President Biden Issues Pride Month Executive Order Advancing LGBTQ+ Health

On June 15, 2022, President Biden issued a Pride Month Executive Order directing key federal agencies to take comprehensive action to advance and protect LGBTQ+ health and equality. GLMA President Nick Grant, ABPP and GLMA President Hector Vargas, JD responded:

"GLMA applauds the Biden administration's Pride Month Executive Order, which includes several initiatives to address LGBTQ+ health and recognizes that health and equality are intrinsically intertwined.

"This Executive Order couldn't come at a more critical time as state legislatures across the country introduce bills that threaten and attack transgender youth at unprecedented levels. Our communities need bold action from the country's leaders to safeguard our health and equality.

 "We look forward to partnering with HHS leadership and other federal agencies in the coming months as they take action to implement this important Executive Order to protect equality for LGBTQI+ people."

Among many actions, the Executive Order directs the Department of Health and Human Services to develop sample policies for states to protect and expand access to the LGBTQ+ healthcare; protect children from the discredited practice of conversion therapy; safeguard programs designed to prevent youth suicide; launch a new initiative to protect foster youth, prevent homelessness, and improve access to federal programs; and develop nondiscrimination regulations to protect LGBTQ+ elders, including the creation of a "Bill of Rights for LGBTQI+ Older Adults." Read the Executive Order here and view the White House fact sheet about it here.