The announcement came via a White House statement, which was
released earlier today.
"The story of America's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
community is the story of our fathers and sons, our mothers and
daughters and our friends and neighbors who continue the task of
making our country a more perfect Union," it says.
"It is a story about the struggle to realise the great American
promise that all people can live with dignity and fairness under
the law. Each June, we commemorate the courageous individuals who
have fought to achieve this promise for LGBT Americans, and we
rededicate ourselves to the pursuit of equal rights for all,
regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity."
Obama, who has just returned from a rare state visit to Britain,
took the opportunity to PR his own recent achievements in queer
equality.
"Last December, I was proud to sign the repeal of the
discriminatory Don't Ask Don't Tellpolicy. With this repeal, gay
and lesbian Americans will be able to serve openly in our Armed
Forces for the first time in our Nation's history. Our national
security will be strengthened and the heroic contributions these
Americans make to our military, and have made throughout our
history, will be fully recognised."
"I call upon the people of the United States to eliminate
prejudice everywhere it exists, and to celebrate the great
diversity of the American people."
Previously, President Bill Clinton has also named June the month
of America's gay Pride.
