White House Launches Gay Page

Obama honors LGBT heroes with awards (courtesy of the White House)

This is a first. The White House added an LGBT page to its website this week in a move designed to spotlight important issues impacting the community. It comes just in time for Gay Pride month.

“Since taking office, the President has demonstrated that his vision for a brighter future includes greater equality for LGBT Americans,” says the site. “The President and his Administration are dedicated to eliminating barriers to equality, fighting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and engaging LGBT communities across the country.”

The site lists the administration’s key accomplishments impacting the LGBT community, namely the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and opposing the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). It also features “It Gets Better” videos from Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, along with details about Medal of Freedom winners like the late Harvey Milk and tennis champ Billie Jean King and resources on AIDS and bullying.

And while the new page is definitely progressive compared to some past administrations’ tendency to avoid LGBT issues, it’s no surprise that it comes at a time when Obama is campaigning for reelection in 2012 with the hope of securing LGBT votes. Because of its PR placement, critics may argue that the site fails to mention other important issues, like gay marriage, which the President has not supported on a national level, though the page does feature a blog that updates visitors about some of the latest LGBT news as it relates to government. A few recent posts outline Obama’s declaration of June being Gay Pride month, as well as grant opportunities to assist victims of hate crimes.

What do you think of the site? Plan to bookmark it?