LGBT POV

Updated below.

I just found this on Politico 44: Obama Speaking to Gay Group and the New York Times’ “The Caucus” blog – President Barack Obama will speak at the Human Rights Campaign dinner on Saturday night before the Oct. 11 National March for Equality.

From The Times:

Mr. Obama’s appearance on Saturday at the annual dinner for the Human Rights Campaign, a leading gay rights advocacy group, represents a significant show of support for gay rights at a time when many prominent gay and lesbian activists have been questioning the president’s commitment to their issues.

Ya think?

From Politico’s Ben Smith:

The administration would typically unveil some actual news in a speech like that, so it’ll be interesting to see what the week brings.

There were rumors about this late Friday – but nothing was confirmed. One wondered if the announcement would be “thrown out with the trash” as such late announcements are usually dubbed in order to not attract media attention.

The Times suggests an announcement will be made by the White House later today. HRC – ?

But  one has to wonder if Obama’s appearance at a fundraiser for what many perceive as a  mostly rich white gay male organization will help or hurt him in the long run, especially since he hasn’t really come through on his campaign promises.

I wonder if someone will jump up and challenge him just as Lane Hudosn challenged former President Bill Clinton on marriage equality at the Netroots Nation convention.

On the other hand – maybe Obama will announce he’s signing a stop-loss order for Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. And since HRC is honoring Judy Shepard, perhaps he’ll announce that he’s personally stepping in to push the hate crimes law attached to the Defense Appropriations bill, now in the conference committee.

Or he’ll clarify his Justice Department’s approach to defending DOMA in the courts.

Or he’ll come out in favor of full marriage equality – a position he publicly held in the 1990s.

Or maybe he’ll talk about how he will personally push for ENDA – and start including discussion of LGBT couples in his public talks about healthcare reform – since so many are not covered by health insurance. Remember this when he accepted the Democratic nomination:

“I know there are differences on same-sex marriage, but surely we can agree that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters deserve to visit the person they love in a hospital and to live lives free of discrimination.”

Was that the last time he mentioned LGBT people and healthcare?

No LGBT person I know wants President Obama to fail and in fact, many of us are VERY concerned about the serious angry tone the country has taken – perhaps in response to his election. Not us. We want the best for him and for the country. BUT we also are sick and tired of being thrown under the bus in exchange for some nod from the right wing.

No more, Mr. President. I can’t afford to fly to Washington for what may be shaping up to be an incredible weekend. But if I could be a reporter in the room – or a blogger – or nudge someone – I’d stand up just as Lane Hudson did and ask when are you going to get to us? We’re dying on the fields of battle and in hospital ERs and in our hearts – often without our loved ones by our side – just like the straight folks you want to protect. So what about us, Mr. President? When do we get our turn?

What will you promise us this time?

Update:

Former Clinton advisor Richard Socarides, who caused a stir with an op-ed calling on Obama to be a “fierce advocate,” weighed in with the AP:

“Eleven months after his election, he has failed to deliver on any of his commitments to gay Americans, but even worse has been his refusal to engage around these issues…..What he needs to do now is engage and deliver,” said Socarides. “Spend some of his political capital on ending the gay military ban, a hugely symbolic issue. And with no intellectually sound arguments left against it, come out squarely for gay marriage equality.”

Pam Spaulding has some more info and a good discussion going on over at her House Blend and people are talking on Joe.My.God, too.

AND just got this from HRC:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, announced today that President Barack Obama will deliver the keynote address at the 13th Annual National Dinner on Saturday, October 10th, in Washington, D.C.  U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy will also present the first-ever Edward M. Kennedy National Leadership Award to Judy and Dennis Shepard.  The award is named in honor of the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA), a champion in the fight for LGBT equality.

“We are honored to share this night with President Obama, who has called upon our nation to embrace LGBT people as brothers and sisters,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese.  “It is fitting that he will speak to our community on the night that we pay tribute to his friend and mentor Senator Edward Kennedy, who knew that as president, Barack Obama would take on the unfinished business of this nation – equal rights for the LGBT community, and for every person who believes in liberty and justice for all.”

The event will begin at 7 p.m. at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.  All media planning to attend the Human Rights Campaign National Dinner must pre-register by Thursday, October 8.  To request credentials please contact Trevor Thomas attrevor.thomas@hrc.org.