President Obama Emphasizes Family at Historic LGBT Reception

Boston, MA — This afternoon President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and administration officials welcomed lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people to an historic White House event celebrating LGBT Pride Month and commemorating the 40^th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, widely accepted as the catalyst for the modern LGBT rights movement. In his address to attendees, President Obama emphasized the importance of everyday Americans realizing that LGBT people are not just individuals deserving equal rights and fair treatment, but also members of families—many being parents, themselves. Jennifer Chrisler, Executive Director of Family Equality Council, the national organization working to ensure equality for LGBT families, was present at the event. In recent weeks, Chrisler has received and responded to criticism for engaging with the White House, seen by some, including Chrisler, as moving too slowly towards equal rights for LGBT people.

Statement of Jennifer Chrisler, Executive Director, Family Equality Council:

“Today President Obama reaffirmed his commitment to equality for LGBT people in front of a tough crowd, myself included," said Jennifer Chrisler, Executive Director of Family Equality Council. "The President acknowledged and encouraged our lack of patience, calling upon us to do what all citizens should do—pressure their governments to act quickly to ensure equal rights as quickly as possible. I was particularly pleased to hear the President recognize how central family is to so many of our lives and that through our families' stories we can change hearts and minds. Tomorrow I look forward to continuing the hard work of advancing equality. Today I acknowledge this historic moment with my spouse, Cheryl, and our two kids, who at seven years old finally have a president who values their family."

EDITORS: Jennifer Chrisler is available for comment this evening until 8:00pm, and then after 10:30pm, or tomorrow and thereafter. To speak to Jennifer, call her directly at the number listed above.

The Family Equality Council works to ensure equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender families by building community, changing hearts and minds, and advancing social justice for all families. For more information, visit www.familyequality.org.