BY: DM
Published 1 month ago
Michelle Obama has been and always will be that girl.
Throughout her public life, former First Lady Michelle Obama has been a prominent ally of the LGBTQIA+ community. Alongside former President Barack Obama, our favorite FLOTUS has played an integral role in advancing LGBTQIA+ rights and visibility. Her advocacy and policy initiatives have significantly promoted equality and acceptance — and she looks amazing while doing so. Here are seven notable ways Obama has demonstrated her allyship.
1. Advocacy for Marriage Equality
In May 2012, Obama publicly expressed her support for same-sex marriage, emphasizing the importance of fairness, love, and equality. “This is an important issue for millions of Americans,” she said via Advocate. “For Barack and me, it really comes down to the values of fairness and equality we want to pass down to our girls… It’s as simple as that.” She also highlighted that in a country where children are taught that everyone is equal under the law, discriminating against same-sex couples is unjust.
2. Inclusion of LGBTQIA+ Service Members
After the repeal of the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy in 2011, Obama included openly gay service members in her military families initiative. This move underscored her recognition of LGBTQIA+ individuals’ contributions to the military and her commitment to supporting all service members and their families.
3. Hate Crimes Prevention Act
In October 2009, President Obama signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act into law. The legislation expanded federal hate crime laws to include crimes motivated by a victim’s actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. At the signing, Obama said, “No one in America should ever be afraid to walk down the street holding the hands of the person they love.” He continued: “No one in America should be forced to look over their shoulder because of who they are.” As expected, the former FLOTUS has been a strong supporter of these laws.
4. Public Support During Pride Month
In June 2009, the Obamas hosted a reception at the White House in honor of LGBTQIA+ Pride Month. This event marked a significant acknowledgment of the LGBTQIA+ community and celebrated their contributions to society. On Transgender Day of Visibility, the couple conveyed their support, stating, “Michelle and I want every trans person in America—and across the world—to know that we see you and we stand with you.”
5. Encouraging Kindness and Inclusivity
Obama’s emphasis on kindness and inclusivity has resonated with LGBTQIA+ youth. Her initiatives and public statements have inspired young individuals to advocate for LGBTQIA+ issues within their communities. The prolific message, “When they go low, we go high,” has been a rallying cry for many advocating for equality and respect.
Obama has also been a steadfast supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community. She has publicly expressed her support for marriage equality and has included LGBTQIA+ stories in her initiatives and speeches. Together, the Obamas have used their platforms to advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, leaving a lasting impact on the movement toward equality.
What are your favorite Michelle Obama moments? Let us know in the comments!
