On June 1, President Biden officially proclaimed June "Pride Month," an action that was not taken during the Trump administration. To accompany the proclamation, the White House issued a list of all the LGBTQ-friendly accomplishments of the new administration.
These include a number of executive orders:
Preventing and combating discrimination on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation: Signed on Biden's first day in office, this order says it is the official policy of the Biden-Harris administration to prevent and combat discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals, and to fully enforce civil rights laws to prevent discrimination on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation.
Enabling all qualified Americans to serve their country in uniform: In his first week in office, President Biden signed an executive order reversing the ban on openly Transgender servicemembers serving in the armed forces, enabling all qualified Americans to serve their country in uniform.
Establishing the White House Gender Policy Council to Advance gender equity and equality: This order created the Gender Policy Council to advance gender equity and equality across the whole of the government, including by addressing barriers faced by LGBTQ+ people, in particular Transgender women and girls, across our country.
Ensuring educational environments are free from sex discrimination and protecting LGBTQ+ students from sexual harassment: This commits the federal government to guarantee educational environments free from sex discrimination, including sexual harassment and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Biden also issued key presidential memoranda advising federal departments of new White House policies:
Presidential memorandum on advancing the human rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex persons around the world: Biden directed all US agencies abroad to ensure that United States diplomacy and foreign assistance promote and protect the human rights of LGBTQ+ persons.
National security memorandum supporting federal employees serving overseas, including LGBTQ+ employees: The memorandum directs agencies to take steps to retain, develop, promote, and support LGBTQ+ and other national security employees, and employees with LGBTQ+ family members. In addition, several federal departments have announced new LGBTQ-friendly policies:
The Department of Housing and Urban Development announced it will interpret the Fair Housing Act to prevent discrimination in housing and rental assistance against LGBTQ+ people. HUD will require state and local jurisdictions that receive funding through its Fair Housing Assistance Program to apply the same protections.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced that it will pursue discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in credit and lending services.
The Department of Justice issued new guidance to agencies clarifying that Title IX sex discrimination protection includes protection on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
