Biden Champions LGBTQ Rights in Historic Interview with Queer Newspaper
President Biden discusses LGBTQ military service, diverse administration, and criticizes opposition in groundbreaking interview with Washington Blade. He highlights progress and warns against anti-LGBTQ sentiment.
In a groundbreaking move, President Joe Biden has conducted the first-ever interview by a sitting U.S. president with an LGBTQ newspaper. The conversation with the Washington Blade, one of America's oldest queer news outlets, took place in the Oval Office on September 12, 2024, and was published recently.
Biden emphasized his longstanding support for LGBTQ military personnel, stating, "They can shoot just as straight as anybody else." This statement underscores his commitment to inclusivity in the armed forces, which was further demonstrated when he reversed the previous administration's ban on transgender military service shortly after taking office in 2021.
The President highlighted his administration's achievements in LGBTQ representation:
- Appointment of Pete Buttigieg as Transportation Secretary
- Selection of Karine Jean-Pierre as White House Press Secretary
- Nomination of 11 LGBTQ federal judges
Biden expressed pride in these accomplishments, stating, "I wanted an administration that looked like America." He emphasized that intellectual capacity and courage are more important than sexual orientation when selecting officials.
The interview also touched on the potential historic election of Sarah McBride, a close friend of the Biden family, to Congress. If successful in the upcoming November 2024 election, McBride would become the first transgender member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Delaware's sole congressional district.
Biden didn't shy away from criticizing his political opponents, particularly Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans, for their stance on LGBTQ issues. He expressed concern about the intimidation faced by moderate Republicans who support LGBTQ rights, stating, "If you take a position, especially in the MAGA Republican Party now... they're going to go after you."
The President's interview with the Washington Blade, founded in 1969, marks a significant milestone in LGBTQ representation and visibility in American politics. It reflects the progress made since the repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in 2011 and highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ community in the political sphere.
"All the LGBTQ+ people that have worked for me or with me have reinforced my view that it's not what your sexual preference is, it's what your intellectual capacity is and what your courage is."
As the 2024 election approaches, Biden's interview serves as a reminder of the strides made in LGBTQ rights and representation, while also highlighting the potential for further progress and the need for continued advocacy in the face of opposition.
