News release from the U.S. Department of State: In Recognition
of Gay and Lesbian Pride Month 2009 Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State June 1, 2009 Forty years ago this month, the
gay rights movement began with the Stonewall riots in New York
City, as gays and lesbians demanded an end to the persecution
they had long endured. Now, after decades of hard work, the
fight has grown into a global movement to achieve a world in
which all people live free from violence and fear, regardless of
their sexual orientation or gender identity. In honor of Gay and
Lesbian Pride Month and on behalf of the State Department, I
extend our appreciation to the global LGBT community for its
courage and determination during the past 40 years, and I offer
our support for the significant work that still lies ahead. At
the State Department and throughout the Administration, we are
grateful for our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
employees in Washington and around the world. They and their
families make many sacrifices to