Today is the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT)

Statement by the President on the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia

On May 17, Americans and people around the world mark the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia by reaffirming the dignity and inherent worth of all people, regardless of who they love or their gender identity.

Our nation is committed to the principle that all people should be treated fairly and with respect. Advancing this goal has long been a cornerstone of American diplomacy, and I am proud that my Administration has made advancing the human rights of LGBT individuals a specific focus of our engagement around the world. I am also proud of the great strides that our nation has made at home in recent years, including that we now have marriage equality as a result of last year’s landmark Supreme Court decision.

At the same time, there is much work to be done to combat homophobia and transphobia, both at home and abroad.‎ In too many places, LGBT individuals grow up forced to conceal or deny who they truly are for fear of persecution, discrimination, and violence. All nations and all communities can, and must, do better. Fortunately, human rights champions and good citizens around the world continue to strive towards this goal every day by lifting up the simple truth that LGBT rights are human rights. The United States honors their work and will continue to support them in their struggle for human dignity.me Court decision.

At the same time, there is much work to be done to combat homophobia and transphobia, both at home and abroad.‎ In too many places, LGBT individuals grow up forced to conceal or deny who they truly are for fear of persecution, discrimination, and violence. All nations and all communities can, and must, do better. Fortunately, human rights champions and good citizens around the world continue to strive towards this goal every day by lifting up the simple truth that LGBT rights are human rights. The United States honors their work and will continue to support them in their struggle for human dignity.

WATCH: White House Goes Rainbow To Celebrate Gay Pride

hat/tip to The White House

President Obama Issues June 2015 LGBT Pride Proclamation

The President issued the June 2015 LGBT Pride proclamation today.

"From the moment our Nation first came together to declare the fundamental truth that all men are created equal, courageous and dedicated patriots have fought to refine our founding promise and broaden democracy's reach. Over the course of more than two centuries of striving and sacrifice, our country has expanded civil rights and enshrined equal protections into our Constitution. Through struggle and setback, we see a common trajectory toward a more free and just society. But we are also reminded that we are not truly equal until every person is afforded the same rights and opportunities -- that when one of us experiences discrimination, it affects all of us -- and that our journey is not complete until our lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law. 

"Across our Nation, tremendous progress has been won by determined individuals who stood up, spoke out, and shared their stories. Earlier this year, because of my landmark Executive Order on LGBT workplace discrimination, protections for Federal contractors went into effect, guarding against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The Federal Government is now leading by example, ensuring that our employees and contractors are judged by the quality of their work, not by who they love. And I will keep calling on the Congress to pass legislation so that all Americans are covered by these protections, no matter where they work. 

"In communities throughout the country, barriers that limit the potential of LGBT Americans have been torn down, but too many individuals continue to encounter discrimination and unfair treatment. My Administration supports efforts to ban the use of conversion therapy for minors because the overwhelming scientific evidence demonstrates that it can cause substantial harm. We understand the unique challenges faced by sexual and gender minorities -- especially transgender and gender non-conforming individuals -- and are taking steps to address them. And we recognize that families come in many shapes and sizes. Whether biological, foster, or adoptive, family acceptance is an important protective factor against suicide and harm for LGBTQ youth, and mental health experts have created resources to support family communication and involvement. 

"For countless young people, it is not enough to simply say it gets better; we must take action too. We continue to address bullying and harassment in our classrooms, ensuring every student has a nurturing environment in which to learn and grow. Across the Federal Government, we are working every day to unlock the opportunities all LGBT individuals deserve and the resources and care they need. Too many LGBTQ youth face homelessness and too many older individuals struggle to find welcoming and affordable housing; that is why my Administration is striving to ensure they have equal access to safe and supportive housing throughout life. We are updating our National HIV/AIDS Strategy to better address the disproportionate burden HIV has on communities of gay and bisexual men and transgender women. We continue to extend family and spousal benefits to legally married same-sex couples. 

"And because we know LGBT rights are human rights, we are championing protections and support for LGBT persons around the world. All people deserve to live with dignity and respect, free from fear and violence, and protected against discrimination, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. During Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, we celebrate the proud legacy LGBT individuals have woven into the fabric of our Nation, we honor those who have fought to perfect our Union, and we continue our work to build a society where every child grows up knowing that their country supports them, is proud of them, and has a place for them exactly as they are.  

"NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2015 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to eliminate prejudice everywhere it exists, and to celebrate the great diversity of the American people. 

"IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth. - BARACK OBAMA."

Today Is International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia

Today is May 17th, the day which is becoming universally recognized as IDAHOT, the international day against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia. In fact, the White House issued a statement by President Barack Obama:

Michelle and I join our fellow Americans and others around the world in commemorating the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia tomorrow, May 17.  We take this opportunity to reaffirm that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights are human rights, to celebrate the dignity of every person, and to underscore that all people deserve to live free from fear, violence, and discrimination, regardless of who they are or whom they love.  

We work toward this goal every day. Here at home, we are working to end bias-motivated violence, combat discrimination in the workplace, and address the specific needs of transgender persons.  Overseas, I am proud of the steps that the United States has taken to prioritize the protection and promotion of LGBT rights in our diplomacy and global outreach. 

There is much more to do, and this fight for equality will not be won in a day.  But we will keep working, at home and abroad, and we will keep fighting, for however long it takes until we are all able to live free and equal in dignity and rights.

 National Security Adviser Susan Rice took the opportunity to issue a statement that condemns the recent murderously homophobic remarks by Gambian President Jammeh.

The recent unconscionable comments by Gambian President Yahya Jammeh underscore why we must continue to seek a world in which no one lives in fear of violence or persecution because of who they are or whom they love. We condemn his comments, and note these threats come amid an alarming deterioration of the broader human rights situation in The Gambia. We are deeply concerned about credible reports of torture, suspicious disappearances – including of two American citizens - and arbitrary detention at the government's hands. 

The United States in late 2014 acted on The Gambia’s crackdown against its LGBT community and wider human rights violations by ending trade preferences, and we are reviewing what additional actions are appropriate to respond to this worsening situation. 

We repeat our call for the Gambian government, and all governments, to lead inclusively, repudiate intolerance, and promote respect for the universal rights and fundamental freedoms of all people.

Additionally, the White House released a fact sheet summarizing the numerous measures the Obama administration has taken which benefit the international LGBT Community. Some highlights:

• On December 6, 2011, President Obama released the Presidential Memorandum on International Initiatives to Advance the Human Rights of LGBT Persons, which directs departments and agencies to combat criminalization of LGBT status or conduct abroad; protect vulnerable LGBT refugees or asylum seekers; enhance assistance to protect human rights and advance nondiscrimination for LGBT persons; and help ensure swift and meaningful responses to human rights abuses of LGBT persons abroad.
• In February 2015, Secretary of State John Kerry announced the appointment of Randy Berry as the first-ever Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBT Persons.  Special Envoy Berry joins USAID Senior Coordinator Todd Larson in leading the U.S. Government’s efforts to advance the human rights of LGBT persons.  Six openly gay U.S. Ambassadors are serving at Embassies around the world.  And, this year, the Peace Corps also created a position devoted to training staff to support LGBT Peace Corps Volunteers. 
• With the support of the United States, the World Health Organization has begun discussions on the negative repercussions of stigma, discrimination, and other barriers to care for LGBT persons in the health system as a whole.  In 2013 the Pan-American Health Organization passed a ground-breaking resolution on LGBT health, which emphasized that equal access to care is a health issue and called on countries to collect data on access to health care and health facilities for their LGBT population. 
• Since its inception in 2011, the State Department’s Global Equality Fund, a partnership of 11 governments as well as a number of corporations and private foundations, has allocated more than $19 million to frontline advocates in 50 countries. 
• In June 2014 the White House hosted the first-ever Global LGBT Human Rights Forum, which brought together the faith community, private sector, philanthropy, HIV and other health advocates, LGBT activists from around the world, and the broader human rights community to discuss how to work together with the U.S. government and others to promote respect for the human rights of LGBT individuals around the world.  National Security Advisory Susan Rice delivered keynote remarks. 

This is just a few of the highlights of the impressive accomplishments of the Obama administration in this area.

Happy IDAHOT!

CELEBRITY FRIDAY: (Openly Lesbian) Megan Smith Named CTO of United States

This is very cool news! A former acquaintance of mine, Megan Smith, who is now known as one of the most prominent out people in Silicon Valley as a Vice President at Google with responsibility for its non-profit activities, has been named the Chief Technology Officer of the United States by President Barack Obama!

The official announcement was made by Dr. Joh Holdren, the Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy today in a blog post where he quoted President Obama saying:

Megan has spent her career leading talented teams and taking cutting-edge technology and innovation initiatives from concept to design to deployment. I am confident that in her new role as America’s Chief Technology Officer, she will put her long record of leadership and exceptional skills to work on behalf of the American people. I am grateful for her commitment to serve, and I look forward to working with her and with our new Deputy U.S. CTO, Alexander Macgillivray, in the weeks and months ahead.

This is a very cool sign to women (and openly LGBT) that this President will appoint people to prominent and important positions that they are qualified for.

President Obama Signs LGBT Executive Order!

President Barack Obama signed an executive order prohibiting discrimination against LGBT people in employment by federal contractors at 10:47am EDT this morning.

Here's what he said:

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT

AT SIGNING OF EXECUTIVE ORDER

ON LGBT WORKPLACE DISCRIMINATION

East Room 

10:39 A.M. EDT
  
     THE PRESIDENT:  Welcome to the White House, everybody.  I know I'm a little late.  But that's okay because we've got some big business to do here.

Many of you have worked for a long time to see this day coming.  You organized, you spoke up, you signed petitions, you sent letters -- I know because I got a lot of them.  (Laughter.) And now, thanks to your passionate advocacy and the irrefutable rightness of your cause, our government -- government of the people, by the people, and for the people -- will become just a little bit fairer.

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Amen.  (Applause.)

THE PRESIDENT:  It doesn’t make much sense, but today in America, millions of our fellow citizens wake up and go to work with the awareness that they could lose their job, not because of anything they do or fail to do, but because of who they are --  lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender.  And that’s wrong.  We’re here to do what we can to make it right -- to bend that arc of justice just a little bit in a better direction.

In a few moments, I will sign an executive order that does two things.  First, the federal government already prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.  Once I sign this order, the same will be explicitly true for gender identity.  (Applause.) 

And second, we’re going to prohibit all companies that receive a contract from the federal government from discriminating against their LGBT employees.  (Applause.)    America’s federal contracts should not subsidize discrimination against the American people.

Now, this executive order is part of a long bipartisan tradition.  President Roosevelt signed an order prohibiting racial discrimination in the national defense industry.  President Eisenhower strengthened it.  President Johnson expanded it.  Today, I'm going to expand it again.

Currently, 18 states have already banned workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.  And over 200 cities and localities have done the same.  Governor Terry McAuliffe is here; his first act as governor was to prohibit discrimination against LGBT employees of the Commonwealth of Virginia.  (Applause.)  Where did Terry go?  Right back here.

I’ve appointed a record number of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender public servants to positions across my administration.  They are ambassadors and federal judges, special assistants, senior advisors from the Pentagon to the Labor Department.  Every day, their talent is put to work on behalf of the American people.

Equality in the workplace is not only the right thing to do, it turns out to be good business.  That’s why a majority of Fortune 500 companies already have nondiscrimination policies in place.  It is not just about doing the right thing -- it’s also about attracting and retaining the best talent.  And there are several business leaders who are here today who will attest to that.

And yet, despite all that, in too many states and in too many workplaces, simply being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender can still be a fireable offense.  There are people here today who’ve lost their jobs for that reason.  This is not speculative, this is not a matter of political correctness -- people lose their jobs as a consequence of this.  Their livelihoods are threatened, their families are threatened.  In fact, more states now allow same-sex marriage than prohibit discrimination against LGBT workers.  So I firmly believe that it’s time to address this injustice for every American.

Now, Congress has spent 40 years -- four decades -- considering legislation that would help solve the problem.  That's a long time.  And yet they still haven’t gotten it done.  Senators Terry [Tammy] Baldwin and Jeff Merkley are here.  They have been champions of this issue for a long, long time.  We are very proud of them.  I know they will not stop fighting until fair treatment for all workers is the federal law of the land.  Everyone thanks them for that.  (Applause.) 

But I’m going to do what I can, with the authority I have, to act.  The rest of you, of course, need to keep putting pressure on Congress to pass federal legislation that resolves this problem once and for all.

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Amen!

THE PRESIDENT:  Amen.  Amen.  (Applause.)  Got the “amen” corner here.  (Laughter.)  Well -- (sings) -- (laughter.)  You don't want to get me preaching, now.  (Laughter.)   

For more than two centuries, we have strived, often at great cost, to form “a more perfect union” -- to make sure that “we, the people” applies to all the people.  Many of us are only here because others fought to secure rights and opportunities for us. And we’ve got a responsibility to do the same for future generations.  We’ve got an obligation to make sure that the country we love remains a place where no matter who you are, or what you look like, or where you come from, or how you started out, or what your last name is, or who you love -- no matter what, you can make it in this country.

That’s the story of America.  That’s the story of this movement.  I want to thank all of you for doing your part.  We've got a long way to go, but I hope as everybody looks around this room, you are reminded of the extraordinary progress that we have made not just in our lifetimes, but in the last five years.  In the last two years.  (Applause.)  In the last one year.  (Applause.)  We're on the right side of history.

I’m going to sign this executive order.  Thank you, everybody.  (Applause.)

(The executive order is signed.)

Obama Will Sign Executive Order Extending LGBT Discrimination Protections To Millions of Americans

President Barack Obama will sign an executive order that will effectively add LGBT workplace protections to some 28 million American workers on Monday. The President will issue an executive order that amends the executive order (11246) that extended discrimination protections to federal contractors, i.e. businesses that have contracts to do work with the federal government, to include sexual orientation and gender identity. This will protect all LGBT workers at federal contractors. The Williams Institute estimates that 11 million people will be protected from sexual orientation discrimination and another 14 million will be protected from gender identity discrimination. The AP estimates that the actions will impact 24,000 companies that do business with the federal government (and their 28 million employees).

The President will also amend an existing executive order (11478) that prohibits discrimination in the federal workplace on the basis of sexual orientation to include gender identity. As the Vice President would say, "this is a big ******* deal."

Chris Geidner has published the July 15th draft text of the order Obama will issue tomorrow:

EXECUTIVE ORDER
Further Amendments to Executive Order 11478, Equal Employment Opportunity in the Federal Government, and Executive Order 11246, Equal Employment Opportunity
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act, 40 U.S.C. 101 et seq., and in order to provide for a uniform policy for the Federal Government to prohibit discrimination based on gender identity and take further steps to promote economy and efficiency in Federal Government procurement by prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, it is hereby ordered as follows:
Section 1. Amending Executive Order 11478.
Executive Order 11478, as amended, is hereby further amended as follows:
(a) The first sentence of section 1 is amended by substituting “sexual orientation, gender identity,” for “sexual orientation”.
(b) The first sentence of section 7 is amended by substituting “sexual orientation, gender identity,” for “sexual orientation”.
Sec. 2. Amending Executive Order 11246.
Executive Order 11246, as amended, is hereby further amended as follows:
(a) The first sentence of Section 202, paragraph (1) is amended by substituting “sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin” for “sex, or national origin”.
(b) The second sentence of Section 202, paragraph (1) is amended by substituting “sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin” for “sex, or national origin”.
( c ) The first sentence of Section 202, paragraph (2) is amended by substituting “sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin” for “sex, or national origin”.
(d) The first sentence of Section 203, paragraph (d) is amended by substituting “sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin” for “sex, or national origin”.
Section 3. General Provisions.
(a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an agency or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

Significantly, there are no extra codicils or exemptions based on religion included, which in light of the Supreme Court's Hobby Lobby decision, became a focal point for religious entities who want to use their "professed religious belief" to trump the application of existing laws.

This is a good thing!

Openly Gay NFL Player Michael Sam Congratulated By Obama

Miichael Sam made history on Saturday by being selected (249th out of 256 players) in the NFL draft as the first openly gay athlete. That occasion was significant enough that the White House issued a statement attributed to President Obama:

"The President congratulates Michael Sam, the Rams and the NFL for taking an important step forward in our Nation's journey," said a White House statement.

"From the playing field to the corporate boardroom, LGBT Americans prove everyday that you should be judged by what you do and not who you are," said the White House of Sam, an award-winning defense end who played at the University of Missouri.

In more Michael Sam news, his jersey for the St. Louis Rams is one of the Top 5 selling jerseys online, something unheard of for a person drafted so late in the draft. The jerseys sell for $100, too, so solidarity with LGBT equality in sports doesn't come cheap!

Hat/tip to Wonder Man

White House Issues Press Advisory on Harvey Milk Forever Stamp

From the White House:

WASHINGTON — The official first-day-of-issue dedication ceremony for the Harvey Milk Forever Stamp will take place at the White House May 22.
  Harvey Milk was a visionary leader who became one of the first openly gay elected officials in the U.S. when he won a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977. Milk’s achievements gave hope and confidence to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community in the United States and elsewhere at a time when the community was encountering widespread hostility and discrimination. Milk believed that government should represent all citizens, ensuring equality and providing needed services.
 His remarkable career was tragically cut short nearly a year after he took office, when he and San Francisco Mayor George Moscone were assassinated.In 2009, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.
May 22 is Harvey Milk Day in California.The stamp image will be previewed at a later date and a public dedication ceremony will take place in San Francisco May 28. Additional details will be forthcoming.

Hat/tip to Bay Area Reporter 

White Houses Issues Statement On Enactment of Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 16, 2014

Statement by the President on the Anti-Homosexuality Bill in Uganda

As a country and a people, the United States has consistently stood for the protection of fundamental freedoms and universal human rights.  We believe that people everywhere should be treated equally, with dignity and respect, and that they should have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential, no matter who they are or whom they love.

That is why I am so deeply disappointed that Uganda will shortly enact legislation that would criminalize homosexuality.  The Anti-Homosexuality Bill in Uganda, once law, will be more than an affront and a danger to the gay community in Uganda.  It will be a step backward for all Ugandans and reflect poorly on Uganda’s commitment to protecting the human rights of its people.  It also will mark a serious setback for all those around the world who share a commitment to freedom, justice and equal rights.

As we have conveyed to President Museveni, enacting this legislation will complicate our valued relationship with Uganda.  At a time when, tragically, we are seeing an increase in reports of violence and harassment targeting members of the LGBT community from Russia to Nigeria, I salute all those in Uganda and around the world who remain committed to respecting the human rights and fundamental human dignity of all persons.

###

White House Issues Statement on Marriage Equality in Hawaii!

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 12, 2013

Statement by the President on Marriage Equality in Hawaii

I want to congratulate the Hawaii State Legislature on passing legislation in support of marriage equality.  With today’s vote, Hawaii joins a growing number of states that recognize that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters should be treated fairly and equally under the law.  Whenever freedom and equality are affirmed, our country becomes stronger.  By giving loving gay and lesbian couples the right to marry if they choose, Hawaii exemplifies the values we hold dear as a nation.  I’ve always been proud to have been born in Hawaii, and today’s vote makes me even prouder.  And Michelle and I extend our best wishes to all those in Hawaii whose families will now be given the security and respect they deserve. 

###

White House Issues Statement on Illinois Marriage Equality

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

---

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 5, 2013

Statement by the President on Marriage Equality in Illinois

Tonight, I applaud the men and women of the Illinois General Assembly, a body in which I was proud to serve, for voting to legalize marriage equality in my home state. 

As President, I have always believed that gay and lesbian Americans should be treated fairly and equally under the law.  Over time, I also came to believe that same-sex couples should be able to get married like anyone else.  So tonight, Michelle and I are overjoyed for all the committed couples in Illinois whose love will now be as legal as ours – and for their friends and family who have long wanted nothing more than to see their loved ones treated fairly and equally under the law.

I also commend the members of the General Assembly for approaching this issue in a fair and open way, and for recognizing the importance of our commitment to religious freedom by engaging the religious community in this conversation.  Throughout this debate, they’ve made it clear that this is about civil marriages and civil laws, and made sure that churches and other institutions of faith are still free to make their own decisions that conform to their own teachings.

As I said in my Inaugural Address last January, our journey as a nation is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law, for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well.  And tonight, I’m so proud that the men and women elected to serve the people of the great state of Illinois have chosen to take us one step further on that journey to perfect our union.

###

IRS Announces Recognition Of All Same-Sex Marriages For Tax Purposes

Wow! The United States Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service announced today that all legally married same-sex couples, regardless of what state they live in, will be recognized for federal income tax purposes.

From the press release:

U.S. Treasury Department 
Office of Public Affairs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 29, 2013

CONTACT: Treasury Public Affairs (202) 622-2960

TREASURY AND IRS ANNOUNCE THAT ALL LEGAL SAME-SEX MARRIAGES WILL BE RECOGNIZED FOR FEDERAL TAX PURPOSES

Ruling Provides Certainty, Benefits and Protections Under Federal Tax Law for Same-Sex Married Couples

 

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) today ruled that same-sex couples, legally married in jurisdictions that recognize their marriages, will be treated as married for federal tax purposes. The ruling applies regardless of whether the couple lives in a jurisdiction that recognizes same-sex marriage or a jurisdiction that does not recognize same-sex marriage.

The ruling implements federal tax aspects of the June 26^th Supreme Court decision invalidating a key provision of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act.

“Today’s ruling provides certainty and clear, coherent tax filing guidance for all legally married same-sex couples nationwide. It provides access to benefits, responsibilities and protections under federal tax law that all Americans deserve,” said Secretary Jacob J. Lew. “This ruling also assures legally married same-sex couples that they can move freely throughout the country knowing that their federal filing status will not change.”

Under the ruling, same sex couples will be treated as married for all federal tax purposes, including income and gift and estate taxes. The ruling applies to all federal tax provisions where marriage is a factor, including filing status, claiming personal and dependency exemptions, taking the standard deduction, employee benefits, contributing to an IRA, and claiming the earned income tax credit or child tax credit.

Any same-sex marriage legally entered into in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, a U.S. territory, or a foreign country will be covered by the ruling. However, the ruling does not apply to registered domestic partnerships, civil unions, or similar formal relationships recognized under state law.

Legally-married same-sex couples generally must file their 2013 federal income tax return using either the “married filing jointly” or “married filing separately” filing status.

Individuals who were in same-sex marriages may, but are not required to, file original or amended returns choosing to be treated as married for federal tax purposes for one or more prior tax years still open under the statute of limitations.  

Generally, the statute of limitations for filing a refund claim is three years from the date the return was filed or two years from the date the tax was paid, whichever is later. As a result, refund claims can still be filed for tax years 2010, 2011, and 2012. Some taxpayers may have special circumstances (such as signing an agreement with the IRS to keep the statute of limitations open) that permit them to file refund claims for tax years 2009 and earlier.

Additionally, employees who purchased same-sex spouse health insurance coverage from their employers on an after-tax basis may treat the amounts paid for that coverage as pre-tax and excludable from income.

WH Issues Statement On ENDA Committee Vote

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

---

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 10, 2013

Statement by the Press Secretary on Senate Committee Vote on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act

The President welcomes the bipartisan approval of S. 815, The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) of 2013, by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee today.  He thanks Committee Chairman Harkin, Senator Merkley, and Senator Kirk for their leadership on this important issue.  The President has long supported an inclusive ENDA, which would enshrine into law strong, lasting and comprehensive protections against employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.  We look forward to the full Senate’s consideration of ENDA, and continue to urge the House to move forward on this bill that upholds America’s core values of fairness and equality. 

###

Celebrity Friday: Mariah Carey Plays A Field Negro in The Butler

This photo of Mariah Carey playing a slave working in the fields in openly gay director Lee Daniels' latest movie, The Butler, is causing a stir on Twitter and other social media online. Carey and Daniels have worked together before, in the Oscar-winning (and controversial) Precious, for example, where again Mariah played against her  image as a diva, to good reviews. The Butler is about the story of Eugene Allen, who was a butler in the White House serving 8 presidents of the United States.

Actually, I am happy about the controversy because it alerted me to the existence of the film, which has a jaw-dropping cast including Oprah Winfrey, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Forest Whitaker, Terence Howard, John Cusack, Vanessa Redgrave, Robin Williams, Melissa Leo and many more. It also has a pretty strong trailer:


This looks like it might be a must-see next Fall!

WATCH: Obama Speak at 2013 LGBT Pride Reception

Watch the video of what happened at today's LGBT Pride reception at the White House. The transcript of the remarks by President Obama at the event are below:

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT

AT A RECEPTION FOR LGBT PRIDE MONTH

East Room

5:21 P.M. EDT

     THE PRESIDENT:  All right, I will not beat that act.  (Laughter.)  We could not be prouder of Zea and Luna for the introduction.  And welcome, all of you, to the White House for Pride Month.  (Applause.)

Zea and Luna are here with their moms, and also I think with Grandma and Grandpa -- correct?  And so feel free to congratulate them afterwards for their outstanding introduction.  

There are a few other folks who don't have the same star wattage that I want to acknowledge -- first of all, my Vice President, Joe Biden.  (Applause.)  We’ve got some outstanding members of Congress here, including a record number from the Congressional Equality Caucus.  (Applause.)  Eric Fanning, the Under Secretary of the Air Force, is here.  (Applause.)  Major General Patricia Rose and her wife, Retired Lieutenant Julie Roth, are here.  (Applause.)  We’ve got Fred Hochberg and Elaine Kaplan, two outstanding members of my team, who are here.  (Applause.)  And John Berry is here -- John is a former member of my team.  You may not recognize him because he looks so well rested now that he’s left the administration.  (Laughter.)      

And even though she couldn’t be here today, because she’s getting ready to finally take her seat on the bench and get to work, I want to congratulate Nitza Quinones Alejandro, who, just a few hours ago, was confirmed by the Senate, making her the first openly gay Hispanic federal judge in our country’s history. (Applause.)  

And what I'm especially excited about, in addition to Zea and Luna, we've got citizens from all across the country who wrote me letters over the last several years.  And in a letter from Kathleen, a young woman from Massachusetts, I saw someone who had experienced too much discrimination and hatred at such a young age, at the age of 24.  But I also read about someone who dreams of becoming a doctor so that she can help others, and who is determined to make a difference because, as she put it, she is “hopeful of a world filled with love.”

Love is what I saw in Valerie and Diane’s letter from North Dakota, who’ve been together for 37 years.  Their son, Madison, is here, 14.  They told me that when Madison was little -- he’s not little now, by the way.  (Laughter.)  He used to say that someday, he was going to become president and make it legal for his moms to get married.  And now, they added, “I don’t think we’re going to have to wait that long.”  (Applause.)

Madison, I agree with you that it’s time.  I agree that you should run for president.  (Laughter.)  And I agree that we’re not going to have to wait that long -- because from Minnesota to Maryland, from the United States Senate to the NBA, it’s clear we’re reaching a turning point.  (Applause.)  We’ve become not just more accepting; we've become more loving, as a country, and as a people.  Hearts and minds change with time.  Laws do, too.  Change like that isn’t something that starts here in Washington, but it’s something that has the power that Washington has a great deal of difficulty resisting over time. 

It’s something that comes from the courage of those who stood up, and sat in, and came out.  It’s something that comes from the compassion of family and friends and coworkers and teammates who show their love and support.  (Baby cries.)  Yes, it’s true.  (Laughter.)   

And it’s something that can be traced back to our Declaration of Independence -- the fundamental principle that all of us are created equal.  And as I said in my Inaugural Address, if we truly are created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well.  (Applause.) 

That’s the principle that’s guided my administration over the past four and a half years.  We passed a hate crimes bill in Matthew Shepard’s name.  (Applause.)  We lifted the HIV entry ban, released the first national HIV/AIDS strategy.  We strengthened the Violence Against Women Act to protect LGBT victims.  (Applause.)  We told hospitals that accept Medicare and Medicaid that they have to treat LGBT patients just like everybody else.  (Applause.)  Starting next year, the Affordable Care Act will ban insurance companies from denying someone from coverage just for being LGBT.  We put in place new policies that treat transgender Americans with dignity and respect.  (Applause.)  And because no one should have to hide who they love to serve the country that they love, we ended "don't ask, don't tell" once and for all.  (Applause.)  

But part of the reason we're here is because we know we’re not done yet.  When Zea and Luna wrote me last December, they told me they would have voted for me if they could have -- thanks, guys.  (Laughter.)  They also laid out quite an agenda.  I hope Congress is listening to them. 

But I want them and all of you to know that I’m not giving up the fight to keep our kids safe from gun violence.  (Applause.)  I’m not giving up the fight for smarter and better schools.  I’ll continue to support marriage equality and states’ attempts to legalize it, including in my home state of Illinois. We're not giving up on that.  (Applause.) 

And as we saw earlier this year with the gun safety debate, sometimes this stuff takes time, and it’s frustrating.  You take two steps forward and sometimes there’s a step back.  But I deeply believe in something that Martin Luther King, Jr. said often, and that is that the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.  Eventually, America gets it right. 

That doesn’t mean we can be patient.  We know from our own history that change happens because people push to make it happen.  We've got to do the hard work of educating others, showing empathy to others, changing hearts and minds.  And when we do that, then change occurs.  It doesn’t come always as quickly as we like, but progress comes. 

We’ve got to keep pushing.  We’ve got to make access to health care more available and affordable for folks living with HIV.  We’ve got to implement the protections in the Affordable Care Act.  We’ve got to keep making our classrooms and our neighborhoods safe for all of our young people. 

And I agree with Susan, a PFLAG mom from Ohio -- we’ve got to end LGBT discrimination in the places where we work.  Susan wrote me and said, “If I have a concern it is that there are so many LGBT men and women who contribute to the wealth and growth of our nation … but they still are not protected from harassment in the workplace.” 

And I share that concern.  In 34 states, you can be fired just because of who you are or who you love.  That’s wrong.  We’ve got to change it.  There’s a bipartisan bill moving forward in the Senate that would ban discrimination against all LGBT Americans in the workplace, now and forever.  We need to get that passed.  (Applause.)  I want to sign that bill.  We need to get it done now.  (Applause.)

And I think we can make that happen -- because after the last four and a half years, you can't tell me things can’t happen.  Look around.  We’ve got gay and lesbian soldiers, and sailors, and airmen, and Marines who are here today.  We’ve got married couples from places like New York and Washington State.  (Applause.)  You’ve got a couple of guys here on stage who I don't think anybody in their high schools thought would be the President and the Vice President of the United States.  (Laughter.)  So don't tell me that things can't happen when we put our minds to them.  (Laughter.) 

The genius of America is that America can change.  And people who love this country can change it.  That’s what we’re called to do.  And I hope that when we gather here next year, and the year after that, we’ll be able to say, with pride and confidence, that together we’ve made our fellow citizens a little more free.  We’ve made this country a little more equal.  We’ve made our world a little more full of love.

Thank you very much, everybody.  God bless you.  God bless America.  (Applause.)  Enjoy the party.  (Applause.)

                                                         END                              5:33 P.M. EDT

White House Issues 2013 LGBT Pride Proclamation

The Obama Administration continues to demonstrate their support for the LGBT community by issuing a Presidential Proclamation declaring June LGBT Pride Month every single year Barack Obama has been President. 2013 is no different, and here it is:

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release May 31, 2013 

LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER PRIDE MONTH, 2013
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION 

For more than two centuries, our Nation has struggled to
transform the ideals of liberty and equality from founding
promise into lasting reality. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and
transgender (LGBT) Americans and their allies have been hard at
work on the next great chapter of that history -- from the
patrons of The Stonewall Inn who sparked a movement to service
members who can finally be honest about who they love to brave
young people who come out and speak out every day. 

This year, we celebrate LGBT Pride Month at a moment of
great hope and progress, recognizing that more needs to be done.
Support for LGBT equality is growing, led by a generation which
understands that, in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,
"injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." In the
past year, for the first time, voters in multiple States
affirmed marriage equality for same-sex couples. State and
local governments have taken important steps to provide
much-needed protections for transgender Americans. 

My Administration is a proud partner in the journey toward
LGBT equality. We extended hate crimes protections to include
attacks based on sexual orientation or gender identity and
repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." We lifted the HIV entry ban
and ensured hospital visitation rights for LGBT patients.  

Together, we have investigated and addressed pervasive bullying
faced by LGBT students, prohibited discrimination based on
sexual orientation and gender identity in Federal housing, and
extended benefits for same-sex domestic partners. Earlier this
year, I signed a reauthorization of the Violence Against Women
Act (VAWA) that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual
orientation or gender identity in the implementation of any
VAWA-funded program. And because LGBT rights are human rights,
my Administration is implementing the first-ever Federal
strategy to advance equality for LGBT people around the world. 

We have witnessed real and lasting change, but our work
is not complete. I continue to support a fully inclusive
Employment Non-Discrimination Act, as well as the Respect for
Marriage Act. My Administration continues to implement the
Affordable Care Act, which beginning in 2014, prohibits insurers
from denying coverage to consumers based on their sexual
orientation or gender identity, as well as the National HIV/AIDS
Strategy, which addresses the disparate impact of the HIV
epidemic among certain LGBT sub-communities. We have a long way
to go, but if we continue on this path together, I am confident 2
that one day soon, from coast to coast, all of our young people
will look to the future with the same sense of promise and
possibility. I am confident because I have seen the talent,
passion, and commitment of LGBT advocates and their allies, and
I know that when voices are joined in common purpose, they
cannot be stopped. 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested
in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States,
do hereby proclaim June 2013 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and
Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the
United States to eliminate prejudice everywhere it exists,
and to celebrate the great diversity of the American people. 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord
two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh. 

BARACK OBAMA 

# # #

Happy Pride, everyone!

UPDATE 06/11/2013 11:49AM EDT
The White House has put the Proclamation on their website.

John Berry, Highest Ranked Gay Federal Employee, Resigns

The highest ranked gay appointee of the Obama administration, John Berry, the head of the Office of Personnel Management (formerly known as the U.S. Civil Service Commission) has decided to leave his position, effective this week. Technically, Berry's term as head of the federal government's "human resources department" is four years and he started on April 13, 2009 but if he had wanted to stay another four years the President would have re-appointed him. Berry was head of the agency when the Obama administration announced it was extending some (mostly non-financial) benefits to domestic partners of federal employees.

The White House issued a statement about Berry's departure from OPM:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 12, 2013

Statement by the President on John Berry’s Departure

John Berry has served the American people well as Director of the Office of Personnel Management.  He’s streamlined the way federal employees are hired, modernized the workplace, made the federal workforce more diverse, and increased the number of returning servicemembers hired by the government.  John has been a champion for federal workers – men and women who devote their lives to vital tasks like securing our borders, curing disease, and keeping the American people safe.  This country is better off because of John’s talent and dedication, and I’m grateful to him for his service.

###

At OPM, Berry will be temporarily replaced by the openly lesbian General Counsel of the Agency, Elaine Kaplan. Kaplan is on Lias Keen's recently compiled list of the Top 12 LGBT Presidential Appointments by the Obama administration and has also been named to be the Chief Judge of the (obscure but important) U.S. Court of Federal Claims, a federal appellate court. Interestingly, Berry is being rumored to be on the top of the short list to be named Ambassador to Australia. LGBT activists had been pushing for the President to name an openly LGBT cabinet secretary, and it was hoped that Berry would be that name. With Berry's experience of running the National Zoo and the National Wildlife Commission, he was thought to be a serious contender for Secretary of the Interior Department.

Ambassador for Australia would be interesting, because the current Ambassador to New Zealand is an openly gay man, David Heubner. Both Australia and New Zealand are in the middle of national political conversations about enacting marriage equality, with New Zealand making much more progress towards legislative change than Australia. If other rumors are true, Berry and Heubner would not be the Obama administration's only openly gay ambassadors, since the President is also considering his 2012 campaign's openly gay fundraising chairman Rufus Gifford to be named Ambassador to Denmark. I think that's a pretty good reward for being responsible for raising $1 billion for Obama-Biden 2012, don't you?

It seems to me Rufus should get his pick of which country to go (within reason, of course, I'm sure there are sensitive geo-political concerns that have to be balanced). If you could be Ambassador to anywhere, where would you pick? I think I would pick Italy (probably taken), South Africa or the Netherlands. Iceland would be great, as well! Which country would you pick?