Obama's Big Gay Speech - a Promise to End 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Angers LGBTs
posted by: Steve Williams 81 days ago
Last night President Obama gave a speech to the Human Rights Campaign, an event that had been dubbed as Obama's 'Big Gay Speech', in an attempt to answer his critics in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community who accuse him of going too slow on LGBT issues, and to reaffirm his commitment to the advancement of civil rights for LGBTs.
But far from resolving these issues, President Obama's speech has exposed the deep divisions within the gay community and has polarized opinion.
Watch President Obama's HRC Speech:
Don't Have Time to Watch? Here are the Highlights:
Two Ways to View Obama's HRC Address
There are two ways to look at this speech. Undeniably though, either stance must recognize that it was a beautifully orated address.
First we'll take it at face-value. On this basis, Joe Solomonese, President of the Human Rights Campaign, is right when he says that last night's speech was unprecedented. Never before has a President of the United States advocated so strongly for LGBT rights.
The emotion evoked when President Obama talked about the fact that the Matthew Shepard Act Hate Crimes Legislation had cleared the House and looked set to be signed into law after a decade long struggle was profound given that Monday is the anniversary of Matthew Shepard's death.
Likewise when President Obama touched on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, saying, "No body in America should be fired because they're gay... it's not fair, it's not right and we're going to put a stop to it," there was a dynamism to his words that was encouraging, and so too when he mentioned a push for full equality under federal law for same-sex partnerships.
And when President Obama said, "I will end Don't Ask Don't Tell. That's my commitment to you", it sent a clear message that this discriminatory policy will have its sunset in the near future, and to any person who does not follow the political movement of the LGBT civil rights struggle that closely, this was a brilliant, inclusive and possibly even ground-breaking foreshadowing of what President Obama will be working for.
Digging deeper, there's less of a rosy glow. To those who followed Obama's presidential campaign, and those that have listened and watched avidly his prior statements and kept up with his Administration's policies and read the political briefs on LGBT subjects since Obama took office – to those people, well, this speech was nothing new.
In fact, it sounded like a rousing version of his nomination promises, with a few tidbits of progress thrown in to garnish such as the fact that Obama has managed to extend employment benefits to cover the domestic partners of federal workers. It was sizzle, but it was very little steak.
Take the aforementioned repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. "I will end Don't Ask, Don't Tell. That is my commitment to you." Great. But when?
Had the President come to the HRC with a timetable for DADT repeal mapped out, or made the announcement that he would use an Executive Order to suspend DADT, that would have been progress. Without that he's just reaffirming a promise we've already heard.
That's probably why respected bloggers such as Pam Spaulding over at Pam's House Blend, and why editorial posts such as this from the Washington Blade are reacting, at best, with murmuring disquiet and at worst, out-and-out hostility to the President's words.
All that said, the address was a rousing confirmation of President Obama's commitment to the cause. We're only nine months into his presidency, and, as he pointed out, there have been a considerable number of issues that affect not just LGBTs but all American citizens, from the economic crisis to the health care debate.
Personally, I do not doubt President Obama's conviction, but action is the real currency of change and progress, and there are those out there that say no real change has been achieved. So I asked myself, what do I think about this?
And it all came back to one question. Would George W. Bush have made this speech at a HRC dinner? The answer, of course, was a definite no.
It almost goes without saying that under Bush there would never have been a commitment to repealing DADT or DOMA. Perhaps we're so busy looking for the change ahead of us, that we've lost sight of the massive change that has already happened, because the fact is Obama is committed to many aspects of LGBT equality – there is now a climate of possibility and this makes change a real and achievable goal.
Today is National Coming Out Day. I'm glad President Obama has come out, yet again, for LGBT rights. But now it's crunch time. He's restated his promises on a DADT and DOMA repeal, and on working for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act's passage. Now he has to make good on those promises. And, if the reaction of the LGBT community is anything to go by, he needs to do so soon.
Take Action Now:
Click here to urge your senators to take action on ENDA today.
Click here to show your support for a DADT repeal.
Click here to sign Care2's Defense of Marriage Act repeal petition.
But far from resolving these issues, President Obama's speech has exposed the deep divisions within the gay community and has polarized opinion.
Watch President Obama's HRC Speech:
Don't Have Time to Watch? Here are the Highlights:
- President Obama re-states his commitment to ending Don't Ask Don't Tell (DADT) The military ban on LGBTs serving in the military openly.
- He mentions that the Hate Crimes Bill, which passed a House committee this week, looks likely to become law and restated that he will sign it when it comes to his desk.
- Repeats his pledge to see an end to the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).
- Re-stated commitment to Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA).
- Thanks the late Senator Ted Kennedy for his work on the Matthew Shepard Act.
- States a commitment to re-authorizing The Ryan White CARE Act for AIDS/HIV health care.
- Promises increased emphasis on federal response to HIV/AIDS and also repealing the ban on HIV infected travelers entering the USA.
- Acknowledges criticism over perceived in-action as to LGBT rights and asks that the pressure continue.
- Calls on LGBTs to continue striving for equality and makes comparisons to past civil rights struggles.
Two Ways to View Obama's HRC Address
There are two ways to look at this speech. Undeniably though, either stance must recognize that it was a beautifully orated address.
First we'll take it at face-value. On this basis, Joe Solomonese, President of the Human Rights Campaign, is right when he says that last night's speech was unprecedented. Never before has a President of the United States advocated so strongly for LGBT rights.
The emotion evoked when President Obama talked about the fact that the Matthew Shepard Act Hate Crimes Legislation had cleared the House and looked set to be signed into law after a decade long struggle was profound given that Monday is the anniversary of Matthew Shepard's death.
Likewise when President Obama touched on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, saying, "No body in America should be fired because they're gay... it's not fair, it's not right and we're going to put a stop to it," there was a dynamism to his words that was encouraging, and so too when he mentioned a push for full equality under federal law for same-sex partnerships.
And when President Obama said, "I will end Don't Ask Don't Tell. That's my commitment to you", it sent a clear message that this discriminatory policy will have its sunset in the near future, and to any person who does not follow the political movement of the LGBT civil rights struggle that closely, this was a brilliant, inclusive and possibly even ground-breaking foreshadowing of what President Obama will be working for.
Digging deeper, there's less of a rosy glow. To those who followed Obama's presidential campaign, and those that have listened and watched avidly his prior statements and kept up with his Administration's policies and read the political briefs on LGBT subjects since Obama took office – to those people, well, this speech was nothing new.
In fact, it sounded like a rousing version of his nomination promises, with a few tidbits of progress thrown in to garnish such as the fact that Obama has managed to extend employment benefits to cover the domestic partners of federal workers. It was sizzle, but it was very little steak.
Take the aforementioned repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. "I will end Don't Ask, Don't Tell. That is my commitment to you." Great. But when?
Had the President come to the HRC with a timetable for DADT repeal mapped out, or made the announcement that he would use an Executive Order to suspend DADT, that would have been progress. Without that he's just reaffirming a promise we've already heard.
That's probably why respected bloggers such as Pam Spaulding over at Pam's House Blend, and why editorial posts such as this from the Washington Blade are reacting, at best, with murmuring disquiet and at worst, out-and-out hostility to the President's words.
All that said, the address was a rousing confirmation of President Obama's commitment to the cause. We're only nine months into his presidency, and, as he pointed out, there have been a considerable number of issues that affect not just LGBTs but all American citizens, from the economic crisis to the health care debate.
Personally, I do not doubt President Obama's conviction, but action is the real currency of change and progress, and there are those out there that say no real change has been achieved. So I asked myself, what do I think about this?
And it all came back to one question. Would George W. Bush have made this speech at a HRC dinner? The answer, of course, was a definite no.
It almost goes without saying that under Bush there would never have been a commitment to repealing DADT or DOMA. Perhaps we're so busy looking for the change ahead of us, that we've lost sight of the massive change that has already happened, because the fact is Obama is committed to many aspects of LGBT equality – there is now a climate of possibility and this makes change a real and achievable goal.
Today is National Coming Out Day. I'm glad President Obama has come out, yet again, for LGBT rights. But now it's crunch time. He's restated his promises on a DADT and DOMA repeal, and on working for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act's passage. Now he has to make good on those promises. And, if the reaction of the LGBT community is anything to go by, he needs to do so soon.
Take Action Now:
Click here to urge your senators to take action on ENDA today.
Click here to show your support for a DADT repeal.
Click here to sign Care2's Defense of Marriage Act repeal petition.
Read more: gay, lesbian, lgbt, transgendered, gay marriage, HRC, gay rights, doma, dont ask dont tell, president obama, gay adoption, defense of marriage act, obama speech, human rightsdadt, gay speech, human rights campaign
comments
For President Obama to publicly make that speech IS a milestone for America and for gays. I realize that it can seem like not enough and not quick enough, but the reality is unless we want another civil war, change comes slowly. Look, I dont have health care and havent been able to afford it for years. I havent seen a Dr in 25 years and only go to a dentist when the pain is so bad that I'm willing to spend money I don't have. My uncle died from a treatable illness in his 40's because he didnt have health care and the Dr at the hospital said he was nothing but a freeloading bum. (My uncle's wife had died of cancer and the hospital bills left the family financially destitute) The same could happen to me at any moment. But I am not angry that Obama hasn't pushed thru a health plan that will reach me. He is up against enormous odds. Our Congress and Senate are totally corrupt. He has made change and IS making change. Every small step is in the right direction, and I am grateful with my whole heart.
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Dude...Roberto C...did you even read my comment.
I. AM. NOT. CHRISTIAN.
Please stop embarrassing yourself. I am a self-worshiping, bisexual, gender-fluid/neutral butch, actively polyamarous bitch. My response was to a bigoted, ignorant Christian woman asking if anyone had given any thoughts to MORAL RIGHTS and how the president's speech and support was an abomination.
Seriously. Learn you some reading skills. My entire point is that Christians pick and choose what they want to follow from the bible, and frankly that ain't kosher with me. Either the Bible is the Word of God, or it ain't. Period. If you believe the bible is the word of God you should be stoning prostitutes, disobedient children and people who work on the Sabbath. Also that the birth and death of Christ and all the New Testament does NOT negate the rules put down in the Old Testament as many modern Christians are fond of saying. Ain't true. And also that the bible contradicts itself about every fifth verse. Which is pretty close to true.
Did you SERIOUSLY miss this part of the post you are responding to? And I quote myself: "
Brenda, as I am not a Christian, the answer to that would be NO."
Learn. To. Read. Please.
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Im tire of all these bible crap going on i never knew your god taught to hate and descriminate Heather O. since when did jesus bring the subject about homosexuality first of all that passege is false but ignorant people use the bible as excuse to go agaisnt homosexuality and my? is why? and from what i heard your bible also says a child who misbehaves bad with its poarenst must be stoned to death and noone interprets that i don't see a lot of stoning this is Hipocritical and im really Happy to hear Obamas speach
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
I myself, am lesbian. Not only am I "gay" my partner and I are raising my son together. I honestly do not see the big problem with the ban on so to say gay marrige. "Gay" people live with thier partners, they raise children together, they do all that a "normal" couple would do together. Yes, life may be a little more difficult for us, but it only makes us stronger and makes us put more effort into wanting to be heard, and understood. My favorite saying is... Love Has No Gender. I live by that. Because it is so true.
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Bigotry is never going to die out completely and the older it is the longer it will take to reach a balance. We're still fighting the Civil Rights war, just naming more "minorities" as time passes. Y'all need to quit expecting someone else to do it all for you, vote for local officials who believe as you do, write your congressman, communicate without rancor with your neighbors,etc. Take some resposibilty for yourself and your choices. You have more support than you know.
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Thanks so much for all the replies. It's really interesting to see that there's quite a spectrum of answers. I wanted to say a special thank you to Heather O. I was really humbled you'd take the time to comment, and to do so with such a measured and thoughtful response, as well as such a personal story, was really great, thank you.
Apologies to Paul Puckett for making him spill his coffee - alas, whilst it would have been brilliant for my career to break that story - "President's Big Gay Speech - My Coming Out Story" - the two weren't related. Perhaps an advanced warning next time? :) Thank you for the comment and for your other contributions too.
Steve W.
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Well it looks like "Serena" made a profile on the 12th just so she/he could make those comments. You are entitled to your opinions "Serena" but according to your profile you don't even live here and it certainly looks like you are a Nazi/white surpremist type. They are a dime a dozen here and no better than the actual Nazis of WW11. Excuse me if I read your post wrong.
And Brenda, I guessed you were a baptist before I even looked at your profile. No offense to the decent baptists out there who do not follow the homophobic and bigoted way of the rest! Like I said before everyone is entitled to their opinions. It strikes me weird though that women forget they once were looked upon as lesser beings and had to fight for equal rights. Seems quite hypocritical to me to condemn others when you were once condemned yourselves! If you are going to live by the old Testament then live by it. Sacrifice sheep and goats, stone prostitutes to death and enjoy having no rights as a female! It's so hypocritical to take what satisfies your homophobia and prejudices out of the Bible and ignore the other things that might inconvenience you! I've studied the Bible and it says sin is transgression of the law and the law is the 10 commandments. Where to you see a commandment that says same sex's can not love each other?? Seems to be missing in all my versions of the Bible! If people are going to say they love God I wish they knew something about Him!
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
"Has anyone given thought to Moral rights? What you think our President was doing good, is actually ABOMINATION in the BIBLE. Jesus said the day would come when people would burn in lust for the opposite sex, well I am glad I am not gay, would'nt want to have that over my head!"
Brenda, as I am not a Christian, the answer to that would be NO.
And you don't know your bible very well, do you.
1 Samuel 18
1 After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. 2 From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father's house. 3 And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. 4 Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.
. . .
That's New Testament. So you can't pull the fallacy that christians fall back on claiming that the New Testament negates the old. Yeah, that's New Testament too. Matthew 5:17, if you want to look that up.
Of course Matthew contradicts himself like all good bible chapters so even that doesn't mean much. But if you're going to follow your own handbook, shouldn't you at LEAST know what it actually says?
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Has anyone given thought to Moral rights? What you think our President was doing good, is actually ABOMINATION in the BIBLE. Jesus said the day would come when people would burn in lust for the opposite sex, well I am glad I am not gay, would'nt want to have that over my head!
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Ditto, Barbara V.
Serena, your comment exemplifies hatred and ignorance. Please rethink your values so that our country won't be about the "majority" anymore. Any majority that has to "fight for survival" and the inexplicable right to oppress people who are different from them SHOULD disappear. To try and protect a system where some people are happy and prosper and others don't is not a moral way to live. Surely you don't believe Matthew Shepard deserved to die.
Serena, please, oh please, join the REAL majority, which is rational, intelligent, free-thinking people who are sick and tired of hate and division, labels and suffering. Oh, and we welcome everyone, including white males, gladly!
Change is a good thing, really!
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Facebook account:
Photo used under the Creative Commons Attribution License.
Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.
1272766