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Barack Obama

The latest on Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States and the first black president to be elected. His influence concerning the LGBT rights movement has been detrimental in furthering equality. Under his presidency, the first openly gay U.S. courts of appeal was elected and he also nominated the six openly gay judges serving at the federal court level. In 2011 Barack Obama's administration repealed the DADT policy and the following year he formally stated he supports marriage equality for same-sex couples.

Former US President Barack Obama Sexuality Questioned
Media

How Barack Obama's Sexuality Became a News Topic in 2023: Report

A 1982 letter and unsupported claims have stoked speculative fires among conservative circles about Obama.

Ash Carter
News

Ash Carter, Defense Secretary Who Supported Trans Soldiers, Dies at 68

He led the Department of Defense's effort to include transgender service members in the ranks of the U.S. military.

Obama signing DADT repeal
Politics

Exclusive: Sen. Chris Coons Reflects on 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Repeal

Coons, who championed repeal during his first month in office, discusses progress made and progress needed in a video for The Advocate.

Malcolm Kenyatta and Barack Obama
Politics

Obama Points to Black Gay Rep's Haircut as an Example of Change

The former president praised the progressive cut of Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta and the power of hope.

 

Barack Obama
Pride

Watch: Barack Obama's Message in Honor of Stonewall Day

The 44th president will be part of a star-studded virtual fundraising event benefiting groups that provide sorely needed services to the LGBTQ+ community.

Obama and Trump
Voices

McConnell and Trump Attack Obama Legacy With Racism, Illegalities

They're responding to Obama's critiques of Trump with racially charged comments and calls for pointless investigations.

Barack Obama Publicly Supported Same Sex Marriage
News

Barack Obama made history by publicly supporting same-sex marriages 12 years ago today

In the years since, the LGBTQ+ community has seen tremendous strides in the push toward equality, but much work remains to protect the rights of marginalized people.

Barack Obama
News

Obama Slams Book Bans in Open Letter to American Librarians

The former president took aim at the recent push by right-wing extremists to ban books from public and school libraries.

Former President Barack Obama at McAuliffe rally
Politics

Obama Criticizes Republican Assault on Marriage Equality

His remarks come as Republicans in Virginia and Texas have voiced opposition to same-sex marriage -- six years after marriage equality became law in the U.S.   

President Joe Biden
Politics

Biden on DADT Repeal Anniversary: 'A Tremendous Weight Was Lifted'

The repeal, which took effect 10 years ago today, "helped move our nation closer to its foundational promise of equality, dignity, and opportunity for all," Biden said.

President Barack Obama
Voices

Do Photos of Obama's Progressive Past Show America's Future?

As Obama prepares to campaign for Biden, former White House photographer Pete Souza reflects on the contrasts between him and Donald Trump.

obama
Politics

Obama Invokes Tony McDade, Trans Man Killed by Police, in Speech

The former president said he is encouraged by the activism of young people that has spread around the world.

Obama and Biden
Election

Obama's Endorsement of Biden Includes Indictment of Power-Mad GOP

Obama delivers what is likely to be Biden's most important endorsement in a nearly 12-minute video.

Independent Presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr
News

RFK Jr. makes California ballot by collaborating with political party with a bigoted, anti-LGBTQ+ past

The son of the former Democratic attorney general under President John F. Kennedy accepted the American Independence Party’s ballot spot in California. The group has a problematic history.

Neo Nazis, Libs of Tiktok and MIchael Knowles
Hate Crimes

Stochastic Terrorism: Links Between the GOP, Right-Wing Influencers & Neo-Nazi Violence

The right is weaponizing language to encourage acts of violence against marginalized communities.

Pete Buttigieg
Politics

Pete Buttigieg Energizes Wisconsin Democrats

The Transportation secretary has been a hot commodity on the campaign trail.

Coleman Domingo and Baynard Rustin
Arts & Entertainment

Colman Domingo to Play Gay Civil Rights Icon Bayard Rustin in Biopic

It's the first narrative film for Michelle and Barack Obama's production company Higher Ground. 

president obama, a black man with gray hair, is smiling near a flag
Politics

President Barack Obama Talks LGBTQ+ Lives and 'A Promised Land'

"I would love my legacy to be overshadowed, because it would mean another president was doing even more to protect LGBTQ rights."

Barack Obama and Margaret Arlene Payne
Politics

Barack Obama's Lesbian Aunt Sparked His Evolution on LGBTQ+ Rights

In his A Promised Land memoir, the former president said he used to use antigay slurs, like the f word, without concern.

Kamala Harris
Politics

Kamala Harris, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama Shine at Convention

Harris accepted her history-making nomination as vice president, and she and others stressed the crucial importance of this year's election.