As gay intern sits with First Lady, President Obama talks about gay rights during SOTU
Wed. January 26, 2011 12:04 AM by GoPride.com News Staff
photo credit // hrc.org
Washington, D.C. -
President Obama talked about gay rights during the State of the Union speech, but did not offer any indication that he's changed his mind on gay marriage.
At the end of his speech, President Obama acknowledged the different groups that make up the United States, including Native Americans and Muslims.
"And yes, we know some of [our citizens] are gay, and starting this year, none of them will be barred from serving the country they love because of who they love," he said. "It's time to leave behind the defensive battles of the past."
Aside from this brief mention of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," President Obama generally focused on the economy.
Ironically, Daniel Hernandez attended the State of the Union speech as First Lady Michelle Obama's guest. Hernandez is well-known for his actions as Arizona Representative Gabrielle Giffords' intern.
His quick thinking is credited with helping stop Giffords' bleeding after she was shot in the head during the rally.
Six people, including a federal judge and a nine-year-old girl, died during the shooting rampage.
At a memorial service to remember the victims, Obama praised Hernandez for his heroic deeds.
The 21-year-old, who is openly gay, told the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest gay rights advocate, that the shooting serves as a reminder that gay people contribute to society every day.
"We are in every part of the American community," Hernandez said. "The best thing we can do is to be extraordinary as we live ordinary lives – to live, love and learn."
Hernandez was the focus of Rep. Giffords' office first Tweet since she was shot; they wished him a happy birthday on Tuesday on her behalf.
This week, Hernandez is heading to New York City to attend an anti-gun violence rally with Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
Gay rights groups and advocates react to Presiden Obama's State of the Union address
"Servicemembers Legal Defense Network is pleased the President expects that gays and lesbians will be able to serve their country openly this year. In fact, we think there should be certification from the President, Secretary Robert Gates and JCS Chairman Michael Mullen in this quarter. We need to make ‘Don't Ask' repeal a reality sooner rather than later. It is also encouraging to see that the President and First Lady recognize that LGBT troops are very much part of the fabric of our military families. However, we need to bring more visibility and awareness to that reality too," said Aubrey Sarvis, Army veteran and executive director for Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN).
"The president was unequivocal about his support for equality for gay and lesbian people in his State of the Union address. Yes, many of us have been disappointed and frustrated by what some have perceived as lethargy of this administration on gay issues but he made it clear tonight that we are part of the fabric of America and should be treated fairly and equitably," long-time gay rights advocate and co-founder of Equality Illinois, Rick Garcia told ChicagoPride.com.
"President Obama spoke pointedly tonight of the dire need to get our economy moving again. We couldn't agree more and urge his administration and Congress to work together to ensure that everybody — including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people — have the opportunity to contribute their talents, skills and expertise to this nation's workforce. The repeal of ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' which the president noted tonight, was a tremendous victory that will put an end to systemic discrimination against competent, qualified lesbian, gay and bisexual service members. But let us not settle there. Fact is, the state of the union for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people remains largely one of inequality, as we can still be fired from or denied employment in many parts of the country for nothing other than bias, and marriage inequality relegates our families to second-class status. If the president is truly serious about job creation and boosting America's economic well-being, he must provide leadership and action in helping to pass employment protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and ending the costly and unjust federal marriage ban. Our country can and must do better. The president should pave the way," said Rea Carey, Executive Director National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
At the end of his speech, President Obama acknowledged the different groups that make up the United States, including Native Americans and Muslims.
"And yes, we know some of [our citizens] are gay, and starting this year, none of them will be barred from serving the country they love because of who they love," he said. "It's time to leave behind the defensive battles of the past."
Aside from this brief mention of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," President Obama generally focused on the economy.
Ironically, Daniel Hernandez attended the State of the Union speech as First Lady Michelle Obama's guest. Hernandez is well-known for his actions as Arizona Representative Gabrielle Giffords' intern.
His quick thinking is credited with helping stop Giffords' bleeding after she was shot in the head during the rally.
Six people, including a federal judge and a nine-year-old girl, died during the shooting rampage.
At a memorial service to remember the victims, Obama praised Hernandez for his heroic deeds.
The 21-year-old, who is openly gay, told the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest gay rights advocate, that the shooting serves as a reminder that gay people contribute to society every day.
"We are in every part of the American community," Hernandez said. "The best thing we can do is to be extraordinary as we live ordinary lives – to live, love and learn."
Hernandez was the focus of Rep. Giffords' office first Tweet since she was shot; they wished him a happy birthday on Tuesday on her behalf.
This week, Hernandez is heading to New York City to attend an anti-gun violence rally with Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
Gay rights groups and advocates react to Presiden Obama's State of the Union address
"Servicemembers Legal Defense Network is pleased the President expects that gays and lesbians will be able to serve their country openly this year. In fact, we think there should be certification from the President, Secretary Robert Gates and JCS Chairman Michael Mullen in this quarter. We need to make ‘Don't Ask' repeal a reality sooner rather than later. It is also encouraging to see that the President and First Lady recognize that LGBT troops are very much part of the fabric of our military families. However, we need to bring more visibility and awareness to that reality too," said Aubrey Sarvis, Army veteran and executive director for Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN).
"The president was unequivocal about his support for equality for gay and lesbian people in his State of the Union address. Yes, many of us have been disappointed and frustrated by what some have perceived as lethargy of this administration on gay issues but he made it clear tonight that we are part of the fabric of America and should be treated fairly and equitably," long-time gay rights advocate and co-founder of Equality Illinois, Rick Garcia told ChicagoPride.com.
"President Obama spoke pointedly tonight of the dire need to get our economy moving again. We couldn't agree more and urge his administration and Congress to work together to ensure that everybody — including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people — have the opportunity to contribute their talents, skills and expertise to this nation's workforce. The repeal of ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' which the president noted tonight, was a tremendous victory that will put an end to systemic discrimination against competent, qualified lesbian, gay and bisexual service members. But let us not settle there. Fact is, the state of the union for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people remains largely one of inequality, as we can still be fired from or denied employment in many parts of the country for nothing other than bias, and marriage inequality relegates our families to second-class status. If the president is truly serious about job creation and boosting America's economic well-being, he must provide leadership and action in helping to pass employment protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and ending the costly and unjust federal marriage ban. Our country can and must do better. The president should pave the way," said Rea Carey, Executive Director National Gay and Lesbian Task Force