President Joe Biden has praised the courage and inspiration of the LGBT+ community during a speech at the White House Pride event. Speaking to activists and supporters on Saturday, Biden lauded their bravery, stating that he has never seen such courage before. He said, “You’re some of the bravest and most inspiring people I’ve ever known. And I’ve known a lot of good folks. I see more courage in this lawn than I’ve seen in any time in the recent past.” His comments came less than two weeks after he addressed cadets at the Air Force Academy.
During his speech at the Air Force Academy graduation, Biden praised the diversity of the graduates, saying their class was one of the most diverse in the history of any academy. Biden also emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusion, saying it was what made them strong as a nation. However, it was his fall on stage that made headlines.
The White House Pride event was displayed with two American flags and a rainbow pride flag. Biden lauded his and his administration’s support for the LGBT+ community, including initiatives to support LGBT+ youth, and a Department of Education initiative to counter Republican efforts to remove certain books from public schools.
Biden also emphasized his support for “LGBTQ children” and “transgender children,” saying, “You know, we all move forward when we move together with your joy, with your pride lighting the way. So today, let us proudly remember who we are – the United States of America.”
Amid the show of support by the White House, a scandal emerged in Virginia, where authorities replaced the American flag with a pride flag at a veteran’s cemetery. Virginia’s state GOP has demanded its removal.
The White House has not responded to a request for comment.
The LGBT+ pride event at the White House was marked with singer Betty Who’s performance. The event was part of the administration’s efforts to support and uplift the LGBT+ community.
