Still no LGBT recognition under Trump administration
For two straight years now, President Donald Trump has not given LGBT recognition during Pride Month despite touting himself as an ally of community.
Pride month in the US is usually celebrated in June to mark the annual anniversary of the Stonewall Riot in New York City in June 1969.
Last year, President Trump had not given recognition of the community as well, a tradition that was kept by then-President Barack Obama.
No presidential statement on LGBT recognition
For one who’s always commenting on current events via Twitter, President Trump hadn’t issued a statement about Pride Month– both official and unofficial.
For Last year, it was then-State Secretary Rex Tillerson. For this year, it was Secretary of State Mike Pompeo who issued a rather vague statement that was more like addressed to the whole world.
In the statement, Pompeo said: “LGBTI persons– like all persons–must be free to enjoy their human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association, without fear of reprisal.”‘
“As Americans, we place a high value on these rights and freedoms, which all persons deserve to enjoy fully and equally,” Pompeo said.
He also tweeted the following: “As we begin #PrideMonth, we stand with the #LGBTI community in U.S. and around the world in affirming the dignity and equality of all people. Human rights are universal.”
LGBT recognition: Not enough importance
Likewise, instead of recognizing the work and contribution of LGBT Americans this month, the White House cited a number of groups and people.
In particular, they cited June as the Great Outdoors Month, the National Ocean Month, the National Homeownership Month, African-American Music Appreciation Month, and National Caribbean-American Heritage Month.
One reason for this could be the influence of Vice President Mike Pence, who is prominently against the LGBT people.
Ironically, Pompeo also has a record of being against the community, having once told the Senate during his confirmation hearing that he is against marriage equality.
He also voted against the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and opposed the expansion of the Violence Against Women Act to cover LGBT victims.
Bill Clinton was the first president to recognize Pride Month, but George W. Bush did’t. It was only Obama who regularly recognized the event.
No LGBT recognition: Maybe it’s a good thing?
Drew Goins, writing for the Washington Post, said that this might not be a bad thing: “A year has passed, and we’re at June 1 again. So far, no word from the president. Let’s hope it stays that way.”
“Any acknowledgment from President Trump would be nothing more than a box ticked– and an easy out for people who purport to be allies of the LGBTQ community yet still stand by the president: “Look, he’s an ally, too!”,” Goins explained.
“The queer community has no interest in such a fig leaf as the president systematically disregards its people,” he said.
He pointed out that while President Trump is touted as an ally of the community, he’s an “administrative antagonist” due to his moves to roll back the progress on LGBTQ equal rights.
“Were an executive recognition of Pride to be issued, the Peter Thiels and Log Cabin Republicans of the queer community, whose whiteness alone allows them to buy into Trump in the first place, would have new illusions to entertain: Trump’s coming around! Last year was just a blip! He was afraid to rattle his base!” Goins noted.