Delivering the annual ‘State of the Union’ speech, U.S. President Barack Obama has highlighted the needs of transgender people.
It’s the first time a President has acknowledged transgender people in the annual speech to Congress.
“As Americans, we respect human dignity, even when we’re threatened, which is why I’ve prohibited torture, and worked to make sure our use of new technology like drones is properly constrained,” said President Obama, before adding, “That’s why we defend free speech, and advocate for political prisoners, and condemn the persecution of women, or religious minorities, or people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. We do these things not only because they’re right, but because they make us safer.”
It was also the firs time lesbian and bisexual people were mentioned in the speech. The president has mentioned transgender people in previous speeches, he is the first U.S. president to do so.
President Obama was previously criticised for failing to mention transgender people in his second inaugural address when he made reference to gay and lesbian people. The president also announced his support for marriage equality back in 2012.
OIP Staff
Tags: Barack Obama, State of the Union, USA
OUTinPerth is news website focusing on diversity in sexuality and gender. Established in 2002, OUTinPerth was a print magazine until 2019 when it became a fully digital publication.
OUTinPerth is created on the land of the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of this country and its waters, and pay our respect to Elders past and present.
OUTinPerth is owned by Speirins Media Pty Ltd. P.O. Box 69, Gosnells, 6990.
Help create OUTinPerth. We're always looking for writers, researchers and creative people. Find out more here.
The publication of the name, photograph or likeness of any person within this this site in no way implies anything about their sexuality or gender identity.
Copyright on contributions to and ads published in OUTinPerth is retained by the author/advertiser respectively. Permission to reprint should be sought via the Editor.
The views of this publication are contained in editorials. Opinions expressed in columns or articles are those of the author/s and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.
Advertisers are advised that all advertising copy is their responsibility under the Trade Practices Act. The appearance of any advert/advertorial herein does not imply endorsement by OUTinPerth.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login