Former Lambda Legal client and Lacey, Wash., resident Janice Langbehn was one of 13 people who received the 2011 Presidential Citizens Medal, the nation's second-highest civilian honor, according to a press release.
The event occurred Oct. 20 in the East Room of the White House.
Earlier this year, President Obamawho signed a memorandum calling for an end to discrimination against gay men and lesbians in hospital-visitation policiescalled Langbehn to apologize for what she endured in the hospital.
"This year's recipients of the Citizens Medal come from different backgrounds, but they share a commitment to a cause greater than themselves," said Obama. "They exemplify the best of what it means to be an American, and I am honored to be able to offer them a small token of our appreciation."
In a statement, Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese said, "Janice Langbehn turned her family's healthcare horror story into action and has worked hard to make sure other LGBT Americans aren't denied the right to be at an ailing loved one's bedside. Her story inspired our President to address one of our community's most critical needs, and for that she has earned the nation's second-highest civilian honor."
Lambda Legal Executive Director Kevin Cathcart added in a separate release that "Janice's courage and dedication to telling her story and helping educate others shows us all that we can make a difference. She is receiving the Citizens Medal for her efforts to ensure all Americans are treated equally."
The Citizens Medal was established in 1969 to recognize U.S. citizens who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens.