A Message To LGBT Americans
Filed under: Gay Gay Gay > Politik > Hillary Clinton
As I have traveled around the country these past twelve months, what I sensed in my heart has been confirmed – America is embracing its LGBT sons and daughters with an acceptance and understanding as never before. On the campaign trail, a father of a gay son will ask about ending Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. A woman will ask why she can be discriminated against just because of who she is. Sometimes they wait furtively for the crowd to thin and then whisper their confidences in a soft voice and sometimes they stand up proudly at town meetings and want me to share my views on how I will help lead the change to assure that this country fulfills its promise to everyone.
Let me tell you what I have been telling voters across America. I am fully committed to the fair and equal treatment of LGBT Americans. For seven long years, the Bush Administration has tried to divide us - only seeing people who matter to them. It's been a government of the few, by the few, and for the few. And no community has been more invisible to this administration than the LGBT community.
I will change that. The best evidence of what I will do as President is what I have already done.
* I am proud of my record as First Lady, as a U.S. Senator and as a candidate for President in working toward the fair and equal treatment of LGBT Americans.
* I am proud that as Chair of the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee in 2006, I worked closely with LBGT community to develop a smart strategy that defeated the Federal Marriage Amendment. I am proud of fighting the FMA as divisive wedge politics at its worst.
* I am proud to be a co-sponsor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, and the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligation Act which would grant the same benefits (including health insurance) to domestic partners of federal employees that are currently offered to employees’ legal spouses.
* I am proud to have authored the Early Treatment for HIV Act, which expands access to vital treatment options for low-income individuals living with HIV, and fought to fully fund the Ryan White CARE Act.
* I am proud that I hired a National Director of LGBT Outreach within a month of announcing my candidacy for President and to have openly gay and lesbian staffers serving at all levels of my campaign.
* I am proud to have a National LGBT Steering Committee of over 130 that includes openly LGBT elected officials, Board members and opinion leaders on issues ranging from transgender rights, to HIV/AIDS, to “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”.
* I am proud to have marched in Gay Pride parades as both First Lady and as Senator and to have spoken in front of so many LGBT audiences ranging from the Human Rights Campaign, Empire State Pride Agenda, the Hetrick Martin Institute, PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), GMHC (Gay Men’s Health Crisis), and the American Foundation for AIDS Research.
* I am proud to have fought Republican efforts to demonize and marginalize the LGBT community, and I will continue to do that as President.
We have so much work to do. When I am President, we will work together to make sure that all Americans in committed relationships have equal benefits and that nothing stands in the way of loving couples who want to adopt children in need. We're going to expand our federal hate crimes legislation and pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and assure that they are both fully inclusive of all people. And finally, we will put an end to the failed policy of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Courage, honor, patriotism and sacrifice – the traits that define our men and women in uniform – have nothing to do with sexual orientation.
My father was a conservative Republican, who held very traditional views for much of his life. Yet in his last years, it was a gay couple who lived next door who provided much of the compassion and comfort he and my mother needed as he grew ill. And it was that same neighbor who held his hand as he died. If my father can move, America can move.
To each and every LGBT American, I say this. You have done so much to help this country understand your lives by simply being open and honest about who you are and living your lives with dignity. Thank you for your courage. It is time that we recognize your hard work. I know that this country is ready for changes in the law that reflect the evolution in our hearts.
America deserves a President who appeals to the best in each of us, not the worst; a President who values and respects all Americans and treats all Americans equally no matter who they are or who they love. I want to be that President. I want to be your President.
:p
VOTE HILLARY
VOTE HILLARY
VOTE HILLARY
VOTE HILLARY
VOTE HILLARY
VOTE HILLARY
VOTE HILLARY
VOTE HILLARY
VOTE HILLARY
VOTE HILLARY
VOTE HILLARY
VOTE HILLARY
VOTE HILLARY
VOTE HILLARY
I come here for gossip, not to read a thousand articles on Clinton.
GO HILLARY!!!
FUCK THIS BITCH!!!
amazing!!!
MORE LIES AS USUAL. WHEN SHE FINALLY COMES OUT OF THE CLOSET, I WILL VOTE FOR HER. UNTIL THEN, YOU CAN'T BELIEVE A WORD SHE SAYS.
BULL…Her husband made the same promises in 92 then passed don't ask don't tell and DOMA. The Clintons will say whatever they need to to win but the only interest they will protect is their OWN. Don't be fooled again by these arrogant jerks.
LATINOS FOR HILLARY!!!!!
LATINOS FOR HILLARY!!!!!
LATINOS FOR HILLARY!!!!!
LATINOS FOR HILLARY!!!!!
LATINOS FOR HILLARY!!!!!
LATINOS FOR HILLARY!!!!!
LATINOS FOR HILLARY!!!!!
LATINOS FOR HILLARY!!!!!
LATINOS FOR HILLARY!!!!!
LATINOS FOR HILLARY!!!!!
LATINOS FOR HILLARY!!!!!
LATINOS FOR HILLARY!!!!!
LATINOS FOR HILLARY!!!!!
LATINOS FOR HILLARY!!!!!
Barf. This woman will say anything to win…her words mean nothing.
Re: Kerry – I agree completely!!!
PEREZ…..STOP SHOVING THIS BITCH DOWN OUR THROATS!!!!
Woohooo! Go Hillary!
Who wrote that? She sure as hell did not. Liar. And you forgot to put "Photoshop award" to describe the photo.
Anyone but her!! I think I may become Canadian if she gets elected!
OH MY FUCKING GOD, will you STOP with all the political bullshit already. I'm sick of seeing it on your damn site.
Hillary Clinton DOES appeal to what is the best in each of us. She will
inspire people when she leads in a way that America has not yet thought
possible.
GO HILLARY CLINTON!!!!!
go hil'! legend!
WOW POLITICAL ENDORSEMENTS ON PEREZHILTON..CRAZY
Hell yes! Hillary 2008!
YES GO HILL! TO CAPITAL HILL
change is good, of any form !!!
I consider you to be a funny, but usually fair blogger. If you're going to blog on political issues, endorsing the democrats, it would be fair of you to present an argument for more than one candidate. I consider you an intelligent, satirical member of society. I would expect that you know you wield heavy influence over young America. It would be better of you to educate instead of endorse.
Or at least continue to encourage people to find their candidate instead of choosing yours, by adding a link to a campaign issues site at the end of your political pieces.
With Respect,
Ashlee
#1 love ya hill!!!!
Go girl!!!!!!
muhahaha…
Good stuff, go Hil!
Ok, the part about the gay couple who helped her dying Republican father is a powerful message. How beautiful!
No way Perez….you're in NO WAY trying to sway the vote of people who come to your site.
Will you get off Hillary's cock already? This site is supposed to be celeb gossip. Do I really need to see her mug every time I come here?
Hey FATASS……Why didn't you draw a BIG DICK SQUIRTING JIZ ALL OVER HER FACE like you do to EVERYONE ELSE???
Wow - can't wait to hear what Obama's thoughts on LGBT issues are…
Your support of Hillary is nauseating. She will say anything to get elected.
This bitch will say anything…. beware she's crazier than her doushbag husband.
Seriously, are you going to continue to put her picture on your site? She makes my skin crawl!
I LOVE HER! Anyone who LOVES and UNDERSTANDS gay people as much as I do then they have my vote. I am tired of seeing my gay friends being treated as if they do not count. Hillary is the President to change this. HILLARY 08!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don't even live in US, I'm a Canadian. But I pray Hillary will win. A woman president? Great Idea! One whose for equal treatment of homosexuals? EVEN BETTER!
You go, Hillary!
She's talking sense
YAY HILLARY!!! BEAT OBAMA!!
GO HILLARY 2008!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Any educated people should vote for her…Get it right
What?
You're buying her crap Perez?
The only three candidates who didn't flip flop in this election were Obama, Edwards & Paul. Well, Obama a couple of times. Hillary and McCain changed their views and positions more times that their underwear!
I have always loved Hillary! She is smart and a great example for all. SHE DESERVES our vote!!!!!!!!!1
wow! i just got back from voting and i was on the fence this morning… i'm so glad i made the right choice. love the part about her father
What a tremendous voice for our country. She is a TRUE Christian!
This is not a political Blog. It is a celebrity blog. Stop with all the political shit.
Well Said Mrs. Clinton! We need you in office!
This really concerns me - SHE WILL SAY ANYTHING TO GET ELECTED. Are we as Americans really this easy to brainwash?
UGGH - Can't stand her!
Good for you Hillary, I'm with you! :]
Great speech!
I say thank God for Hillary…we NEED a leader and a president like HER!
Bitch ain't gettin' my vote!!!!
First oneee
i love her
Please…she'll do anything for votes. Get off the LGBT bandwagon, Hillary. I bet she'd go gay just to get votes.
perez…stop your liberal-pushing! you are just like the rest of the press - she sucks!! just b/c sh supports gay and lesbian relationships, will not make her a good prez…do u know what she'll do to health care if she gets in??? get informed - read up on national health care - it's not good - my bro is a doc - he & other good doc's will be out jobs if she gets in not to mention our military, who protect your fat ass, will go to shit!!!!!!!!! shut up about f-ing hilary! haven't you had it w/ the clintons!! let's move on!
I knew as soon as she threw her hat into the ring I'd be voting for her. I loved her when she was the 'behind the scene' President.
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Just…shhhh…I'm a Republican, it won't look good if my hubby finds out.
Mmm you better get it girl.
Perez I understand that's why you want her to win but she doesn't say what changes she is going to make. SHE ISN"T GOING TO MAKE ANY CHANGES. She didn't even answer the don't ask don't tell policy. Obama has said the same thing about changing the laws for the LGBT.
i love you're endorsing hillary after thoughtful consideration and research perez. that says a lot to your readers and i hope you can influence many more people to go the way of hillary. i appreciate you didn't jump on the hollywood obama bandwagon. while he is a good man and a good candidate, i think hillary is better.
How can people not love her? Keeping posting Perez, so many people look at your website and it's good to know what the candidates stand for = ) Fuck Huckabee!!!
Go Barack!!
wow
enough of this shrew already
O my heart feels with happiness and joy! Not Really*
her husband create the "don't ask, don't tell" policy. where was her voice then?
I just love her
If you're in a primary state today, get out and VOTE!!
I hope she holds her promice to you guys!
FUCK YEAH! Hilary is so what this country needs right now.
Very inspiring. Change WILL happen. GO Hillary!!
this has totally changed my mind about Hillary. In the begining i had been leaning more towards Obama. However, after becoming more informed i've come to realize that Hillary is who this country needs right now. Although in thye future, Obama has a good shot. He should deffinately stay in the picture.
I am interested in finding out his views on LGBT marriage and the law regarding adoption for these couples.
Thanks for making up my mind GO OBAMA .
SO what? She supposedly has all that "experience" for 35 years- and what HAS SHE DONE SO FAR?????? Talk is cheap and easy. People who are gay need to look at what these so called experienced people have done in the PAST. Dems ruled Congress for years in the 90s. AND she had 8 years in the White House- oh wait- she was too busy hating straight women her husband screwed or assaulted. She has DONE nothing. Only the states can change these things. She is full of crap. Who is she- Oprah for gays? You might swallow a lot of things but you should swallow THAT. You should despise her for her hypocrisy!