President Obama Recognizes Trans Mothers In His Mother's Day Proclamation

I'm going to miss President Obama for a lot of reasons when he leaves office January 20.   But the biggest reason I'm going to miss him besides being the first occupant of the Oval Office that reflects my cultural heritage is because he has been the best president ever on trans human rights issues.

And as an unapologetically Black trans person, I am bursting at the seam proud of the first Black POTUS being a staunch ally when it comes to trans issues.

Just 24 hours after he mentions the trans community in his remarks to the Howard University Class of 2016, in his 2016 Presidential Mother's Day Proclamation he recognizes the existence of trans mothers.

Guess some peeps at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue have been reading TransGriot when it comes to this issue.

Here's the proclamation.

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MOTHER'S DAY, 2016

- - - - - - -

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

On Mother's Day, we celebrate those who are the first to welcome us into the world.  Performing the most important work there is, mothers -- biological, foster, or adoptive -- are our first role models and earliest motivators.  They balance enormous responsibilities and shape who we become as adults, their lessons guiding us throughout life.  Regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status, mothers have always moved our Nation forward and remained steadfast in their pursuit of a better and brighter future for their children.

Caring and loving without condition, even in our darkest moments, mothers put the interests of their kids ahead of their own.  They are inspiring embodiments of strength and determined drivers of progress, and through their example, our youth learn the values of grace, empathy, and kindness.  For generations, mothers have led the charge toward a freer, more inclusive country -- embracing the task of ensuring our Nation upholds its highest ideals so that they, and America's daughters, know the same opportunities as America's fathers and sons.

Our country's mothers deserve our unwavering support -- at home, in the workplace, and throughout our communities.  I am committed to empowering working mothers so they do not have to choose between caring for their family and earning their paycheck, and I will continue fighting to ensure those who choose to become mothers are not financially punished for doing so.  My Administration has pushed to expand child care and strengthen paid leave, including maternity leave.  We will also keep working to close the gender pay gap -- a disparity that is contrary to our values as Americans, limits the scope of mothers' futures, and affects those they provide for.  And earlier this year, we launched an effort to help low-income mothers and families afford diapers -- a basic necessity for babies -- by bringing together online retailers, diaper manufacturers, and nonprofits to reduce the high cost of diapers.

Each of us is the son or daughter of a mother.  Today, let us pay these extraordinary women the admiration and respect they deserve.  And each day, let us thank them for all they have done for us, remember those whose spirits remain with us, and support those who take on the awesome mantle of motherhood.

The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 8, 1914 (38 Stat. 770), has designated the second Sunday in May each year as "Mother's Day" and requested the President to call for its appropriate observance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 8, 2016, as Mother's Day.  I urge all Americans to express love and gratitude to mothers everywhere, and I call upon all citizens to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth.

BARACK OBAMA

Thank you Mr. President for recognizing the existence of trans mothers.  As for why this is a BFD to the American trans community,  it's important and it matters in a time when the Republican Party and the  conservative movement is trying to turn our existence into an election year  political wedge issue.

President Obama's Howard U Commencement Speech

The Class of 2016 was graduating from Howard University today, and didn't realize that my cousin Derek was going to be in the audience getting his bachelors degree.(magna cum laude) and heading off to Meharry Medical School.

Hey, if you haven't noticed, brains run in my family ;)

My cousin along with the 2300 other HU grads and their friends and family in attendance got the amazing honor of having President Obama give the commencement address.at their graduation.

Here's today's commencement address for those of you who missed it.

President Obama Dropping The Mic At The WH Correspondent's Dinner

Last night before I headed downstairs from my room to the Black Diamond Ball, I took some time to check out the live broadcast of the White House Correspondent's Dinner because it will be the last time I'll get to see the coolest POTUS of my lifetime do so.  

It was the last appearance of President Obama at the 'Nerd Prom' as the White House Correspondents Dinner is jokingly nicknamed, and it will be one we remember for a long time because he literally dropped to mic when he was done.

He did such a bang up job it was a tough follow up act for The Daily Show's Larry Wilmore.

Yeah, we're definitely going to miss this president when he hands over the office to his successor on January 20, whoever she is..

Here's the video of his White House Correspondents Dinner speech for those of you who missed it

The TransGriot 2016 Democratic POTUS Nominee Endorsement Is...

Early voting for the March 1 Texas Primary election starts in a few hours and runs through February 26, and since that's about to take place, think it's a good time to reveal who I support for the Democratic nominee.  That March 1 Texas primary is part of Super Tuesday, in which twelve states will have their primary elections or caucuses.

I was sitting on the fence basically waiting to see which of the surviving candidates in Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders would do what they needed to do to get my support.

I've also looked at both their records, and electability in the fall campaign against the Republican nominee in this crucial election is also important to me as well.

The person who will be getting my endorsement for the Democratic nomination for president is Hillary Clinton.

With this election being a critical one, especially in light of the death of Antonin Scalia highlighting one of my major issue concerns in the composition of the SCOTUS,  we need to have a Democratic nominee who can beat all Republifool comers in the fall election.   Frankly that isn't Bernie Sanders, despite what his overwhelmingly young white supporters think.

He has yet to prove to me he can gain the support of non-white voters, much less has yet to lead in ANY national tracking poll of the 2016 Democratic presidential race.

In addition, where's the beef on his policy proposals?   I also haven't heard much besides his one note railing about 'The Establishment' and Wall Street bankers and 'Hillary is a liar' rhetoric from Sanders supporters.

That doesn't tell me what his plans are to tackle the United States' pressing problems in 2016 and beyond

Note to Sanders supporters before you even attempt to come for me, Bill Clinton isn't running for president. his wife is.  Stop blaming her for the policies that came out of her husband's administration you don't like that Sanders also voted for like the 1994 Crime Bill and against the assault weapons ban in the Brady Bill.

I have not liked the sexist attacks that Bernie Sanders supporters have aimed at Hillary Clinton that basically drove me toward making this announcement.

I'm also concerned about the fact Sanders isn't a Democrat, has disparaged the party in the past and I question just how loyal and committed he would be in getting down ballot Democrats elected nationally and in the various states holding election contests in 2016.

I watched along with the nation as Clinton underwent 11 hours of having the GOP throw the kitchen sink at her in their fake Benghazi hearing and she came through it like a champ.

That's why if she is our nominee I have far more confidence that she will be taking the oath of office on January 20, 2017 than a Bernie Sanders that has never endured 30 years of relentless attacks by the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy that foaming at the mouth hates her like she has.

The bottom line is Hillary Clinton as the former Secretary of State, a US senator, a longtime member of this party and as First Lady is more than qualified to lead and make history as our nation's first female president.

And that's why I'm endorsing her and urging my readers to vote for her in your Democratic primaries for president.

And The 2016 Iowa Caucus Winner Is...

Nobody yet.   It's still a razor thin race between former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Senator Bernie Sanders with several precincts outstanding..

The first event of the 2016 presidential primary season happened last night in the Iowa Caucuses. In the 99 counties across the state, both Democratic and Republican voters headed to 1061 locations all over the state to support their respective candidate choices for their party's presidential nominations.


They started at 7 PM CST, and while the GOP one was over early with the junior senator from Alberta in Ted Cruz upsetting Donald Trump for the win.

As of this writing the Democratic contest between Clinton and Sanders is razor thin and has yet to be called.

One of the other results from tonight is that former Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley suspended his campaign after his poor showing in the Democratic caucus, and Mike Suckabee Huckabee finally exited the GOP race after his poor showing in the GOP one.

With 97% of the precincts reporting, Clinton is up by a razor thin 49.8% (22 delegates) to Sanders 46.6% (21 delegates) with O'Malley capturing just 0.6% of the vote percentages.  

The 2016 race to the White House is now in the vote casting stage and the next battle in which actual ballots will be cast will be next Tuesday, February 9 in the first in the nation primary in New Hampshire.   There will be a crucial Democratic debate moderated by MSNBC's Rachel Maddow on Thursday which should be fun to watch.

We'll know who won this on the Democratic side in a few hours.

TransGriot Update: The winner is Hillary Clinton.  But doing so, she made history by becoming the first woman to win the Iowa caucus.   Hopefully she'll be making more history as this continues.

President Obama's Last SOTU Speech

The last State of the Union speech of his \historic presidency happened last night in Washington DC, and President Barack Obama is getting rave reviews for it.

Here it is for those of you who missed it.

The 'Trans Obamas' Meet President Obama

You TransGriot readers know how much I love one of my fave couples in Precious Davis and Myles Brady,  and it's looking more likely I'll be bouncing up to Chicago for Creating Change 2016 when it kicks off in January at the Hilton Chicago.

Precious is one of the four co-chairs for #CC16, and looking forward to seeing her and the rest of our Chicago fam January 20-24

Our community nickname for our fave trans couple is the 'Trans Obamas', and during the LGBT Pride Reception at the White House back in June they finally got to meet the POTUS they are nicknamed after.   If you were watching this year's VMA's they were onstage presenting an award during that event, in addition to being the MC's for this year's Trans 100 event.

And coming soon is the January 2016 Say Yes To The Dress episode featuring Precious.   When it airs she will become the first trans feminine woman ever featured on the show.

So yeah, they get around.   And I'm bursting at the seams proud of them.   They are a living example of what I am talking about when I say that Black trans people are part of the kente cloth fabric of our community.

Precious and Myles are not only role modeling what a trans couple in love looks like, they are by doing so  committing a revolutionary act while doing so.   It's even more important Precious and Myles are open and visible about that when we have elements of our own Black community trying to erase our Blackness and our humanity as trans people.

Looking forward to seeing y'all both in a few months.

 

Happy Birthday To The Best POTUS Ever

Yep, today is President Barack Obama's 54th birthday.   The best US president ever and the best ever on trans human rights issues was born on this date in Honolulu, HI in 1961.

The birthers still dispute that, but frack them, they aren't wrapped too tight anyway.   Just the sight of the Black man in the Oval Office since 2009 has sent them off the deep end into a seething Confederate flag waving rage.   And I love every minute of it.

Oops, I think i just described his Republican Party opposition and not the birthers.  My bad.

This man is the best president ever.  Stopped a second Great Depression from happening.  Got Osama Bin Laden.  Dow is at record highs.  Passed the Affordable Care Act.  Restored respect for our country on the world stage.and is smarter than the average Republican.

And he gets to celebrate one more birthday next year at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

Hope he's getting a chance to enjoy it with the FLOTUS and First daughters before he has to handle whatever business is on his schedule for today.  

President Obama's 2015 NAACP Convention Speech

While the Latino community leaders were gathering in Kansas City for the National Council of La Raza Convention, at the same time in Philadelphia the NAACP was meeting July 11-15 for its 106th national convention at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

And yep NCLR Conference delegates, as you and I suspected, there were no sightings of GOP presidential candidates at the NAACP convention either.

One of the speakers for that just concluded convention in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection was none other than President Barack Obama.

He spoke to the assembled delegates on Tuesday, and here's the text and the video of his speech.

2015 TBLGQ Pride Month Proclamation

The first TBLGQ Pride Month Proclamation was issued by President Bill Clinton in 1999 and in 2000 before he left office in January 2001.   George W Bush NEVER issued one during his entire misguided White House tenure.

President Barack Obama has issued one every year since he took office in 2009, and here is the the text of the 2015 proclamation declaring June as Pride Month.

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LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER PRIDE MONTH, 2015

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

From the moment our Nation first came together to declare the fundamental truth that all men are created equal, courageous and dedicated patriots have fought to refine our founding promise and broaden democracy’s reach. Over the course of more than two centuries of striving and sacrifice, our country has expanded civil rights and enshrined equal protections into our Constitution. Through struggle and setback, we see a common trajectory toward a more free and just society. But we are also reminded that we are not truly equal until every person is afforded the same rights and opportunities — that when one of us experiences discrimination, it affects all of us — and that our journey is not complete until our lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law.

Across our Nation, tremendous progress has been won by determined individuals who stood up, spoke out, and shared their stories. Earlier this year, because of my landmark Executive Order on LGBT workplace discrimination, protections for Federal contractors went into effect, guarding against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The Federal Government is now leading by example, ensuring that our employees and contractors are judged by the quality of their work, not by who they love. And I will keep calling on the Congress to pass legislation so that all Americans are covered by these protections, no matter where they work.

In communities throughout the country, barriers that limit the potential of LGBT Americans have been torn down, but too many individuals continue to encounter discrimination and unfair treatment. My Administration supports efforts to ban the use of conversion therapy for minors because the overwhelming scientific evidence demonstrates that it can cause substantial harm. We understand the unique challenges faced by sexual and gender minorities — especially transgender and gender non-conforming individuals — and are taking steps to address them. And we recognize that families come in many shapes and sizes. Whether biological, foster, or adoptive, family acceptance is an important protective factor against suicide and harm for LGBTQ youth, and mental health experts have created resources to support family communication and involvement.

For countless young people, it is not enough to simply say it gets better; we must take action too. We continue to address bullying and harassment in our classrooms, ensuring every student has a nurturing environment in which to learn and grow. Across the Federal Government, we are working every day to unlock the opportunities all LGBT individuals deserve and the resources and care they need. Too many LGBTQ youth face homelessness and too many older individuals struggle to find welcoming and affordable housing; that is why my Administration is striving to ensure they have equal access to safe and supportive housing throughout life. We are updating our National HIV/AIDS Strategy to better address the disproportionate burden HIV has on communities of gay and bisexual men and transgender women. We continue to extend family and spousal benefits to legally married same-sex couples. And because we know LGBT rights are human rights, we are championing protections and support for LGBT persons around the world.

All people deserve to live with dignity and respect, free from fear and violence, and protected against discrimination, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. During Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, we celebrate the proud legacy LGBT individuals have woven into the fabric of our Nation, we honor those who have fought to perfect our Union, and we continue our work to build a society where every child grows up knowing that their country supports them, is proud of them, and has a place for them exactly as they are.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2015 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to eliminate prejudice everywhere it exists, and to celebrate the great diversity of the American people.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth.

President Obama's Selma 50 Speech

In case you didn't see it, and I didn't see yesterday's speech live since I was traveling back to Houston from Washington DC, here's President Obama's remarks about the anniversary of Bloody Sunday with the Edmund Pettus Bridge in the background.

We owe much to those Bloody Sunday marchers, including Congressman John Lewis.   Because of that event, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 passed, and without the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Black political power it unleashed, we wouldn't have had President Obama standing there on this 50th anniversary of the event to give a speech about it.

Here's President Obama and the video of the speech.

President Obama's Message To The 2015 Grammys

I didn't get to see them (not that I cared anyway) because I was making my way back home from the  27th edition of Creating Change in Denver.

President Obama had a message for the peeps watching the event that address rape culture, and you need to see this.

40th Anniversary Of Nixon's Presidential Resignation

The Watergate saga came to an end when embattled President Richard Nixon, who was about to become the first president to be impeached and removed from office, resigned effective at noon EDT on August 9, 1974 rather than face the ignominy of being impeached and removed from office.

And yeah, as a teenaged political junkie, I watched the speech that Nixon gave to the nation on the night of August 8, 1974

Happy 53rd Birthday President Obama!

Today is the 53rd birthday of President Barack H. Obama.  As usual, his right wing haters gave him hell and are still executing Massive Resistance 2.0, but as the late Maya Angelou would say, and still he rises.

Bottom line haters is he and the First Family will be at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue until January 20, 2017 and not a damned thing y'all can do about it. 

Exceedingly proud of the fact he has justified my confidence and the 2008 and 2012 ballots I cast for him that he's been the best POTUS ever when it comes to trans human rights issues.

Impeachment?  For what?  For doing his job?  

Please go there and piss off the African-American community enough to where we will bumrush the polls on November 4 to vote you Teapublican bums out

Happy birthday President Obama!   May you have many more.  May you also get the late birthday present of a Democratic House and Senate.

NBJC Statement Concerning The TBLG Executive Order

As you TransGriot readers are aware of, yesterday morning President Barack Obama signed executive orders banning federal contractors from discriminating in the workplace based on sexual orientation and gender identity.   The executive order also expanded a 1998 Clinton executive order that banned discrimination in federal employment based on gender identity.

The National Black Justice Coalition was pleased with yesterday's event and had this to say about it.  While this is wonderful news, NBJC cautions us that the fight is far from over when it comes to expanding equality and opportunity for all.

***

“President Obama’s decision to protect LGBT workers contracting with the federal government is a powerful sign that our nation continues to make progress on expanding equality and opportunity to all. But the fight on this issue is far from over,” said Sharon Lettman-Hicks, NBJC Executive Director and CEO. “It’s beyond troubling that more states permit marriage equality than prohibit LGBT discrimination in the workplace. What sense does it make to be able to marry, but have to live in fear of losing your job simply because of who you are or who you love? This injustice must be made right by Congress passing nondiscrimination protections for all of our nation’s workers, no matter their backgrounds."

For forty years, Congress has debated several pieces of legislation meant to address LGBT workplace equality with no success achieved. This lack of advancement has had a devastating impact on LGBT workers of color. NBJC’s co-authored report, A Broken Bargain For LGBT Workers of Color, illustrates how LGBT workers who live at the intersections of race and both gender identity and sexual orientation face tremendous odds when trying to secure and maintain employment. For example, national surveys of Black LGBT people put rates of employment discrimination near 50 percent.

“Black LGBT people are significantly disadvantaged when they lack nondiscrimination protections in the workplace. NBJC will not rest until all qualified American workers, including our Black LGBT brothers and sisters, have the ability to secure a good, quality job to take care of themselves and their families,” added Lettman-Hicks.

With the signing of today’s Executive Order, President Obama builds upon his Administration’s stellar record of improving the lives of LGBT people. The Obama Administration’s LGBT victories include: signing a federal hate crimes law; repealing the military’s discriminatory policy known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell;” the Department of Justice’s move to stop defending the “Defense of Marriage Act;” and the expansion of health care coverage to the LGBT community, with an emphasis on addressing LGBT health care disparities.

2014 WH LGBT Pride Reception Today

I know two people who will be in the room when this happens at 4:30 PM EDT, and will probably find out in a few hours who the other peeps were who were in attendance.

The White House LGBT Pride reception happens today, and as soon as the video of President Obama's remarks is up, I'll embed it in this post. 

One of the people I know who will be there and repping my community well is Dr. Kortney Ryan Ziegler.    One of my fellow Texans will be in the room as well.

Congratulations to those of you who were invited to attend.  Y'all have fun while you are in DC.    

2014 WH Proclamation For LGBT Pride Month

May 30, 2014
LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER PRIDE MONTH, 2014

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION

As progress spreads from State to State, as justice is delivered in the courtroom, and as more of our fellow Americans are treated with dignity and respect -- our Nation becomes not only more accepting, but more equal as well. During Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, we celebrate victories that have affirmed freedom and fairness, and we recommit ourselves to completing the work that remains.

Last year, supporters of equality celebrated the Supreme Court's decision to strike down a key provision of the Defense of Marriage Act, a ruling which, at long last, gave loving, committed families the respect and legal protections they deserve. In keeping with this decision, my Administration is extending family and spousal benefits -- from immigration benefits to military family benefits -- to legally married same-sex couples.

My Administration proudly stands alongside all those who fight for LGBT rights. Here at home, we have strengthened laws against violence toward LGBT Americans, taken action to prevent bullying and harassment, and prohibited discrimination in housing and hospitals. Despite this progress, LGBT workers in too many States can be fired just because of their sexual orientation or gender identity; I continue to call on the Congress to correct this injustice by passing the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. And in the years ahead, we will remain dedicated to addressing health disparities within the LGBT community by implementing the Affordable Care Act and the National HIV/AIDS Strategy -- which focuses on improving care while decreasing HIV transmission rates among communities most at risk.

Our commitment to advancing equality for the LGBT community extends far beyond our borders. In many places around the globe, LGBT people face persecution, arrest, or even state-sponsored execution. This is unacceptable. The United States calls on every nation to join us in defending the universal human rights of our LGBT brothers and sisters.

This month, as we mark 45 years since the patrons of the Stonewall Inn defied an unjust policy and awakened a nascent movement, let us honor every brave leader who stood up, sat in, and came out, as well as the allies who supported them along the way. Following their example, let each of us speak for tolerance, justice, and dignity -- because if hearts and minds continue to change over time, laws will too.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2014 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month.  I call upon the people of the United States to eliminate prejudice everywhere it exists, and to celebrate the great diversity of the American people.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-eighth.

BARACK OBAMA

White House Correspondents Dinner 2014

I was having so much fun with my Black Trans fam during my long birthday weekend and distracted wondering about what was transpiring at the GLAAD Media Awards that I forgot the White House Correspondents Dinner was also taking place on that event filled Saturday night.

So for those of you who missed it like I did, here's the POTUS.

President Obama's NAN Convention Speech

President Obama spoke at the 2014 National Action Network Convention in New York on Friday in which he called out the GOP on the voter suppression BS and a few other subjects..

You Democrats, how about you follow the POTUS' lead and do the same from now on until November 4 and beyond?  

President Obama's Statement About Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill

Well, the Ugandans went there.   Scott Lively and David Bahati are smiling as Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni despite massive international condemnation, signed the Anti-Homosexuality bill that was passed back in December and is already triggering anti-TBLG violence against the community there.

Here's what President Obama had to say about it in a statement.

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As a country and a people, the United States has consistently stood for the protection of fundamental freedoms and universal human rights.  We believe that people everywhere should be treated equally, with dignity and respect, and that they should have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential, no matter who they are or whom they love.

That is why I am so deeply disappointed that Uganda will shortly enact legislation that would criminalize homosexuality.  The Anti-Homosexuality Bill in Uganda, once law, will be more than an affront and a danger to the gay community in Uganda.  It will be a step backward for all Ugandans and reflect poorly on Uganda’s commitment to protecting the human rights of its people.  It also will mark a serious setback for all those around the world who share a commitment to freedom, justice and equal rights.

As we have conveyed to President Museveni, enacting this legislation will complicate our valued relationship with Uganda.  At a time when, tragically, we are seeing an increase in reports of violence and harassment targeting members of the LGBT community from Russia to Nigeria, I salute all those in Uganda and around the world who remain committed to respecting the human rights and fundamental human dignity of all persons.