Last Saturday, President Obama addressed 3,000 LGBT individuals and allies at a fundraiser for the Human Rights Campaign. Timed to coincide with the National Equality March on Washington on National Coming Out Day, Obama reiterated his commitment to the LGBT community and equality.
He restated several of his campaign messages and promises, ones critics feel have gotten lost in the shuffle in the nine months since he took office.
Obama opened by recounting the difficulties faced by the sexual-minority community and said the fight for equality was not over, adding: “And I’m here with a simple message: I’m here with you in that fight.”
And he acknowledged that some believe he hasn’t moved fast enough on some issues, while noting that he has a lot on his plate: “And while progress may be taking longer than you’d like as a result of all that we face — and that’s the truth — do not doubt the direction we are heading and the destination we will reach.”
His message was certainly one of inclusion, as he spoke about how the economy, healthcare and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan impact all Americans, and as he compared the fight for LGBT rights to the civil-rights struggles of the 1960s.
Obama went on to reiterate promises to end the military’s ban on openly gay servicemembers, to pass and sign a hate-crimes bill and to recognize same-sex relationships nationally.
On the military ban, Obama said he was working with the Pentagon, its leadership and members of the House and Senate to end the policy, adding: “Legislation has been introduced in the House to make this happen. I will end ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ That’s my commitment to you.”
Obama also invited the audience to continue to put pressure on leaders — himself included — for LGBT equality.
The president’s speech was inspiring — and reassuring, particularly for those who backed Obama as a candidate and defended him through the backlash of the past few months. He hasn’t forgotten about the LGBT community, the one that helped elect him.
Obama’s speech, another example of his excellent oratory skills, is moving and powerful — and worth a YouTube search.
And, if nothing else, it gained him a breather and a reprieve for a few more months.