June is the start of summer and the start of Pride Month. This month is dedicated to celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and how far LGBTQ+ rights have come in America and how much more work needs to be done. Countless of celebrities and companies have spoken out about supporting Pride Month, except President Donald Trump and the White House.
For the second year in a row, the White House did not include Pride Month on their monthly presidential actions. Trump’s White House has declared June National Ocean Month, National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, National Homeownership Month and National African-American Music Appreciation Month.
This isn’t surprising coming from the Trump administration. Trump’s White House has never been in favor of LGBTQ+ Americans. There is the transgender military ban, Jeff Sessions being in favor of discriminating against LGBTQ+ people in court and of course Vice President Mike Pence. Pence is a firm believer in conversion therapy.
When Trump became president the White House removed their LGBTQ section and mention of LGBTQ Americans from its official website.
The only mention of Pride Month by a White House staff is Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. He released a statement on June 1.
The United States joins people around the world in celebrating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex (LGBTI) Pride Month, and reaffirms its commitment to protecting and defending the human rights of all, including LGBTI persons. In many parts of the world, LGBTI individuals and their supporters continue to face violence, arrest, harassment and intimidation for standing up for their human rights, participating in peaceful marches and rallies, expressing their views, and simply being who they are. 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. The United States stands firmly with you as you exercise your human rights and fundamental freedoms. We wish you a safe and happy Pride Month.
Despite Trump’s White House not acknowledging Prie Month doesn’t mean it LGBTQ+ people don’t exist. Pride Month is being celebrated all over the country this year.