the steps we need to take. The courage of all those in previous generations and today who proudly live their truth. “Pride Month represents so much,” Biden said. WASHINGTON (AP) - President Joe Biden celebrated Pride Month at the White House on Friday, a reflection of the growing stature of the LGBTQ community at the highest level of government.