WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden welcomed hundreds to the White House for a Pride Month celebration. The event was aimed at showing LGBTQ+ people that his administration has their back at a time when advocates are warning of a spike in discriminatory legislation, particularly aimed at the transgender community, sweeping through statehouses.
Kansas Senator Roger Marshall was critical of the administration's flag display at the event. On social media he wrote, "This is a disgrace. Not only is it in breach of US Flag Code, but it’s a glaring example of this White Houses’ incompetence and insistence on putting their social agenda ahead of patriotism."
(Click to watch a replay of the party)
During the party, President Biden said, "I want to send a message to the entire community — especially to transgender children: You are loved. You are heard. You're understood. And you belong.”
Pride Month is being celebrated this year as state lawmakers have introduced at least 525 bills and enacted 78 bills that whittle away at LGBTQ+ rights, according to the Human Rights Campaign, a group that advocates for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer rights.