I have often said that the truth genius about America is that America can change. We can pass laws to right wrongs. We can soften harden attitudes. Our union can be made more perfect. But here is the thing, change never happens on its own. Change happens because ordinary people countless unsung heroes of our American story stand up and demand it. The story of gay, lesbian, bisexuals and transsexual American is no different. As we celebrate LGBT Pride Month we remember the activists and advocates who refused to be treated as second class citizens. People like G Manfan and Harvey Milk who marched and protested and believed in a better future. But we also remember the unsung heroes, the millions of LGBT Americans for whom everyday acts have required extraordinary courage. The young people who came out as gay or transgender to their parents not knowing what to expect, the two moms or two dads who went to an open house or PTA meeting not knowing how they be received. The couple that got married even if their bosses or neighbor wouldn’t approve, at least not right away. Most of these heroes didn’t set out to make history but that’s exactly what they did. Bit by bit, step by step, they bend the arc of the moral universe towards justice. Now it’s our turn. So this June let’s take some time to celebrate teachers and students who take a stand against bullying, openly service members who openly defend our country with honor and integrity, families and friends who have seen their own attitude evolve. Perfecting our union isn’t something we can do in just one month, but we can remember those who came before us. We can summon their courage and build on their legacy and we can renew our commitment day in and day out to be the kind of people who make change happen.
Saturday
President Obama Celebrates LGBT Pride Month (Video/Transcript)
I have often said that the truth genius about America is that America can change. We can pass laws to right wrongs. We can soften harden attitudes. Our union can be made more perfect. But here is the thing, change never happens on its own. Change happens because ordinary people countless unsung heroes of our American story stand up and demand it. The story of gay, lesbian, bisexuals and transsexual American is no different. As we celebrate LGBT Pride Month we remember the activists and advocates who refused to be treated as second class citizens. People like G Manfan and Harvey Milk who marched and protested and believed in a better future. But we also remember the unsung heroes, the millions of LGBT Americans for whom everyday acts have required extraordinary courage. The young people who came out as gay or transgender to their parents not knowing what to expect, the two moms or two dads who went to an open house or PTA meeting not knowing how they be received. The couple that got married even if their bosses or neighbor wouldn’t approve, at least not right away. Most of these heroes didn’t set out to make history but that’s exactly what they did. Bit by bit, step by step, they bend the arc of the moral universe towards justice. Now it’s our turn. So this June let’s take some time to celebrate teachers and students who take a stand against bullying, openly service members who openly defend our country with honor and integrity, families and friends who have seen their own attitude evolve. Perfecting our union isn’t something we can do in just one month, but we can remember those who came before us. We can summon their courage and build on their legacy and we can renew our commitment day in and day out to be the kind of people who make change happen.
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