Premium Content:

Transgender People Mentioned in State of the Union

BarackObamaOfficialFeatureDelivering 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.

- Advertisement -

“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

 

 

Latest

‘Queer Eye’ is coming to an end with its 10th season

There's still one more trip to take with the Fab 5.

On This Gay Day | A court ruled Leonard Matlovich dismissal was okay

"Maybe not in my lifetime, but we are going to win in the end." Vietnam veteran Leonard Matlovich said in 1976.

Mora Deeming defends transgender guide for cult inquiry

The controversial MP denies her guide is "coaching" people in their answers.

‘Into the Groove’ is 40 years old today!

"And you can dance... for inspiration."

Newsletter

Don't miss

‘Queer Eye’ is coming to an end with its 10th season

There's still one more trip to take with the Fab 5.

On This Gay Day | A court ruled Leonard Matlovich dismissal was okay

"Maybe not in my lifetime, but we are going to win in the end." Vietnam veteran Leonard Matlovich said in 1976.

Mora Deeming defends transgender guide for cult inquiry

The controversial MP denies her guide is "coaching" people in their answers.

‘Into the Groove’ is 40 years old today!

"And you can dance... for inspiration."

Acclaimed poet Andrea Gibson dies aged 49

Gibson's work explored their gender identity, politics and their experience of ovarian cancer.

‘Queer Eye’ is coming to an end with its 10th season

There's still one more trip to take with the Fab 5.

On This Gay Day | A court ruled Leonard Matlovich dismissal was okay

"Maybe not in my lifetime, but we are going to win in the end." Vietnam veteran Leonard Matlovich said in 1976.

Mora Deeming defends transgender guide for cult inquiry

The controversial MP denies her guide is "coaching" people in their answers.