First Lady Pool Reports of June 26, 2024

Flotus pool report #1

The first lady and first daughter Ashley Biden took the podium at the White House's Pride Month Celebration at 6:26pm. The event and the pair's remarks were streamed here: https://www.youtube.com/live/GEmhWOIYUHw?si=9VSlwgL3wX7NbSEs

Ashley Biden spoke first, talking about the "unconditional love" her parents gave her and her work now as a social worker.

"My dad has built the most pro-equality administration in history," Ashley Biden said.

Ashley Biden introduced the First lady, who began speaking at 6:30pm.

"Looking out at all of you, I see America," the first lady said.

Flotus said that even as they celebrate, "this community is under attack."

"Many of you know that all too well and have come here from states that are passing laws targeting LGBTQ Americans," flotus said.

A chant of "four more years" from the audience broke out at one point.

"I love you, your president loves you. Thank you and happy pride." Flotus concluded at 6:39pm.

Actress and singer Deborah Cox was introduced at 6:43pm. The performance ended at 7:06pm and the first lady briefly took the podium again to thank everyone before exiting.

Pool was then escorted out at 7:08pm.

Hundreds of people were on the south lawn for the event. The south portico is decorated with rainbow colors and there is a rainbow ballon arch on the lawn. Pool saw Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg among those in attendance.

Ahead of the first lady's entrance, guests sipped lemonade and what one guest said was an orange cocktail. Pool spotted hot dogs, popcorn, chips and ice cream sandwiches among the food being served.

Guests appeared to be given paper fans that read "The White House" and "Pride Month Celebration" with a graphic of rainbow aviator sunglasses.

Background from the White House:

Reportable Background from the Office of the First Lady | June 26, 2024
Today, June 26th at 6:00 PM, First Lady Jill Biden will host a White House Pride Month celebration on the South Lawn to showcase the contributions of the LGBTQl+ community and highlight the Biden Administration's commitment to supporting and uplifting LGBTQI+ families. The First Lady will deliver remarks. Guests will enjoy a performance by award-winning singer and actress, Deborah Cox, and musical selections by DJ Trife. The event will be livestreamed at WhiteHouse.gov/live.
Speaking Program:

• Ashley Biden
• First Lady Jill Biden

Biden-Harris Administration Accomplishments for the LGBTQI+ Community.

Since Day One, President Biden has taken historic action to advance equality for the LGBTQI+ community by:

• Signing the Respect for Marriage Act, which protects the marriage of same-sex and interracial couples.
• Ending the ban on transgender Americans serving in the United States military.
• Signing Executive Orders strengthening civil rights protections for housing, employment, health care, education, and the justice system.
• Developing a national strategy to end the
  HIV epidemic in this country.
• Ending the disgraceful practice of banning gay and bisexual men from donating blood.

Today, President Biden announced new clemency action for LGBTQl+ former service members who were forced out of the military because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Background on White House Pride Month
Celebration
This year's Pride Month Celebration takes place on Equality Day, which marks the anniversary of three landmark Supreme Court cases which were consequential in affirming the basic truth that every American should have the right to marry the person they love.