• Reversed an inexcusable US position by signing the UN Declaration on Gay Rights
• Signed into law the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which expanded existing United States federal hate crime law to include crimes motivated by a victim's actual or perceived gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability
• Extended benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees
• Extended the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act
• Hired and appointed a record number of qualified LGBT Americans, including over 10 Senate confirmed appointments
• Worked with the State Department to lift the HIV Entry Ban by the beginning of 2010
• Supported lower taxes for same-sex couples who receive health benefits from employers
• Endorsed the Baldwin -Lieberman bill, The Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act of 2009, to provide domestic partnership benefits to federal employees
• Called for the repeal of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act
• Hosted the first LGBT Pride Month Celebration in White House history
• Released the first Presidential PRIDE proclamation since 2000
• Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Harvey Milk and Billie Jean King
• Appointed six new LGBT DNC Members, including the first transgender DNC member in history
• Has engaged with the Department of Defense to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell

DNC Chairman Tim Kaine issued a statement after President Obama signed the bill into law:

“Today, President Obama signed into law legislation that was first championed by the late Senator Ted Kennedy and has been more than a decade in the making.

“The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act will help state and local officials prosecute hate crimes by providing them with additional tools and resources. President Obama and his Administration are committed to equal rights and fairness for women, LGBT Americans, persons with disabilities -- indeed, all Americans.

"There is still much work ahead, but today, 11 years after the tragic deaths of Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., President Obama has delivered on his promise to sign an inclusive hate crimes bill into law.”

Our family provides one of the strongest influences on our lives. American families from every walk of life have taught us time and again that children raised in loving, caring homes have the ability to reject negative behaviors and reach their highest potential. Whether children are raised by two parents, a single parent, grandparents, a same-sex couple, or a guardian, families encourage us to do our best and enable us to accomplish great things. Today, our children are confronting issues of drug and alcohol use with astonishing regularity. On Family Day, we honor the dedication of parents, commend the achievements of their children, and celebrate the contributions our Nation's families have made to combat substance abuse among young people.

The 21st century presents families with unprecedented challenges. Millions of women and men are struggling to balance the demands of their jobs with the needs of their families. At the same time, our youngest generation faces countless distractions in their social environment. They are coming of age in a world where electronic devices have replaced the playground, televisions have preempted conversation, and pressure to use drug and alcohol is far too prevalent. Parents bear significant stress and burdens to protect their children from harmful influences.

It is our responsibility to talk with adolescents about the risks of abusing alcohol, tobacco, or prescription and illicit drugs, and other harmful behaviors. These substances can destroy the mind, body, and spirit of a child, jeopardizing their health and limiting their potential. Active parents, voicing their disapproval of drug use, have proven themselves to be the most effective preventative method for keeping our children drug-free. A strong and engaged family can make all the difference in helping young people make healthy decisions.

By coming together as a family and discussing the events of the day, parents can foster open communication, share joys and concerns, and help guide their children toward healthy decision making. A strong nation is made up of strong families, and on this Family Day, we rededicate ourselves to ensuring that every American family has the chance to build a better, healthier future for themselves and their children.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 28, 2009, as Family Day. I call upon the people of the United States to join together in observing this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities to honor and strengthen our Nation's families.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

At the meeting, the full membership of the DNC elected Gov. Kaine’s slate, which included six LGBT candidates. Additionally, among the nominees was a transgender person, the first time a member of the community has been elected to the DNC.

“The DNC's LGBT Caucus is proud that the Democratic National Committee sees an inclusive LGBT community in its vision for a stronger Democratic Party,” said Rick Stafford, Chair of the DNC LGBT caucus. “Having a strong, diverse LGBT presence among DNC members will help the community by giving a stronger voice to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans as the Democratic Party moves forward on its march for equality. On behalf of the DNC, I would like to congratulate those elected.”

Those elected are Terry Bean of Oregon, Barbra Casbar Siperstein of NJ, Earl Fowlkes of DC, Hon. Evan Low of CA, Randi Weingarten of NY, and Hon. Lupe Valdez of TX.

We'd like to share the following statement from Rick Stafford, Chair of the LGBT American Caucus at the DNC and former State Chair of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party.

"Today, two extraordinary Americans, Harvey Milk and Billie Jean King, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom Award for their historic contributions to society. As we celebrate their prestigious honor, we also recognize their unyielding commitment to the LGBT community.

"Harvey Milk, who served as a pioneer of the LGBT civil rights movement with his leadership and dedication to equal rights, and Billie Jean King, who helped champion gender equality issues not only in sports, but in all facets of public life both serve as a source of pride and inspiration for the worldwide LGBT community. We are reminded today by these two historical awards, as we are time and time again by the two recipients, of the invaluable contributions that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans and their families make to our society.

"Today is truly a historic day for the LGBT community, and we commend President Obama for bestowing the nation's highest civilian honor on these two great Americans."

Today President Obama joined a crowd of about 250 people in the East Room of the White House for a first-of-its-kind event honoring and celebrating the accomplishments of LGBT Americans. Invited guests included families, volunteers, activists, community leaders and local officials, who were all on hand to celebrate Pride Month.

ABC news' article on the event is excerpted below:

"The President and First Lady entered to thunderous applause. President Obama told the group he is committed to equality for their community.

"This struggle continues today, for even as we face extraordinary challenges as a nation, we cannot and will not put aside issues of basic equality," he said, "We seek an America in which no one feels the pain of discrimination based on who you are or who you love."

Brian Bond, Deputy Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement and a gay American, wrote a post on the White House blog in anticipation of today’s event. We'll post the President's full remarks as soon as they become available.

UPDATE (by Cloe): Here are President Obama's full remarks.

But this Presidential Memorandum is just a start. Unfortunately, my Administration is not authorized by existing Federal law to provide same-sex couples with the full range of benefits enjoyed by heterosexual married couples. That's why I stand by my long-standing commitment to work with Congress to repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act. It's discriminatory, it interferes with States' rights, and it's time we overturned it.

Surrounded by Representatives Tammy Baldwin and Barney Frank as well as Senators Joseph Lieberman and Susan Collins he declared his support for the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act of 2009.
The President then closed his remarks with this statement;

As Americans, we are all affected when our promises of equality go unfulfilled. Through measures like the Presidential Memorandum I am issuing today and the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act of 2009, we will advance the principles upon which our Nation was founded and continue to perfect our Union.

"Today, we are standing up for the liberties of same-sex couples by making clear that they will receive the same rights, responsibilities - and respect - under New Hampshire law.

"Today, we are also standing up for religious liberties. This legislation makes clear that we understand that certain faiths do not recognize same-sex marriage, and it protects them from having to participate in marriage-related activities that violate their fundamental religious principles.

"With the signing of this legislation today, New Hampshire will have taken every action possible to ensure that all families have equal rights to the extent that is possible under state law.

"Unfortunately, the federal government does not extend the same rights and protections that New Hampshire provides same-sex families, and that should change.

Rep. Hodes commented;

"I am pleased with the result reached by our legislature and Governor. This legislation will ensure that all Granite Staters have equal rights under the law. It gives legal protection to religious institutions and organizations. And the law is consistent with the spirit of New Hampshire expressed in our state motto 'Live Free or Die.' At times the legislative process on this bill appeared difficult, but the outcome it produced was the right one for equality and justice for New Hampshire residents. I will continue to work in Washington for those same principles."

h/t to Blue Hampshire, one of the 2008 Democratic National Convention credentialed blogs, for their coverage and the quotes above.

“Today, on behalf of Democrats across our nation, the Democratic National Committee pays recognition to PRIDE month – a time to join together in celebrating the contributions that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans and their families make to our society. We also take this time to reaffirm our commitment to being a Party of inclusion and one that stands firm in promoting equality for every American.

"As Democrats and Americans, we believe we all are created equal and we have fought against discrimination based on race, sex, ethnicity, national origin, language, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, and attempts to divide us instead of unite us.

“The cause of ending discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans has taken a giant leap forward. With a Democrat in the White House who is committed to equality and justice, we have reached significant milestones. The Obama Administration is the first to appoint openly LGBT candidates to Senate-confirmed positions in its first 100 days and it has partnered with the international community at the United Nations to decriminalize homosexuality around the world.

“The Administration is concentrating on a number of measures to ensure equality for all—such as supporting civil unions, Federal rights for LGBT couples, stronger hate crimes laws, ridding our military of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ in a way that both ensures national security and strengthens our Armed forces, banning discrimination in the work place, fighting HIV/AIDS and ensuring adoption rights.

“We as a Party and as a people have come a long way, and we should be proud of what we have accomplished thus far in promoting equal rights for all Americans. But we still have much more to do. As we move ahead with a Democratic Congress and President committed to equality for all Americans, we look forward to a nation where discrimination of any kind is a thing of the past.”

Baldacci said in a statement that while he has opposed gay marriage in the past, “I have come to believe that this is a question of fairness and of equal protection under the law, and that a civil union is not equal to civil marriage.

“This new law does not force any religion to recognize a marriage that falls outside of its beliefs," the governor said. "It does not require the church to perform any ceremony with which it disagrees. Instead, it reaffirms the separation of church and state.

“It guarantees that Maine citizens will be treated equally under Maine’s civil marriage laws, and that is the responsibility of government," Baldacci said.

Maine now becomes the fifth state to provide equal treatment under law for all couples through marriage equality laws. It joins Iowa, Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Democratic Sen. Bill Dotzler of Waterloo said he hopes people treat each other with respect today.

“Everyone just needs to remain calm,” he said. “We need to analyze the decision.

By giving a unanimous decision it seems to me the court really thinks it’s an issue of rights. It will be up to the legislature to look at their ruling and see how we’re going to proceed.”

The U.S. economy lost 524,000 jobs in December, closing out the worst year for job losses since World War II, the Labor Department said Friday.

Nearly 2.6 million jobs were lost in 2008, with 1.9 million destroyed in just the past four months, according to a survey of work places. It's the biggest job loss in any calendar year since 1945, when 2.75 million jobs were lost as the wartime economy was demobilized.

The 1.5 million jobs lost in the fourth quarter were the most in any three-month period since 1945.
As a percentage of employment, job losses in 2008 totaled 1.8%, the worst since 1982 and the third largest since the war.

The numbers were released as Congresswoman Hilda Solis (D-California) began her Senate confirmation hearings as the next Secretary of Labor for President-elect Barack Obama's incoming administration.

President-elect Barack Obama's pick to become the top U.S. labor official said on Friday her priorities would be to boost job training and search assistance to fight a deepening U.S. recession.

Democratic Rep. Hilda Solis, tapped by Obama to become labor secretary, also told her Senate confirmation hearing she would fight job discrimination and ensure employees "get the pay they have earned working in safe, healthy and fair workplaces."

Among LGBT adults, 60 percent favor Obama while 14 percent favor McCain.

Three percent of LGBT adults favor Barr, while 1 percent choose Nader. Six percent choose "other," while 17 percent of all LGBT voters are not yet sure which candidate to support -- comparable to the general population.