Saturday, June 12, 2021 - 6:59 am POTSDAM — The Potsdam Town Board passed a resolution at its meeting June 8 endorsing President Biden’s 2021 Gay, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Pride Month Proclamation. The resolution also endorsed calls for support for the LGBTQ+ community and support for additional laws to enforce LGBTQ+ civil rights. On his first day in office Biden signed an executive order directing all federal agencies that enforce federal laws prohibiting sex discrimination to also prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) in areas including but not limited to employment, housing, health care, education, and credit. Since then he doubled down on the measure after proclaiming June 2021 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month. “Our Nation also continues to face tragic levels of violence against transgender people, especially transgender women of color. And we are still haunted by tragedies such as the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando. Ending violence and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community demands our continued focus and diligence. As President, I am committed to defending the rights of all LGBTQ+ individuals,” the president said in his proclamation. “During LGBTQ+ Pride Month, we recognize the resilience and determination of the many individuals who are fighting to live freely and authentically. In doing so, they are opening hearts and minds, and laying the foundation for a more just and equitable America. This Pride Month, we affirm our obligation to uphold the dignity of all people, and dedicate ourselves to protecting the most vulnerable among us.”