Mike noted that celebrities, well-known brands, and corporations showing support for the LGBTQ+ community all have a "big impact" on the road to greater acceptance and equality. He also believes that most people expressing support for the community are being genuine. "I believe the more people see and experience acceptance around them, especially from names they trust, the more likely they are to experience acceptance themselves," the expert said.
"I’d hate to think anyone is pretending to be supportive of the LGBTQ community for personal gain, in fact, I just don’t think it happens all that much at all. The vast majority of people expressing support legitimately care about the cause. If not, they’d be called out quickly, by a community that works together and knows how to mobilize. It simply wouldn’t be worth the risk to feign support."
There was some good news for Americans on Tuesday, June 1, as the President of the United States, Joe Biden, issued a presidential proclamation officially recognizing June as Pride Month. Biden vowed to fight for full equality for the LGBTQ+ community and to codify this into law.
According to The New York Times, Biden’s Pride proclamation stands in stark contrast to former Republican President Donald Trump’s (in)actions in 2020. Last year, Trump ignored Pride Month and didn’t even acknowledge it with a presidential tweet. Meanwhile, embassies overseas were prohibited from flying the rainbow Pride flag, too.
“After four years of relentless attacks on L.G.B.T.Q.+ rights, the Biden-Harris administration has taken historic actions to accelerate the march toward full L.G.B.T.Q.+ equality,” the White House declared on Tuesday.
To be fair, Biden’s own views on gay rights evolved over the decades and decades that he spent in politics. He wasn’t always a staunch supporter of the LGBTQ+ community. For instance, in 1996, he voted for an act that blocked the recognition of same-sex marriages on a federal level. In 2012, as vice-president, Biden was already endorsing same-sex marriage and is even credited for urging then-President Barack Obama to express support as well.
Now, Biden has fully embraced the necessity to ensure equality for all of those living in the United States. For instance, he consulted LGBTQ+ activists about policy recommendations during the presidential transition, as he was coming into office, which shows that he’s about taking action, not just about making promises.
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