LGBT Organizations Respond to President Barack Obama's Inauguration

Hopeful, yet cautious.  Not only was that the tone that President Obama set yesterday in his Inauguration speech, it's also the tone that most LGBT organizations are using in their approach to #44.  Here are a few excerpts from some of the statements released by LGBT orgs yesterday, responding to our new Commander-in-Chief.

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force: "Our country has made significant strides in advancing this ‘noble idea’ toward full-fledged reality, but we’re not there yet. Too many people continue to face discrimination and hardship. As President Obama assumes the role of America’s foremost leader, we call upon him to fulfill the promise of a nation where lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are recognized and valued as part of this country's strength, spirit and solution. The fact that the official White House Web site was updated just this afternoon with a list of commitments to LGBT rights is already enormous positive change."

Human Rights Campaign: "Today’s inauguration represents a paradigm shift. The pendulum has swung away from the anti-gay forces and toward a new president and vice president who acknowledge our equality.  For the past eight years, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue was out of reach and out of touch. Our community and so many others are looking at a new day of welcome and great promise."

Lambda Legal: "The inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States has filled many Americans with excitement and great hope. On January 20, 2009, President Obama took his oath to preserve, protect and defend the U.S. Constitution, and Lambda Legal joins all Americans in congratulating him and wishing him well as he leads our nation forward.  As president, Barack Obama will soon exercise his power to appoint federal judges. Lambda Legal has sent a letter to the President and the leadership of the Senate Judiciary Committee, explaining the monumental need for fair and impartial nominees to the federal bench who will address issues facing lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV, without bias."

Washington Blade: "President Barack Obama said in his inaugural address that “all are equal,” but omitted a frequent stump-speech reference to gay Americans.  'The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit, to choose our better history, to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness,' he said.  Speaking more inclusively to people across the globe, Obama noted that 'America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.'  The omission of a direct reference to gay Americans was a deviation for Obama, who had mentioned gays at many of his most significant stops along his way to the White House."

Know of any others?  Feel free to leave them in the comments section.