ICYMI: First Lady Jill Biden Headlines Human Rights Campaign’s ‘Equality in Action’ Event

The First Lady's remarks underscored the urgency and stakes of the 2024 election, and praised HRC's commitment to mobilizing and engaging Equality Voters, those for whom issues of LGBTQ+ equality are a top priority, across the country. In her address, she told the crowd of hundreds, "History teaches us that our rights and freedoms don't disappear overnight. They disappear slowly. Subtly. Silently. A book ban. A court decision. A 'Don't Say Gay' law. One group of people loses their rights and then another. And another. Until one day you wake up and no longer live in a democracy...This is our chapter of history and it's up to us how it ends."

As a lifelong educator, Dr. Biden has consistently championed making schools safer for students, including LGBTQ+ youth. She has spoken out vehemently against book bans, "the dangerous, cruel practice of conversion therapy," and is committed to addressing youth homelessness, which disproportionately impacts LGBTQ+ young people. The Biden-Harris Administration has consistently fought to advance equality-focused legislation and LGBTQ+ rights. Since taking office, President Biden has lifted the blanket ban on gay and bisexual men donating blood, began enforcing non-discrimination laws to protect LGBTQ+ people, and signed the Respect for Marriage Act into law.

"Thanks to President Biden, marriage equality is now the law of the land," said Biden. "He ended the ban on gay and bisexual men donating blood. He's made it possible for trans Americans to serve openly and honorably in our military. And he's standing firmly against conversion therapy."