¨The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave¨: Obama Declares June Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Pride Month

Barack Obama, President of the United States of America

President Barack Obama on Tuesday signed a proclamation recognizing June as Gay Pride month.

“The story of America's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community is the story of our fathers and sons, our mothers and daughters, and our friends and neighbors who continue the task of making our country a more perfect union,” the proclamation said.

June is widely recognized throughout the world as Gay Pride month.

The president touts his own record supporting the gay community and advancing gay rights in his proclamation, including repeal of “Don't Ask, Don't Tell,” the 1993 law that bars gay and bisexual troops from serving openly, efforts to wipe out discrimination in federal housing programs, and passage of a gay-inclusive hate crimes law.

The president also called attention to the 30th anniversary of the emergence of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, saying he's committed to eradicating the disease...¨ HERE

¨Land of Lincoln¨ The Great State of Illinois

Illinois becomes the sixth state with legalized civil unions.·

¨Long lines are expected to form early Wednesday at the Cook County Clerk's downtown office of vital records as couples from across Chicago gather to be part of a historic moment — the issuing of the state's first civil union licenses. The doors will open at 7:30 a.m. and the clerk's office will celebrate what it calls "the momentous occasion" by awarding a special gift package to the first couple to get a license. Adding to the festive atmosphere, about 20 local businesses will be supplying gifts that will be raffled off to other couples in line. As with marriage licenses, couples will have to pay a $35 fee and wait one day before they can hold a civil union ceremony. Couples who are already registered as domestic partners in Cook County but want to enter into a civil union will get a $20 discount and their domestic partnership will be automatically dissolved.

New/approved civil unions laws in Hawaii and Delaware have not yet gone into effect...¨ HERE
 
· Thanks to On Top Magazine, sidebar
· Thanks to U.S. President Barack Obama
· Thanks to Gay Pride Month, June
· Thanks to The Great State of Illinois
· Thanks to Joe.My.God., sidebar