June 17
Ordered the federal government to extend key benefits to same–sex partners of federal employees
VideoProgress for LGBT Americans
Together we've fought for equal rights for LGBT Americans. From President Obama announcing his support for same-sex marriage to ending "Don't Ask, Don’t Tell," take a look at the progress we've achieved over the last three years.
2009
August 12
Awarded the highest civilian honor, the Medal of Freedom, to Billie Jean King and Harvey Milk
October 21
Created a National Resource Center for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Elders
2010
January 1
Banned discrimination in federal workplaces based on gender identity
January 4
Lifted the ban that prohibited people with HIV/AIDS from entering the United States
March 23
Enacted the Affordable Care Act, reforming health care in America by lowering costs, expanding choice, and improving health care quality
VideoApril 15
Ensured hospital visitation and medical decision-making rights for gay and lesbian patients
June 9
Allowed transgender Americans to receive true gender passports without surgery
June 22
Clarified the Family and Medical Leave Act to ensure family leave for LGBT employees
June 22
Released America’s first comprehensive plan to prevent and end homelessness, which includes homeless LGBT youth
VideoOctober 1
Awarded a grant to the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Community Services Center to work with LGBT foster youth
December 21
Led a United Nations measure to restore “sexual orientation” to the definition of human rights
2011
February 23
Declared the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional and announced the administration will no longer defend it in court
March 31
Completed an Institute of Medicine study on LGBT health, the first of its kind
May 27
Issued guidance to foster safer working environments for transgender federal employees
July 19
Endorsed the Respect for Marriage Act, a legislative effort to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act
August 18
Clarified the meaning of “family” to include LGBT relationships, helping to protect bi-national families threatened by deportation
August 19
Supported lesbian widow Edith Windsor in her suit against DOMA
September 15
Ended the Social Security Administration’s gender “no–match” letters
September 30
Permitted military chaplains to officiate same-sex marriages where legal
October 13
Alison Nathan becomes second openly gay appointee to be confirmed to the federal bench under President Obama’s nomination
October 20
Awarded Citizens’ Medal to Janice Langbehn, lesbian mother whose story paved the way for hospital visitation rights for same-sex couples
October 31
Included specific data on health needs of lesbian and bisexual women in the Health Resources and Services Administration’s “Women’s Health USA 2011” federal report
November 1
In his presidential proclamation of National Adoption Month, President Obama called for equal treatment for same-sex adoptive parents
December 1
On World AIDS Day, recommitted the U.S. to creating an AIDS-free generation
December 6
Created first-ever U.S. government strategy dedicated to combating human rights abuses against LGBT persons abroad
2012
January 28
Announced HUD’s new rule protecting against housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
February 2
Announced White House LGBT Conference Series to address issues affecting LGBT Americans, including health, housing, and safety
VideoFebruary 7
Promoted equal access to quality health care by enabling searches for health plans with same-sex partner benefits on Healthcare.gov
February 13
Proposed a 2013 federal budget for an economy built to last, including providing security for the LGBT community
March
Ensured transgender veterans receive respectful care according to their true gender through the Veterans Health Administration
March 15
Michael Fitzgerald, fourth openly gay nominee under President Obama, is confirmed to the federal bench in California
March 16
Came out against North Carolina’s Amendment 1, which prohibits same-sex marriage in the state
May
President Obama and Vice President Biden announced their support for same-sex marriage
June 26
The Pentagon celebrated LGBT Pride month for the first time
July 16
Launched the "Let's Stop HIV Together" campaign to fight HIV stigma
July 19
Announced nearly $80 million in additional grants to fund HIV/AIDS care and ended AIDS Drug Assistance Program wait lists
July 19
Honored six LGBT Champions of Change
July 22
The President welcomed attendees to the 19th International AIDS Conference