As members of the LGBTQ community, we seem to be perpetually fighting for rights that seem, well, basic. We shouldn’t have to work so hard for acceptance, but we do. As such, we’ve learned to celebrate the smallest of victories.  Unfortunately, over the course of the past four years, we have also mourned some significant losses.


Thankfully, the election of President Joe Biden has proven beneficial to those who identify as LGBTQ. While he has only been in office a few months, he has already worked on our behalf. Together, we celebrate the following.


Cabinet-Level Representation


Pete Buttigieg, who ran for President, was nominated and confirmed as the Secretary of Transportation. Married to Chastain, Secretary Buttigieg is the first openly gay cabinet member in the history of our country.  Additionally, in March of this year, the United States Senate confirmed Rachel Levine as the Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services. Ms. Levine is the first openly transgender person to be approved for such a position.


End to the Transgender Military Ban


Under President Trump, transgender Americans were banned from joining the military (to be specific, individuals were required to serve under the gender they were assigned at birth). On his first day in office, President Biden reversed this decision and the White House has shared that the President welcomes diversity. This is a huge victory and, we believe, makes our military even stronger. 


Executive Order on LGBTQ Protections


Actions speak louder than words. On his very first day in office, President Biden signed an executive order that instructs federal agencies to include sexual orientation and gender identity in their discrimination protections. 


Honors Transgender Day of Visibility


On March 31st, President Biden became the first President to officially recognize Transgender Day of Visibility. He recognized how hard it is for Trans people to be their authentic selves, especially considering the discrimination, hate, and violence many face every day. He pledged to continue to work towards protecting transgender individuals, helping to make America safer for them. 


At Rainbow Depot we are encouraged by this new administration’s actions to date and we appreciate their love and support.  As part of the LGBTQ community, we will continue to advocate for equality for all, in each and every aspect of our lives.