Federal Matters

President Biden releases statement marking the 25h anniversary of the death of Matthew Shepard.  In a statement released on October 12 the President said “[Matthew’s] courageous parents, Judy and Dennis Shepard, turned Matthew’s memory into a movement, galvanizing millions of people to combat the scourge of anti-LGBTQI+ hate and violence in America.” 

White House Press Secretary honors National Coming Out Day.  Karine Jean-Pierre, the first openly lesbian White House Press Secretary, acknowledged National Coming Out Day on October 11th, saying “This Administration stands with the LGBTQ+ community. We have your back. We are in this fight with you. And we will continue to speak up, speak out, and stand up for our rights and freedoms.”

White House defends Interior Department spokesman following online attacks. Tyler Cherry, the Interior Department’s principal deputy communications director, is openly gay and has been the target of right-wing social media attacks on X, formerly Twitter, after his photos were shared widely on the site. The Biden administration called Cherry an invaluable member of the team and added “No one should be targeted simply for being themselves. It is cruel and unacceptable.”

LGBTQ+ Groups Participate in March on Washington     PFLAG Philadelphia President Sheila Emerson, flanked by PFLAG National CEO Brian K. Bond, addressed thousands of people gathered at the Lincoln Memorial on August 26th to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.