Trump ‘dangerous’ for the LGBTQ+ community and the US, says Jill Biden
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In a fiery speech during the Human Rights Campaign Equality in Action gathering, First Lady Jill Biden did not hold back in her criticism of former President Donald Trump, branding him as a “bully” and “dangerous” to the LGBTQ+ community. The three-day event, which is the HRC’s largest member-volunteer and board gathering of the year, featured guest speeches from various politicians, campaigners, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
During her address at the event, Jill Biden urged voters to carefully consider each candidate’s track record on LGBTQ+ rights. She specifically praised her husband, President Joe Biden, for enshrining marriage equality as “the law of the land.” However, she also issued a stark warning about the threats facing the LGBTQ+ community, stating, “There are forces outside these walls that are trying to erase these hard-fought gains, trying to unwind all the progress that we’ve made.”
Referring to Trump as a bully, Jill Biden emphasized the importance of standing up against his anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric. She warned that Trump poses a significant threat not only to the LGBTQ+ community but also to families and the country as a whole. Urging attendees to fight against forces seeking to roll back LGBTQ+ rights, she declared, “We have to fight like hell, today, tomorrow, and all the days after, until the polls close on November 5. Until Joe and Kamala have won another term. Until all people in all places can live freely, surrounded by love.”
While President Joe Biden has received praise for his efforts in securing LGBTQ+ rights in the US, some critics have pointed out his inaction in addressing the onslaught of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation at the state level. HRC’s government affairs director, David Stacy, acknowledged that Biden’s presidency represents a significant improvement from the Trump era but emphasized that more work needs to be done to protect LGBTQ+ individuals.
HRC’s legal director, Sarah Warbelow, echoed these sentiments, stating that there is no quick fix for the epidemic of violence against LGBTQ+ individuals. She highlighted the need for long-term dedication to changing systems and implementing targeted programs and funding to address the specific needs of transgender women.
The Biden administration has made significant strides in supporting LGBTQ+ rights, with a Biden accountability tracker monitored by GLAAD reporting 333 actions over 1181 days. These actions include speeches, formal acknowledgments, and the signing of bills. One recent entry on the tracker noted the White House’s condemnation of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act, which includes provisions that criminalize homosexuality and prescribe death sentences for “aggravated homosexuality.”
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Jill Biden’s impassioned speech serves as a rallying cry for LGBTQ+ advocates and supporters to remain vigilant in protecting and advancing LGBTQ+ rights. The battle against discrimination and injustice continues, and it is crucial for individuals and policymakers alike to stand firm in their commitment to equality and inclusivity.
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