Obama on LGBT Pride Month: ‘Discrimination… It’s So Last Century’

President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama hosted their eight LGBT Pride reception at the White House Thursday, June 9th.

“Discrimination… It’s so last century,” said the President touting the end of “don’t ask, don’t tell,” the beginning of marriage equality and the inclusion of LGBT in hate-crimes law during his administration.

He recalls last June’s lighting of the White House in rainbow colors as “one of the most special moments” of his presidency and reminds Americans that there is still work to be done.

Pride & Prejudice: How African LGBT Activists are Risking Their Lives to Bring Tolerance to Their Homes

“We have to work hard to make sure that jobs are not being denied, people aren’t being fired because of their sexual orientation. We still have work to do when transgender persons are attacked, even killed for just being who they are,” said Obama.

This work, he remarks, quoting Bayard Rustin – a gay Black civil rights activists – will need to come from “a group of angelic troublemakers.”

“When we move a little bit further on our journey toward equality and justice we still have a responsibility to reach back and pull up others who are striving to do the same,” Obama encouraged.

You can catch the full speech above.

WANT MORE FROM ESSENCE? Subscribe to our daily newsletter for the latest in hair, beauty, style and celebrity news.