Washington, DC — DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement recognizing October as LGBT History Month:
"Today, we begin a month-long tribute to the incredible history of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. It's a history that began long before the Stonewall riots of 1969, and it's one that continues to this day — from the courageous LGBT leaders on the front lines of the struggle for full equality to the millions of everyday heroes across the country who are moving our nation forward by simply refusing to live their lives in the shadows.
"LGBT Americans have seen more progress than ever before, with a President who has stood with the LGBT community every step of the way. We cannot forget how far we've come together — from wiping the discriminatory 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy off the books and signing into law the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, to putting in place hospital visitation rights and establishing and developing America's first national HIV/AIDS strategy. Not only did the Obama Administration stop defending the Defense of Marriage Act, but this year, we were so proud to see our President make history once more by expressing his personal support for marriage equality.
"Today, we know how important it is to celebrate these huge strides forward, but it's also imperative that we do everything we possibly can to ensure our future is even brighter than our past. In 36 days, LGBT Americans and their loved ones will go to the polls to make a critical choice — are we going to continue to move forward together, or will we let the Romney-Ryan ticket turn back the clock on all the progress we've achieved? The LGBT community knows there is only one acceptable answer to that question — and that's why in the coming weeks, we must all recommit ourselves to the crucial task of sending President Obama back to the White House, so we can keep making history as a nation that truly recognizes we are greater together."
