Standing in a packed East Room filled with hundreds of advocates, Biden committed to running the most supportive administration in history.
“Last year, we hosted this event, and the message was simple,” he said. “Pride is back at the White House.”
Along with Biden and the activists, attendees included first lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and Assistant Secretary for Health Rachel Levine, who is transgender. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) also attended.
WATCH: ESPN HOST- DEMOCRAT STRATEGY IS NOT WORKING
Joe Biden praised his administration as looking like America and having more LGBT members than every other presidential administration combined. He then listed some of his moves in office, such as terminating the ban on trans people serving in the military.
WATCH: 2004 SNL SKETCH: "DONALD TRUMP’S HOUSE OF WINGS”
The comprehensive executive order seeks to curtail the practice of so-called conversion therapy, prevent youth suicide, and let the homeless seek shelters consistent with their gender identity. The President also took credit for creating an “X” gender option on U.S. passports, among other actions.
WELP, CLIMATE WARRIORS HAVE THEIR NEXT TARGET PICKED OUT...
Jill Biden spoke at the ceremony ahead of her husband, as did 18-year-old Florida activist Javier Gomez, who arranged protests against the state’s Parental Rights in Education bill.
Gomez credited his openly gay fifth-grade teacher for aiding him in comprehending his identity and navigating the process of coming out. “I fear other students in Florida and across the country will not be able to get the same support because of hateful legislation like the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill,” Gomez said. “But my presence here is a testament that we are fighting back.”
TRUMP POINTS (MIDDLE) FINGER AT BIDEN AS PRO-HAMAS DEMONSTRATIONS DESTROY THE IVY'S
After arriving at the stage, Joe Biden ridiculed that Gomez would one day become President himself and said Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) was “going after Mickey Mouse, for God’s sake.”
BREAKING: HAMAS RELEASES PROPAGANDA VIDEO FEATURING ISRAELI-AMERICAN HOSTAGE ALIVE...(WATCH HERE)
“Right now, there are young people sitting in their bedroom, doors closed, silent, scrolling through social media, staring at the ceiling, wondering if they’ll ever be loved, ever marry, ever have a family and be accepted by their own families,” he said.
TENSIONS BOIL OVER AS PRO-PALESTINE PROTESTERS ARE ARRESTED OUTSIDE TOP DEM LEADER'S HOME
“Today, I’m about to sign an executive order that directs key federal agencies to protect our communities from those hateful attacks,” Joe Biden said. “My order will use the full force of the federal government to prevent inhumane practices of conversion therapy. This is the first time the federal government is leading a coordinated response against this dangerous, discredited practice.”
DEMOCRATIC SENATOR'S 'LATE-NIGHT ADVENTURE' LANDS HER IN VERY STICKY SITUATION
The President concluded by citing one of his 2020 presidential campaign slogans.
“We're in a battle for the soul of this nation, and that’s not hyperbole,” he said. “When I look at all of you today, it’s a battle I know we will win.”
Discover alternative ideas that will make you think
Engage in mind bending debate
Earn points, rise in rank, have fun
