On June 1, 2014, President Barack Obama declared June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month.
The President’s proclamation outlined the important legislative changes that advance LGBT equity that have occurred at the state and federal level. The President also noted that the Obama Administration “proudly stands alongside all those who fight for LGBT rights.” He highlighted important changes that prohibit discrimination in hospitals and health care access, and the important changes that now extend family and spousal benefits — from immigration benefits to military family benefits — to legally married same-sex couples.
But the fight for equity is not over. For example, workers can still be fired because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) will protect workers from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. ENDA will ensure employees are judged on the quality of their work and not on personal identity, which is irrelevant to job performance. NASW strongly urges the passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. The National Association of Social Workers also calls upon social workers to continue our support of policy and practice efforts to implement the National HIV/AIDS Strategy.
Click here to learn view NASW LGBT Pride Month resources.
