In celebration of Pride month, the Biden-Harris Administration announced new actions to protect LGBTQI+ communities from attacks, support LGBTQI+ youth, and address the nation’s recent surge in book bans
Washington, D.C. — Last week, the Biden-Harris Administration recognized Pride month by announcing several new initiatives to address the recent surge in anti-LGBTQI+ legislation and rhetoric occurring in states nationwide. These actions were announced in tandem with the White House Pride event, which featured several Family Equality staff members and LGBTQI+ families.
“At a time of increased anti-LGBTQ+ cruelty, I cannot overstate how valuable it is for our youth and families to see the Commander in Chief standing unequivocally with our community,” said Family Equality CEO, Stacey Stevenson. “This past weekend on the White House Front Lawn, our families were celebrated on a national stage. And today, they will go into their offices, schools, and more knowing that their President is taking important actions to protect them — no matter what.”
“Every student is entitled to a safe learning environment free from discrimination,” said Nikhil Vashee, Director of Education Law and Policy. “This is a right that is enshrined in federal law and which is directly violated by book bans that target any mention of the LGBTQI+ community. By showing a willingness to step in and enforce federal rights the White House and the Department of Education are extending a vital lifeline to families who feel unsafe in their own schools.”
The announcement also focuses on the needs of LGBTQI+ youth, including initiatives to address LGBTQI+ youth homelessness, release funding for programs to help parents affirm their LGBTQI+ youth, and advance regulations to protect LGBTQI+ youth and families in the child welfare system.
“We’re excited to hear that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will be taking steps to protect LGBTQI+ youth and families involved in the child welfare system.,” said Laura Brennan, Policy Associate. “LGBTQI+ youth and families continue to experience harms and discrimination in tax-payer funded foster care and adoption services. We look forward to seeing the new rules that will help to protect our youth and families and urge HHS to move forward with them as quickly as possible.”
Read the full announcement from the Biden-Harris Administration here.
About Family Equality
Family Equality advances legal and lived equality for LGBTQ+ families, and for those who wish to form them, through building community, changing hearts and minds, and driving policy change. Family Equality believes every LGBTQ+ person should have the right and opportunity to form and sustain a loving family, regardless of who they are or where they live. Learn more at familyequality.org.
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Press Contact
Tonya Agnew,
Chief Communications Officer
(765) 490-4709 / tagnew@familyequality.org