In his final White House press conference, President Barack Obama said he “could not be prouder” of his legacy on LGBTQ equality and progress for our community. The president’s made his statement in response to a question regarding his record on LGBTQ rights by Washington Blade reporter Chris Johnson.
President Obama proceeded to reflect on the myriad milestones set for the LGBTQ community under his administration—which included immeasurably consequential (and unequivocally positive) acts such as the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”; The Supreme Court’s decision to legalize marriage equality nationwide; the president presenting lesbian icon and advocate Ellen DeGeneres with the Presidential Medal of Freedom; and helping to change the hearts and minds of the American public regarding LGBTQ persons, issues and inclusion.
President Obama continued that he realizes our community continues to face discrimination and formidable challenges, specifically mentioning the targeting of its transgender members.
“The attitudes of young people, in particular, have changed,” President Obama said. “That doesn’t mean there aren’t going to be some fights that are important, legal issues, issues surrounding transgender persons. There’s still going to be some battles that need to take place.”
