Obama and the Gays

So as the campaign season kicks off, and as some progressives are kicking the pres, not only do we need to think about what the alternative would have been had Obama not been elected, but also what the alternative is if he is not re-elected, and if we don't maintain at least one house of congress in 2012.

So, some of us were a little disenchanted when all things gay didn't happen soon after Obama's election in 2008. But when you look at the accomplishments in real time, they are monumental.

Not included in this list is the fact that I and several other LGBT leaders from Alabama will be involved in training at the White House in August, something that would never have happened under the past or future Republican president.

Hate Crimes

Signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act into law. This helps protect on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

President Obama and other administration officials recorded "It Gets Better" videos to address the issue of bullying and suicide.

President and Mrs. Obama hosted a White House Conference on Bullying Prevention.

The Dept. of Education issued guidance in combating bullying.

LGBT Families

President Obama directed HHS to require all hospitals receiving Medicare or Medicaid funds to allow visitation rights for LGBT patients

HHS creates the National Resource Center for LGBT Elders.

Department of Labor clarifies that Family Medical Leave Act ensures LGBT parents can care for children in event of an illness.

State Dept clarifies that transgender applicants can obtain, under certain conditions, passports that accurately reflect their gender.

Justice Dept clarifies that persons with HIV or AIDS are covered by the Americans with Disability Act and can be included in occupational training and state licensing.

Justice Department issues a memo stating that federal prosecutors should enforce criminal provisions in the Violence Against Women Act in cases involving gay and lesbian relationships.

HHS issues a memo to ensure that LGBT and questioning youth in foster care are protected and supported.

US Interagency Council on Homelessness releases strategic plan to prevent and end homelessness, including LGBT homeless youth.

Obama administration works to ensure that the Census provides a fair and accurate count of all Americans, including LGBT couples.

Housing

HUD announces first ever study of discrimination in housing against LGBT persons.

HUD proposes new regulations to ensure that housing programs are open to all persons regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

HUD requires grant applicants to comply with state and local anti-discrimination laws.

LGBT Health

Obama releases first ever national HIV/AIDS Strategy.

Obama urges Americans to get tested for HIV.

Obama signed the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act.

HHS issues recommendations to improve the health and well-being of LGBT communities.

2012 Budget maintains and increases domestic HIV funding.

Job Creation

Dept of Commerce sings Memo of Understanding with the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce to support federal contracting and exporting.

Hiring and Benefits

Office of Personnel Management announced that gender identity is a prohibited basis of discrimination in federal employment.

President Obama expands federal benefits for same-sex partners of federal employees.

Office of Personnel Management allows same-sex domestic partners to apply for long-term care insurance.

Obama sends executive branch official to testify in support of ENDA (Employment Non-Discrimination Act) before Congress.

Obama continues to appoint LGBT Americans to positions at every level throughout his Administration.

Don't Ask, Don't Tell

President Obama signed the DADT Repeal Act of 2010!!!!!!!!!!

Global Leadership

US lifts entry ban on HIV individuals.

Obama and his adminstration play active role in Uganda, Honduras, Malawi and other countries re LGBT issues.

US leads effort at UN resulting in 85 countries supporting resolution to end violence realted to sexual orientation and gender identity.

White House announced major three year investment in combatting global AIDS, TB and malaria

LGBT History

Obama honors 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.

Obama awards the Medal of Freedom to Harvey Milk and Billie Jean King.

LGBT Progress

Obama has called for the repeal of DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act)

Obama supports ENDA and the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act

Obama supports learning environments free of bullying and harassment; adoption rights for all couples and individuals, in immigration reform that ensures Americans with partners from other countries should not be faced with a painful choice between staying with their partner or staying in their country.