The world is full of many wonderful people doing many extraordinary things for the LGBT community. However it’s unfortunate that some may never get the recognition that they deserve. However, SOULE is here to change that with our column entitled, Inspired By. Inspired By is a weekly tribute to an amazing soul that encompasses the true essence of SOULE, an individual who promotes Unity, Love & Equality. Each individual selected has inspired us by their various achievements but also their attitude and values. Today we are going to deviate from our normal plan to show special gratitude to the one and only President Barack Obama.
President Barack Obama is the 44th and current President of the United States, and the first African American to hold the office. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Obama is a graduate of Columbia University and Harvard Law School, where he served as president of the Harvard Law Review. He was a community organizer in Chicago before earning his law degree. He worked as a civil rights attorney and taught constitutional law at University of Chicago Law School from 1992 to 2004. He served three terms representing the 13th District in the Illinois Senate from 1997 to 2004, running unsuccessfully for the United States House of Representatives in 2000. (wiki)
The President Barack Obama and his Administration’s record in support of the LGBT community includes:
- Repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
- Ending the Legal Defense of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)
- Signing Historic Hate Crimes Legislation
- Ensuring Hospital Visitation Rights for LGBT Patients and Their Loved Ones
- Developing and Implementing a National HIV/AIDS Strategy
- Expanding Access to Health Coverage
- Ensuring Equality for LGBT Federal Government Employees
- Taking Steps to Ensure LGBT Equality in Housing and Crime Prevention
- Preventing Bullying Against LGBT Students
- Advancing and Protecting the Rights of LGBT Persons around the World
