Obama Outlines His Gay Agenda On WhiteHouse.gov

Talk about efficiency. WhiteHouse.gov, the official site of the President, was updated to reflect the changeover from President George Bush to President Barack Obama within a few minutes of Obama's inauguration. Has anyone visited the site yet, and if so, have you seen The Agenda page? I have to say that I am impressed—it lays out Obama's civil rights agenda, which includes broad support for the LGBT community.

Among Obama's positions: He supports the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and believes anti-discrimination employment laws should be expanded to include sexual orientation and gender identity; and he supports full civil unions that give same-sex couples legal rights and privileges equal to those of married couples.

Additionally, Obama thinks we should repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, and he opposes a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.

He also wants to repeal the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy; ensure adoption rights for all couples and individuals regardless of their sexual orientation; and develop a comprehensive national AIDS/HIV strategy.

This is all in writing! On the President's Web site!

What do you think of it, and do you believe he will accomplish all of his LGBT rights goals within his first term?

Comments

[Brady]

All I can say is YES! This is the reason we voted for him. Change is coming and we wants to be on top of it. Sure, it may take a while, but we have a President who wants to let the country know that though we are divided in ideas, we must find a way to unite

[queerplanet]

So why did he invite Rick Warren to give the invocation at the swearing in ceremony?

[FlexSF]

"Rights" and "equality" are empty words as long as prop 8 is allowed to hold. I'm not feeling the love until the California Supreme Court does what it should do, and invalidate prop 8. If our rights can be voted away, anybody's rights can be too.

[Ressard]

Wow. its surprising to hear so soon what he plans to do for our community as well. Thats exciting and it really just shows what his priorities are with his term(s) and thats strengthening us all. How weird is it that regardless of what this administration actually accomplishes, that there actually IS a light at the end of the tunnel, for all of us. And not b/c of WHO we love, but we all get that light BECAUSE we love in the first place. feels nice. we all get a "perma-grin" too. :)

[rick]

As I post this I am a tad aw struck after going to whitehouse.gov. I read all of Obamas agenda and his positions on the LGBT community. I must say it has addressed many issues for us, in a really positive way. WOW. If you have not read it you need to. I have never seen a politician that has gone so far out on a limb for us.
Rick

[Jason P]

we'll have to see, ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS.
I don't believe ANYTHING coming from a politician until I see it done!

Lets not count our chicken's before they hatch!

[Jacob]

So what if this are his initiatives, nothing is final, there are no legislative deals that give us these rights, remember peace? We all want peace, that does not mean we are going to have it.....thanks NOBAMA for including the prayer of the gay reverend for everyone to hear.....NOT.....to many disses on your part.....thats my gay friends are what this type of person is for....

[Leanza Cornett]

It will be interesting to see if Obama caves in to Barny Frank who wants to take the "gender identity" clause out because "supposively" it has better chances on passing the congress without the "gender indenity" confussion....LOL lets see...wait and see. actions are stronger than words

[Robbie]

It sounds good in theory, and it may look good on paper, but I'll reserve my "hurrahs" until I see it in action. Too many times, things in writing find themselves buried at that bottom of the pile.

And as for being in favor of full civil unions that give same-sex couples legal rights and privileges equal to those of married couples, no one has yet been able to explain to my satisfaction how this does not fall into the category: "separate but equal."

[Mitchell Killman]

I think one of the most important things to remember is that the election of our president is a direct reflection of the will of the people. To have someone in office that supports these things as a representative of the people is an amazing step. As those people being directly affected by such legislation it's our responsibility to educate and advocate for the things we believe in, not only for ourselves but for all people. Obama needs more than just the LGBT communities' support on these issues. He needs us to embody the very equality and respect we are fighting for. I believe we are capable of change and I hope we are willing to change.

[Charlie]

Even though I voted for him, I do not feel completely comfortable with him yet. I think the proof will be in the pudding!! He and the Democrats need to put up or shut up...I think we as a equal will take more time than this guy will be in office...with that being said...I will wait and see!!

[Rick]

I'm not so sure what the obsession with being able to get married is. I don't know of many guys capable of committing to more than a week long relationship. The exception of a few who are in it for financial reasons (sugar daddy's).

[Edward]

Rick, just because you're bitter and can't find a partner to commit doesn't mean others can't. So marriage isn't for you, that's fine. Don't piss on it for everyone else, though, ok?

While Obama has spoken some pretty words, I remain skeptical that the LGBT community will see anything change. I hope to be surprised and impressed, but I'm not going to hold my breath for it.

[Azudarko]

Um . . . to the above . . .

What the fuck? Thanks for promoting an awful, awful stereotype that all gays are stupid flakes that are incapable of staying in a real relationship.

I'm thinking that you hang out with the wrong damn gay guys.

[Rick]

Let me guess Edward, your in one of those "open relationships".

[JOHN PAUL]

I applaud PRESIDENT OBAMA now and hope he does keep his word as written and as far as that guy saying that most of us don't last than a week in a relationship thats not true and just a stereotype because I have been in relationships for more than 3 years and always more than a year, being mongamous and just because one is single and bitter, no one should not put the rest down! I am quite shocked that a gay men, would sterotype his own group, damn boy, don't knock us down, we need support right now! LOVE IS IN THE AIR BUT ONLY IF YOU CARE! YOU PERHAPS HAVE NOT BEEN IN LOVE AND THE DAY YOU DO, YOU WILL KNOW IT, TILL THAN DON'T HATE!PEACE TO ALL MY FELLOW MAN, GAY, STR8 OR BITTERED QUEENS :)

[Michael Gilliland]

WOW, it's about time! I have just recently filed suit against my company for discrimination, and all due to the fact that Im gay. I would have been nice to have this started earlier and their of course have been many prior to me, but thank GOD for putting someone their (in the White House) who will at least acknowledge and address this issue. Please remember that we must still do our part to assist in this and any possible legislation that is to come of it. Hence in my case, ny law suit! All I can say is WOW

[Rain City Blues]

If Obama keeps the promises on the whitehouse.gov website, it will be worth the time and money I spend on his campaign, and the vote I cast for him. I am nervous, of course, because Clinton made promises he not only did not keep, he made matters worse for us with DOMA. This time may be different, with the majorities in the House and Senate, and the new batch of pro-GLBT Democratic Senators (have you noticed that everybody with an HRC endorsement won?). Whereas Clinton was pushed from the right and the Blue Dogs, Obama will be pushed from the Progressive Caucuses in both houses of Congress.

Call me cautiously hopeful. And if nothing else, Bush and the threat of the FMA are now over. While I still cannot explain or understand the Rick Warren thing, I feel a certain sense of possibility that brings me hope.

[gt]

wont happen hes only one person and all of that has to pass congress and besides hes already breaking campaign promises and wow hes not even been there a day so much for no lobbyists yet there picking up the tab for the most expensive change over ever

[briane6]

I think we may finally have a friendly president in the White House, I too, disagreed with having Warren participate, but then again, it prevents the religious right from saying he was blowing them off in any way. It may have just been a good move in "strategery"... ;-)

[future]

I'm very happy for his plans but honestly.....do you think he'll ever follow through with them? Its likely to be just rhetoric, as is everything a politician said. But let's take a look at certain choices he made that may describe his actual agenda. I'm talking about choosing Rick Warren to deliver the prayer said at the inauguration. Could this be an indicator as to how things are really going to turn out in the future? You decide....

[greg]

It's a GREAT start for the WHITE HOUSE to be posting this agenda of change. Did any of you cynics ever think you'd live to see this?! I doubt it. I am excited and look forward to this administration working to make these things come true. It does take work, give the man a break, it's his first day in office and already he's showing that the world can change.
And as for your cynicism, that is tired, old and cheap. It should be thrown-out and put in the dustbin of history along with the Dick Cheney's mouthpiece of ignorance, division and hate.
Cynics need ask themselves what they too can do to make things change. Their actions speak louder than words too.

[smalltownslinger]

I really hope all this happens cuz i would love to get married someday and have kids :D

[hawk7]

I'll stay cautious in my optimism. Advocating "separate but equal" rights for gays who wish to marry smacks of 'Jim Crow' and placates those of a religious persuasion who view us as something less than human and not entitled to the same human rights they enjoy.

[Me]

Hahahahaha... Oh man! Look at all these gullible hicks! When will all of you fools learn to look at what he and his minions did to screw us instead of just salivating at what he promises on his website and/or emails! No wonder at this day and age, there are still millions of hicks getting scammed out of their life savings by one of those Nigerian Internet Scams. Didn't you get it? Barack Hussein Osama is the Biggest Nigerian Scam of them all!!!!

[David]

We wanted change and we got it. I think the phrase "Hit the ground running" was invented FOR this man!

[corrective_unconscious]

>"Didn't you get it? Barack Hussein Osama is the Biggest Nigerian Scam of them all!!!!"

I thought all the Log Uncle Tom Republikkkans had gone to live with Larry Craig and his "understanding" wife after their latest electoral self-embarrassment. Nice to have you back and contributing, you racist moron.

[Coralcocowexler]

I don't care that he invited the Rev. Rick Warren to give the opening prayer: it is true that to be the president of all Americans, Obama must reach out to all Americans. Via having Warren speak, he made an effort to show that those who have very conservative beliefs (and also make up a large population in this nation) will be considered alongside the rest of us and that there's room for all valid ideas. I don't agree with Warren at all, but for a conservative preacher you can expect no less than his stance. Obama, as this article proves, has provided gays with a clear and fair and hopeful agenda to extent to us broader rights. That's far more powerful than one preacher and one prayer. Get over Warren already.

[AndrewMale]

He can achieve those goals if we support him as American citizens. Its time to stop bickering between ourselves or at him. There are other issues facing EVERYONE in this country, so if we support him faithfully, I believe he will be faithful to us when the time comes that he wont have to worry about the extremely pressing issues like Iraq, Gaza, and the Economy. I think he understands that LGBT rights are MAJOR issues, but Bush has left us with a broken falling apart country, and he needs to do first things first. However, if he chooses to multitask, that would be icing on the cake!

[Josef]

Boohzoo Aniin, today on the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation,Like many other First Nation people and all US citizens, I, Josef Neesho Migizi Marion was filled with joy and pride in our new President. I am very pleased to see that the President has addressed issues that are so important to myself and all LGBT people living in the US. We must remain patient and respectful as our President start to work on these issues; everything takes time and our time will be here very soon.

[Jett]

What he says and what he does are two different things,....he promised tax cuts for 95% of us (even though 40% don't pay taxes), let's see what (if any) promises he'll keep.

[Me]

Hey unconcious, how's Canada you racist boonie hick! I heard Leamington is very nice this time of year. Wanna see the mugshot of unconcious click on the link below

http://www.windsorstar.com/Leamington+loses+Nigerian+scam/1173799/story.html

No wonder Canadian hicks like you love Hussein Osama. Unlike you, not a lot of us like to say bye bye to $150,000 of our own in TAXES. Get it? you moron!!!!

[Steve]

Why are you guys soooo pessimistic, He's the first president to take a foot in the right direction for civil rights yet you want to trash him before he gets to the finish line. Give him a chance damn.

[Laun]

Sounds good Mr. Obama is keeping his promises thus far that's a good sign. Some of the changes are badly needed in this country, some have been so badly abused and discriminated against. I hope he also stiffens laws against malevolent hate crimes.

[Anon]

I wish Obama the best and hope he really does help the gay community, BUT, my partner and I are tired of waiting year after year for equality, for the right to marry, for universal healthcare..and all the while paying our taxes for nothing. We are fed up with waiting, bitching, protesting, etc., and none of us are getting any younger, so we are moving to a civilized country where we can marry each other, have no fears of losing our home due to hospital bills if I or either one of us were to get seriously ill (american private insurance has caps on spending folks, none of us are exempt from that, read your policy) due to the fact that I am disabled and have no health insurance (I get no disability payments) and my partner can't put me on his plan..so, CANADA HERE WE COME! As a man who will be 40 next year, I simply can no longer put my life on "hold" and wait for somebody to give me the right to marry my lover and give me universal healthcare -I'm tired of waiting with no guarantee it will happen..have we all forgotten when Hillary tried to make this happen during Bill's presidency and was shot down? Plus, I prefer to live in a country like Canada where these things are non-issues and I can finally not worry about getting sick or why I can't marry the man I love. All of you who are tired of waiting feel free to join us if you can. I know this is not something most of us can do, but it's time for my future husband (god I love saying that..lol) and I to start living the dream in a country progressive enough to allow it, instead of living in a country with empty promises that claims to be the greatest country in the world, but sadly isn't. I can't wait to be sitting on my front porch in Canada reading about how gay americans still can't marry and there still is no real universal healthcare, and be glad that those are things I no longer have to worry about. Blessings to you all.

[Teddy]

Um.
Cynicism = lame.
Name-calling = also lame.

Now, I can't say that I am gullible enough to believe every word on that website, or that it will happen any time soon (after all, just because Obama feels a certain way...he still has to pull the support of Congress to pass anything), but optimism isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Be nice, kids!

[sherri_l]

I am a TG. I believe the President of the United States should have an American agenda, not a "gay agenda." In case you haven't noticed, we are different than straight people. We don't have any natural right to impose our views on others, especially when the "others" are a clear majority in a democracy. I can't marry my brother or my dog, nor should I be allowed to. Why do we always have to rip things down, to get what we want and claim to be "our rights?" We have made a free choice. We are different. If you don't want to live with the limits of being different then don't be different. Otherwise, take the consequences. We can speak our mind, we can petition, we can protest, we can vote. If someone tries to fire us from a regular ob because we are different, then fight it. That is against the law and the constitution. Those and other things clearly delineated are the "rights" guaranteed in our Constitution. It is a political document, that guarantees political rights. Things like marriage and service in instituions where our presence, to any but the most blind, could be disruptive and deadly, are not among the rights I find anywhere in the Constitions. Straight people have the same rights we do including the right to insist ALL of us adhere to the same Constitution and laws, and not try to distort them to give us some advantage. God, we live in the freest and most tolerant country in the world. The gay chorus sings at Obama's inauguration, the gay band marches, and gays are all over DC, strutting their stuff. More important, infinitely more important, gay people everywhere in America are living open, and not so open, but very successful and fulfilling lives, taking advantage of the freedoms and opportunities this country, more than ANY other, offers. People are risking their lives and dying every day to secure our freedom and our rights. Most of them are not only NOT gay, but they disapprove of who we are. But they do their duty and support the Constituion. How about if for once we are thankful for where we are, considering who we are, that wwe stop whining and demanding our so called "rights", which usually means imposing our views on a majority...or you can move to Iran or North Korea and enjoy the freedoms you are offered there. Or France or Canada or anywhere else your air ticket can take you. No one has you chained up in this terrible place. Gayland welcomes you, just outside the borders of the U.S. Oh, and drop me a card when you get there, and tell me what life is like in paradise.

[Matt]

I think this is great to get recognition as a community. I see a lot of people with jaded responses. LGBT issues aren't a top priority now, the economy and war are, but to get national recognition on the president's website, this is a huge step. Lets see what the next four years have to offer.

[zarxo]

When the military isn't getting enough recruits, then broad measures are exacted: don't cosider "this" efficancy an ammendment to gay efficaciousness--it's a means to an end. That is the Obama way. "You" consider it a compliement; however, I call it a threat. Look at the timing of "it." --and look at our economy, our "world," and the conflict between Iran and Israel.

Nothing worse than a myopic gay who doesn't even understand the concept behind expediency.

[Me]

GLBT issues are top priority or not, Hussein Osama should have at least had the decency not to publicly insult us by sending Gene Robinson to the back of his inaugural bus while letting that faith peddler Rick Warren sit in the front for all the see. Robinson's (and the GLBT's) public humiliation is so painful, HBO didn't even have the heart to broadcast it for all to see. Hussein Osama is shrewd enough to know that there is a set number of seats in his bus. If he is to pull his people from the back of the bus, somebody else have to be pushed back there. And he found the perfect gullible bunch. The clueless homos!!!

[keith]

HELL NO! Actions speak louder than words.....This country won't let him do shit...still too many people that would rather see us lined up against a wall and shot! And the ones that think we're all gonna burn in hell.......

[keith]

oh...any comments? Harbormaster48@yahoo.com

[nolaguy28]

I hope that the President's attitude toward civil rights for the LGBT community encourages us to examine the issues of racism and discrimination as practiced by those of our own community.

[AllTalkNoSubstance]

Just because it's in writing doesn't mean it's written in stone, Obama's got a lot on his plate and I think he's destined to disappoint...don't count your chitlins before they hatch folks...

[Daniel]

Having a gay friendly "stated" policy is great! Of course the president is not a king that can just make an edict so lets not try to put the change we want and need all on Obama's shoulders. At least he has a clear stated policy unlike any other president before him has been willing to do. Yeah, we may be disappointed ultimately but at least he has given us something to say, "look what you said here", to try to hold him accountable to what he has said. A lot of people in government and ordinary citizens will have to do a lot of work to bring about change this change for us also, this is a policy not a guarantee after all.

I do not care about the word "marriage" as long as a civil union affords the exact same rights. My civil union will be to an individual person that I love, so whether its called a marriage or civil union does not really matter its the rights and benefits it entails that matter. Its not like I will have to use a different bathroom or that I can ride on the bus "but at the back". I disagree that it is equivalent to separate but equal, it would in essence be a different name for basically exactly the same thing if the rights and benefits are indeed exactly the same. If I can get health and hospital visitation rights, estate rights, insurance rights, etc.. so what if its called civil union instead of marriage. Many non-religious heterosexuals may even rather have something called a civil union instead of marriage for other reasons of their own.

[BoundForDisappointment]

Why is everyone so mesmerized by this guy and his constantly changing stances? He hasn't done anything yet so why is everyone making him out to be some great man--his only accomplishment so far is he's the first half black U.S. president. People are already talking about putting his face on Mt. Rushmore....give me a break. The same ones that want to make Obama a messiah also boo'd President Bush and sang the "nah nah nah nah, Goodbye!"--what is wrong with America?...

[wyomtman]

One man can't change the world. President Obama has set an agenda. Now is the time to let your congressmen and senators hear your voice. The work has only just begun. Write your represenatives often and help them make the right decisions. Educate them! Get involved! Let your voice be heard!

[Brendan]

I think the real question is can he commit to all of the promises in such a time of corruption, war, terrorism and financial crisis. All I can say is that he a lot on his plate and has made promises to many people on many different issues. I just hope that he can make the change even though lobbyists and third party interests are and will be involved.

[Daniel]

For BoundForDisappointment, why are so many people so annoyed at the notoriety that Obama is afforded? Its so childish. Being the first African American president is a tremendous accomplishment whether your biases will let you acknowledge that or not. We have only been a country for over 200 years and he is the first African American president. Why do you say obviously biased things like "his constantly changing stances" when its not clear what the constant changes are? Why do you declare that "everybody" is making him out to be such a "great" man when all people are doing is saying he has made a great accomplishment and we hope him the best. You guys and your sour grapes are pathetic. Even if your assertions are true (that people are trying to make him into a god) why the necessity to even comment, so what? Its so obvious where you are coming from. As gays we have been pretty much disappointed by every president ever elected since the gay rights movement began when it comes to supporting our rights vigorously, Obama has not even had a chance yet, he has a clean slate, but so many of your camp are already talking him down. Give me a break. The worst that will happen is life for us will go on as it has for time eternal and we will perhaps be disappointed as we have been with every president before. Life goes on, why put so much energy in trying to convince us that Obama will not make a difference. You Republican gays that can't get over the election make me sick. You biased people who can't deal with an African American president make me sick. Just in case you want to turn this around on me and say that I'm assuming things your tone is seen clearly in your need to add this phrase "his only accomplishment so far is he's the first half black U.S. president." Why would you need to emphasize the "half black" unless you are coming from a certain point of view?

[Som]

Though I am not from America, but if Obama brings in all he's promised on the website, the doors for change shall open in my country India as well.
Thanks Obama for a wonderful person you are and may God give you strength to accomplish all that you promised to the best of everyone's expectations.