“Welcome to your White House”

President Barack Obama spoke to a packed White House East Room this afternoon, telling LGBT leaders and activists from across the country to judge him and his administration by the promises he keeps. ”By the time this administration is over, you guys will feel good about the Obama administration,” the president said.

The president and Mrs. Obama invited hundreds of LGBT leaders to the White House a day after the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, and at least two men who were present at that historic event made it to today’s reception. Upon taking the stage, Obama called out to the cheering room, “Welcome to your White House.”

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Returning to his campaign promises to the LGBT community, the president said he was committed to overturning the “so-called Defense of Marriage Act,” passing the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, passing a federal hate crimes bill and ending the military’s “don’t ask don’t tell” policy, among other priorities.

Noting recent unrest in the LGBT community over the pace of action on these items, the president said, “It’s not for me to tell you to be patient any more than it was for others to counsel patience for African-Americans who were petitioning for civil rights a half century ago.”

UPDATE: The full audio of President Obama’s remarks is available at the blog Good As You.



http://www.gaypolitics.com/2009/06/29/welcome-to-your-white-house/

Because Obama gave the LGBT community permission to judge him not by his words but by his actions. :)

(not that they needed it of course..) ;)

I loved that he said in that awesome heartfelt speech!

first of all..it's true but what a gracious way to get that party started!