General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsBarack Obama issues statement on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia
Michelle and I join our fellow Americans and others around the world in commemorating the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia tomorrow, May 17. We take this opportunity to reaffirm that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights are human rights, to celebrate the dignity of every person, and to underscore that all people deserve to live free from fear, violence, and discrimination, regardless of who they are of whom they love.
We work toward this goal every day. Here at home, we are working to end bias-motivated violence, combat discrimination in the workplace, and address the specific needs of transgender persons. Overseas, I am proud of the steps that the United States has taken to prioritize the protection and promotion of LGBT rights in our diplomacy and global outreach.
There is much more to do, and this fight for equality will not be won in a day. but we will keep working, at home and abroad, and we will keep fighting, for however long it takes until we are all able to live free and equal in dignity and rights.
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What a lovely gift to me from our President on my birthday!
Cha
(298,018 posts)Behind the Aegis
(54,051 posts)US Congress resolution recognizes IDAHOT
More than 60 congressional members, led by Congresswoman Barbara Lee introduced a Congressional resolution in support of the goals and ideals of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia.
Unfortunately, homophobia, transphobia and discrimination against the LGBT community can still be found in communities across our nation and around the world. Whether it is in the form of hatred, exclusion, bigotry or violence, it is unacceptable, said Congresswoman Lee. I hope this resolution is another step in the direction of full equality and acceptance for all.
The resolution outlines the specific effects of anti-LGBT violence, homelessness and health disparities, especially related to mental health, substance abuse and HIV/AIDS.
Anti-LGBT violence is the third most frequent bias crime in the United States, amongst those reporting these crimes. Transgender women, people of color and young people often face the most severe violence as a result of these crimes.
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Cha
(298,018 posts)Cassidy1
(300 posts)There are still hardcore zealots against this. Some of them are employers, educators, etc. Recognition days are great, but you still need laws with teeth. Society has come a long way in employment, but much needs to be done. There is too much bullying and too much discrimination. It all starts with language. I would like to see words like faggot, queer, etc. be treated like the N word. This is actually the last frontier, so it will take much more for this to stick. We need stricter penalties in school, the workplace and elsewhere when hurtful language is used. If it is malicious with intent to defame or denigrate, then pass laws where appropriate.
Gothmog
(145,839 posts)Behind the Aegis
(54,051 posts)MineralMan
(146,350 posts)Number23
(24,544 posts)And Happy Birthday!
Behind the Aegis
(54,051 posts)"But of course he's focused on those "wedge issues!!11" and "distractions!one""
Of course we are still "hearing" all about that even today!
Number23
(24,544 posts)Behind the Aegis
(54,051 posts)I love both wedges and "The Simpsons"! I just saw you "enjoyed" some "wedges" earlier in the same place I did.
Number23
(24,544 posts)Behind the Aegis
(54,051 posts)It has a Cajun twist.
ismnotwasm
(42,023 posts)And Happy Birthday!
Behind the Aegis
(54,051 posts)Saw "Avengers" and that is about it! LOL! Low keyed is the way to go.