Obama Speaks at LGBT Pride Reception at the White House: VIDEO

Here's video of Obama's LGBT Pride speech at the reception today at the White House, which appears to have been well recorded on hundreds of iPhones.

Video, and full transcript, AFTER THE JUMP...

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AT LGBT PRIDE MONTH RECEPTION
 
East Room
 
5:16 P.M. EDT
 
 
     THE PRESIDENT:  Hello, hello, hello!  (Applause.)  Thank you.  Thank you, everybody.  Thank you so much.  Well, thank you very much.
 
Well, welcome to the White House, everybody.  (Applause.)  We are glad all of you could join us today.  I want to thank the members of Congress and the members of my administration who are here, including our friends who are doing outstanding work every day -- John Berry, Nancy Sutley, Fred Hochberg.  (Applause.) 
 
Now, each June since I took office, we have gathered to pay tribute to the generations of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans who devoted their lives to our most basic of ideals –- equality not just for some, but for all.  Together we’ve marked major milestones like the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, when a group of brave citizens held their ground against brutal discrimination.  Together, we’ve honored courageous pioneers who, decades ago, came out and spoke out; who challenged unjust laws and destructive prejudices.  Together, we’ve stood resolute; unwavering in our commitment to advance this movement and to build a more perfect union.
 
Now, I’ve said before that I would never counsel patience; that it wasn’t right to tell you to be patient any more than it was right for others to tell women to be patient a century ago, or African Americans to be patient a half century ago.  After decades of inaction and indifference, you have every reason and right to push, loudly and forcefully, for equality.  (Applause.)
 
But three years ago, I also promised you this: I said that even if it took more time than we would like, we would see progress, we would see success, we would see real and lasting change.  And together, that’s what we’re witnessing. 
 
For every person who lost a loved one at the hand of hate, we ended a decade of delay and finally made the Matthew Shepard Act the land of the law.  (Applause.)  For every person with HIV who was treated like an outcast, we lifted the HIV entry ban.  (Applause.)  And because of that important step, next month, for the first time in more than two decades, the International AIDS conference will be held right here in the United States.  (Applause.)
 
For every American diagnosed with HIV who couldn’t get access to treatment, we put forward a National HIV/AIDS strategy -- because who you are should never affect whether you get life-extending care.  Marjorie Hill, the head of the Gay Men’s Health Crisis, is here.  (Applause.)  GMHC has saved so many lives, and this year they are celebrating their 30th anniversary.  So I want to give them and all these organizations who work to prevent and treat HIV a big round of applause.  Give it up for Marjorie and everybody else.  (Applause.)
 
For every partner or spouse denied the chance to comfort a loved one in the hospital, to be by their side at their greatest hour of need, we said, enough.  Hospitals that accept Medicare or Medicaid -– and that is most of them -– now have to treat LGBT patients just like any other patient.  For every American denied insurance just for being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, we passed health insurance reform, which will ban that kind of discrimination.  (Applause.)
 
We’ve expanded benefits for same-sex partners of federal employees, prohibited discrimination on the basis of gender identity for workers in the federal government.  (Applause.)  We’ve supported efforts in Congress to end the so-called Defense of Marriage Act.  (Applause.)  And as we wait for that law to be cast aside, we’ve stopped defending its constitutionality in the courts.  (Applause.)
 
We’ve put forward a strategy to promote and protect the rights of LGBT communities all over the world, because, as Secretary Clinton said back in December, gay rights are human rights.  (Applause.)
 
And, of course, last year we finally put an end to “don’t ask, don’t tell” -- (applause) -- so that nobody would ever have to ever again hide who they love in order to serve the country they love.  And I know we've got some military members who are here today.  (Applause.)  I'm happy to see you with your partners here.  We thank you for your service.  We thank your families for their service, and we share your joy at being able to come with your spouses or partners here to the White House with your Commander-in-Chief.  (Applause.)
 
Now, we know we've got more to do.  Americans may feel more comfortable bringing their partners to the office barbecue -- (laughter) -- but we're still waiting for a fully inclusive employment non-discrimination act.  (Applause.)  Congress needs to pass that legislation, so that no American is ever fired simply for being gay or transgender.
 
Americans may be able serve openly in the military, but many are still growing up alone and afraid; picked on, pushed around for being different.  And that’s why my administration has worked to raise awareness about bullying.  And I know -- I just had a chance to see Lee Hirsch, the director of BULLY, who is here.  And we thank him for his work on this issue.  (Applause.)

I want to acknowledge all the young leaders here today who are making such a big difference in their classrooms and in their communities.  And Americans may be still evolving when it comes to marriage equality -- (laughter and applause) -- but as I've indicated personally, Michelle and I have made up our minds on this issue.  (Applause.)
 
So we still have a long way to go, but we will get there.  We'll get there because of all of you.  We’ll get there because of all of the ordinary Americans who every day show extraordinary courage.  We’ll get there because of every man and woman and activist and ally who is moving us forward by the force of their moral arguments, but more importantly, by the force of their example.
 
And as long as I have the privilege of being your President, I promise you, you won't just have a friend in the White House, you will have a fellow advocate -- (applause) -- for an America where no matter what you look like or where you come from or who you love, you can dream big dreams and dream as openly as you want.
 
Thank you.  God bless you.  God bless America.  (Applause.)

The OXD Mirror: New Music for 6.15.12

BY OCCUPY THE DISCO / RU BHATT

The OXD Mirror is a weekly music column brought to you by the boys of OCCUPY THE DISCO (OXD), a New York City based movement created by three music lovers, Ru Bhatt, Josh Appelbaum, and Tadeu Magalhães, who want to share their love for disco, house and dance music with the world. 

 

Florrie - To the End

Florrie, a UK based model/drummer/singer/songwriter has been wowing us since 2010's 'Call 911' which was reworked by the disco mastermind Fred Falke. The remix was such a hit that Falke teamed up with the pop starlet and produced a few more tracks including last year's favorite 'I Took A Little Something.' After a series of EPs, Florrie is back with her final independent release, Late, which features four disco-influenced gems that are quite different from anything she's done before. The EP’s final track, aptly titled 'In The End’ is a clear standout. Though it starts soft, Florrie takes you on a piano-laden journey while she beckons, "I will only give you happiness," as the song quickly escalates to an epic level that remains rooted to the dancefloor.

 

Van She - Jamaica

The Sydney-based electro-pop band known as Van She hit the music scene back in 2008 with their first album, V, which helped shape the so-called “new rave” scene alongside with bands like Klaxons and New Young Pony Club.  Their sound is influenced by 80s new-wave, electro and also incorporates elements of rock; this created a very accessible pop music style that was embraced by younger crowds around the world almost immediately. 'Jamaica,' the second single off their new album, Idea of Happiness, brings their sound to a tropical level with echoes of steel drums that create the perfect summer track.

 

Citizens! - True Romance (Gigamesh Remix)

Citizens!, a pop act hailing from the UK, hit the scene earlier this year with 'True Romance,' their debut single produced by Franz Ferdinand & Alex Kapranos. The song's cheerful melodies rise amongst synths as vocalist Tom Burke chants flirtatious lyrics that are bound make the lovers happy. Gigamesh, the alter-ego of American producer Matt Masurka, brings an almost effervescent feel to the infectious song with his signature sound. Both artists are signed to French label Kitsuné, which is known for their unearthing similar electro, synth-pop and nu disco artists. Gigamesh recently released his second EP, All My Life, which includes the popular dance track  'Your Body'. Citizens! full length album, Here We Are, is available now.

MORE NEW TRACKS, AFTER THE JUMP...

Hot Chip - Flutes

Hot Chip released their fifth studio album, In Our Heads, earlier this week, experimenting with a sound the band has self-described as 'ecstatic." Hot Chip fans are accustomed to Alexis Taylor and Joe Goddard's haunting vocals peppered over the band's signature electronic spacey beats on tracks like ‘Over and Over,’ and ‘I Feel Better.' The precursor to 'Night and Day,' their latest single, is 'Flutes,' an epic, almost hallucinatory, percussive track that tells the sad tale of a heart left tattered by uncertainty. 

 

The Rapture - In the Grace of Your Love (Poolside Remix)

Though the New York City based band known as The Rapture has been around for years, they only caught my attention last year with their gospel-disco (how's that for a genre?) tune, 'How Deep Is Your Love?' The song has been remixed by many OXD favorites such as Buffetlibre and Cassian, which only adds to its staying power. The band has punk and electro roots that have evolved and changed with each new album but what hasn't changed is their ability to showcase lead singer Luke Jenner's unique voice that commands attention upon listening. it's no different on the track, 'In The Grace of Your Love,' from their new album of the same name. Danish producer Filip Nikolic and Jeffrey Paradise(who formerly was in a hardcore band called The Calculators with Jenner from The Rapture) have formed Poolside Music, a California based duo that cite "mezcal, good food, dancing, and wine" as inspirations for their Daytime Disco sound. On this track they've given a quirky drum laden pop tune the lounge treatment thereby creating a languid, lazy beat that drifts effortlessly among Jenner's amazing vocals.

 

Little Boots - Headphones (Dimitri From Paris Remix)

At the risk of being redundant (we have featured both Little Boots and Dimitri from Paris in previous OXD Mirrors) when this track hit the airwaves I knew I would be remiss not to include it. Dimitri from Paris once again proves his ability to inject a lot of fun into the track with his infectious 80s influenced sound. He certainly succeeds as one can't help but dance and sing along with the somewhat silly, "La la la" chorus. 

 

Cyndi Lauper - Sex is in the Heels (Honey Dijon Main Vox EFX Remix)

NYC nightlife staple and OXD Icon, Honey Dijon, has unleashed her first ever commercial remix where she brings none other than Cyndi Lauper to the underground with her remix of on Lauper's newest single, 'Sex is in The Heels.' The song was originally written for the Kinky Boots musical, and will be released as a single in November. Dijon lends her signature sound to Lauper's ode to a girl's favorite accesory, her heels, thereby creating a veritable house anthem. 

 

OCCUPY THE DISCO (OXD) curates and recommends music events to the gay community in NYC—in an effort to move the focus of the nightlife scene beyond the promoter and venue and to the music itself. OXD's goal is to educate, entertain, engage and empower the gay audience to reclaim their ability to question and experience the unknown. The OXD Mirror will serve to showcase tunes that are definitely off-the-beaten-path but rightfully deserve the attention of the gay ear. It's music that will make you dance, dream, and most importantly, love.

This week's post was written and curated by Ru Bhatt. Check out more of his music picks on his podcast, The Ru-Mix.

For more information on OXD, check out our website and accompanying blog at www.occupythedisco.com, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter: @OccupyTheDisco.

Towleroad Guide to the Tube #1146

BRYAN FISCHER: You can't reason with gays because God has given them over to depraved minds.

PERFECT HOLIDAY: Stop-motion surf safari.

MYA AND HER MOMS: The first episode in a new series.

IT GETS BETTER: Broadway sings for Pride and TADA!'s Resident Youth Ensemble.

For recent Guides to the Tube, click HERE.

Obama Reprimands 'Daily Caller' Creep for Heckling Behavior in Rose Garden: VIDEO

President Obama announced his new immigration rules today regarding halting deportations of young DREAM Act-eligible immigrants and in the process was questioned/heckled by Neil Munro, a reporter from Tucker Carlson's conservative rag The Daily Caller.

Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...

CNN:

At one point after the President addressed him directly, Munro called out, "What about American workers who are unemployed while you employ foreigners?"

"Excuse me sir, it is not the right time for questions sir," Obama said as Munro shouted questions. "Not while I'm speaking."

"The next time I prefer you let me finish my statements before you ask your question," Obama said later in his remarks. "I didn't ask for an argument, I'm answering your question."

News: Corgi, Kevin Sessums, Lunch, James Marsden, Apple I

AP: 5 reasons gay marriage losing streak may be over.

Kevin Sessums delivered the keynote address at the Stop the Violence: LGBT Rights Are Human Rights conference in Tirana, Albania, the first U.S.-government-sponsored LGBT-rights conference ever held on foreign soil. Here's an excerpt, and here's Kevin's full address.

Brian Brown: The big Mo for marriage. He said it, not us.

Corgi Rae Jepsen barks 'Call Me Maybe': Yes, it's just what it sounds like.

Police question 14-year-old in drowning death of 40-year-old gay man in canal in Manchester's gay village. "A post mortem examination concluded he had drowned and revealed he had no physical injuries on his body. However, officers have said they cannot rule out that he was pushed into the water because of a series of violent incidents over the Jubilee weekend, when it is believed Mr Brass ended up in the water after a night out."

Don't bite into a pregnant squid.

Hi Tops: San Francisco gets first gay sports bar. "Hi Tops will be playing a variety of games on multiple TVs throughout the year, and be a dedicated sports bar in the vein of Gym in New York or Nellie's in D.C. And if there isn't a notable game on, there'll be some good, non-dancey music playing and a comfortable vibe, promises Woodward."

Happy birthday, Neil Patrick Harris!

VIDEO: Drake and Chris Brown involved in bar brawl.

School blocks 9-year-old from exposing its unhealthy lunch menu via her blog: "Martha Payne, from Argyll, started the blog at the end of April, initially as a writing project with her father. With the permission of teachers she photographed lunches as they arrived on their white plastic trays and gave the contents – generally meagre, often fried – marks out of 10 on a 'Food-o-meter' scale for how healthy they were and whether or not she found any stray hairs."

Ice castles.

Cheyenne Jackson's role in Liberace biopic a mystery: "I'm not allowed to say who I'm (playing) but it's pretty exciting."

MI lawmaker banned from speaking on the floor of the state house for saying the word 'vagina'.

James Marsden shows off his buff bod in Hawaii.

Lady Gaga launches black fragrance: "Despite the black juice, it sprays clear and becomes invisible once airborne thanks to some patent pending fluid technology, exclusively launched with the fragrance. The bottle was designed in collaboration with Nick Knight..."

Rare Apple I computer sells for $375,000 at auction: "The price was more than double Sotheby's high estimate and sets a new record for the collector's item...Only about 200 Apple 1s were ever created. The computers were hand-built by Apple's co-founder Steve Wozniak and originally sold for $666.66 (£426) as a fully assembled circuit board."

Molecules similar to Amino Acids (the building blocks of life) detected in lakes on Saturn's moon Titan.

Breast milk: HIV killer?

Obama fundraises at Sarah Jessica Parker's NYC West Village home: "Parker introduced Obama at the event, giving him a hug and kiss and saying those in attendance were gathered 'hopefully, with enormous enthusiasm.' She also called First Lady Michelle Obama 'radiant and extraordinary' and said she had been doing 'amazingly important things these last four years.'"

Adam Kokesh Has a Few Thoughts on the NFL and Gay Players: VIDEO

Self-described "Libertarian propagandist" and anti-war activist and Iraq veteran-turned-radio host Adam Kokesh sounded off this week on the NFL and its "artifical paragon of masculinity" that won't provide an environment in which a player can comfortably come out of the closet.

Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...