Trump White House Ignores Pride Month – Again

Pride Month proclamations, receptions and rainbow lights at the White House. 

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Ah, those were the days.

But those days are days gone by.

Just like his first year in office, Donald Trump has issued presidential proclamations recognizing June as Great Outdoors Month, National Ocean Month, National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, African-American Music Appreciation Month, and National Homeownership Month.

But LGBTQ Pride Month? 

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Nope. Nada. Zilch. Zip. 

Remember when he campaigned as Donald “Better for the gays than Hillary” Trump?

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Instead, what LGBTQ Americans have gotten from the Trump administration are reversals on transgender students protections, executive actions in the name of “religious freedom” that make anti-LGBT discrimination easier, a Justice Department that now excludes LGBT people from the enforcement of federal civil rights law and a proposed ban on trans folks serving in the military.

Boo.

President Obama, on the other hand, issued a presidential Pride Month proclamation every year of his administration.

That said, some political organizations have stepped up to recognize June as Pride Month this year.

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The Democratic National Committee issued a statement honoring “the generations of leaders and activists who have fought for equality” and urging us all to “rededicate ourselves to the work that remains.”

More from the DNC:

“We see the impact of LGBTQ Americans throughout our history. We see it in the hope of Harvey Milk and the trailblazing work of Pauli Murray. We see it in the courageous leadership of Bayard Rustin and the pioneering career of Sally Ride. We see it in the brilliant performances of Laverne Cox, the athletic dominance of Abby Wambach, and the indomitable spirit of the late Edie Windsor.

“Under President Obama, our nation continued its long march toward LGBTQ equality. We ended Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and we fought for transgender equality in schools, military service, health care, and public accommodations. Today, hospitals receiving Medicare or Medicaid funds must extend visitation rights to LGBTQ patients. Across the country, violence against LGBTQ individuals can now be prosecuted as federal hate crimes. And of course, marriage equality is now the law of the land.

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“We’ve made incredible progress for LGBTQ rights, and we’ve seen LGBTQ candidates achieve historic victories up and down the ballot. But LGBTQ Americans still face hurdles to equality across our society – from bathrooms to bakeries to the ballot box. Every day, Republicans in Congress, the White House, and at the state and local level are trying to turn back the clock on LGBTQ rights.

“The Democratic Party stands with LGBTQ communities in America and around the world. We believe that no one should face discrimination, bullying, or violence because of who they are or who they love. And we will never stop fighting for the equality every human being deserves.”

Additionally, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued this statement recognizing June as LGBTI Pride Month:

“The United States joins people around the world in celebrating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex (LGBTI) Pride Month, and reaffirms its commitment to protecting and defending the human rights of all, including LGBTI persons.

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“In many parts of the world, LGBTI individuals and their supporters continue to face violence, arrest, harassment and intimidation for standing up for their human rights, participating in peaceful marches and rallies, expressing their views, and simply being who they are. LGBTI persons – like all persons – must be free to enjoy their human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association, without fear of reprisal. As Americans, we place a high value on these rights and freedoms, which all persons deserve to enjoy fully and equally.

“The United States stands firmly with you as you exercise your human rights and fundamental freedoms. We wish you a safe and happy Pride Month.

While the statement is certainly appreciated, especially from one of the most vital offices in the United States when it comes to human rights, it's worth nothing that during his confirmation hearings Pompeo reiterated his opposition to same-sex marriage.

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