Clinton knocks Trump on LGBT rights
Hillary Clinton jabbed at President Trump’s record on LGBT rights, warning Thursday, “We may not ever be able to count on this administration to lead on LGBT issues.”
Clinton was receiving an award at a fundraiser for The Center, an LGBT community center in New York City, where she made the critical remarks. After losing the race for the presidency in November, Clinton initially avoided publicly criticizing her former opponent. However, after recently declaring she was “ready to come out of the woods,” the former secretary of state has been increasingly vocal in speaking out against the White House.
During her address, Clinton listed specific examples of Trump administration moves she said threatened “the progress that we fought for, that many of you were on the frontllines for.”
“When this administration rescinded protections for transgender students, my heart broke,” Clinton said, then pivoted to Trump’s proposed budget. “When I learned about the proposed cuts in funding for HIV and AIDS research, I thought about all our efforts to try and achieve an AIDS-free generation.”
“Some of the changes that we’re seeing should seem small, but they matter a great deal if you’re the person affected,” she continued. “Others carry historic significance, like the future of the Supreme Court.”
Clinton ran on a decidedly pro-gay rights platform in 2016, though she was criticized for her previous stances on some issues, such as her opposition to same-sex marriage.
As secretary of state, Clinton proclaimed, “Gay rights are human rights, and human rights are gay rights,” repurposing a famous line from her time as first lady. In a quieter but still significant move, she also approved a measure that allowed transgender people to change the gender listed on their passport with a doctor’s note.
“I know the election hit a lot of us hard,” Clinton told the audience Thursday. “I can tell you this: Even when it feels tempting to pull the covers over your heads, please keep going.”
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