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White House to recognize accomplishments of LGBT Americans

by Rhonda J Mangus | June 25, 2009 at 05:59 am

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June is Gay & Lesbian Pride Month and the White House will recognize the accomplishments of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) Americans next Monday, June 29th, to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Stonewall riots.

“Next Monday’s event is a chance for the White House to recognise the accomplishments of LGBT Americans," White House spokesman Shin Inouye said.

"Invited guests include families, volunteers and activists, and community leaders.

"This event was long planned as a way to applaud these individuals during Pride month.”

Barack Obama's election as President last November brought hope to many in the gay community, but since he took office in January there has been frustration at the slow pace of change on issues like gays in the military.

Out gay Congressman Barney Frank has urged LGBT people to stick with Obama.

"The notion that if someone doesn't agree with you 100 percent, then you shouldn't be supportive of him, versus someone who disagrees with you 100 percent, is very bad politics," he said.

"The Stonewall riots were a series of spontaneous, violent demonstrations against a police raid that took place in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969 at the Stonewall Inn, in the Greenwich Village New York City. They are frequently cited as the first instance in American history when gays and lesbians fought back against a government-sponsored system that persecuted homosexuals, and they have become the defining event that marked the start of the gay rights movement in the United States and around the world."

Visit this link to learn about famous gay, lesbian, and bisexual people, including gay celebrities, politicians, historians and artists.