Former U.S. President Joe Biden received a standing ovation as he rallied the LGBTQ+ community to resist what he described as efforts by former President Donald Trump to demonize them. The event took place on Friday at the annual International LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C.
A Call to Action and a Warning
In a passionate 15-minute speech, Biden's central message was one of defiance and resilience. "This is no time to give up. Get up. Get up and fight back. Get up!" he urged the audience. He framed the current political struggle as a fundamental defense of American values, stating, "What's the fight all about? It's about protecting the Constitution!"
Biden was at the conference to accept an award from the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, recognizing his legacy on LGBTQ+ policy and the historic number of LGBTQ+ officials he appointed during his administration. His attendance marked a first, as no former U.S. president had ever attended this specific event.
Reflecting on Legacy and Confronting Attacks
The former president reflected on his long history with the community, including his 2012 announcement on NBC's "Meet the Press" supporting same-sex marriage—a move that preceded President Barack Obama's public support. "I got myself in a bit of trouble," Biden recalled. "But, good trouble."
His remarks then turned sharply to his successor. Biden accused Donald Trump of trying to "distort and derail our fight for equality" and turn it into "something scary, something sinister." He specifically called out Trump's targeting of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and transgender people. "This administration is trying to use those issues as a wedge to further divide the country," Biden asserted.
An Emotional Moment for Attendees
The speech resonated deeply in the room, with several attendees moved to tears. One person seated near reporters was overheard saying, "This is what we lost," a likely reference to Biden's exit from the White House after the tumultuous 2024 Democratic campaign and Trump's subsequent election victory.
Biden also directed a heartfelt message to young LGBTQ+ individuals who may feel isolated. "There are young people sitting home alone as I speak... wondering... whether they'll ever be loved, will ever marry, will ever have a family," he said. His advice was simple: "Just be you. You are loved. You're heard. You belong, you belong, you belong."
Before departing, Biden asked every LGBTQ+ elected official in the room of hundreds to stand and be recognized. "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you," he told them. "Think of what you've done." His appearance served as both a celebration of past progress and a stark warning about the political battles ahead.
