LGBT Politics and Rights through the Obama Era: President Barack Obama’s Evolution on LGBT Issues

• Published in: Race in the Age of Obama: Part 2 Vol. 19; pp. 49 - 75
• Main Authors: Perry, Ravi K, McCormick, Joseph P
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Emerald Group Publishing Limited 01.01.2015
• Subjects: Race & Ethnic Studies; Sociology; policy responsiveness; government; LGBT politics; President Obama; civic universalism
• ISBN: 1783509821; 9781783509829
• ISSN: 0195-7449
• DOI: 10.1108/S0195-744920140000019003

Abstract Purpose To identify the Obama administration’s policy responsiveness to the (African) American LGBT communities. Methodology/approach Theory development and content analysis. Findings Civic universalism, as a theory, can explain President Obama’s evolution on his support for marriage rights for same-sex couples. Obama employed the concept of e pluribus unum in his many approaches to LGBT responsive politics. Research limitations To date, theoretical development within the social sciences of LGBT policy responsiveness is limited. Originality/value Very little is written on the subject of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered) politics in the 21st century. The study of the LGBT experience generally has been devoid of political variables because of a lack of attention toward LGBT issues, until recently, in national political party agendas. In this chapter, we review some of the contours of the LGBT community’s fight for political recognition in the United States as a precursor to the election and reelection of President Obama. Drawing parallels with presidential responsiveness toward Blacks in their quest for rights, we examine the Obama administration’s LGBT public policy initiatives as administrative policy and programs. We conclude by identifying new areas of research to explore on LGBT politics.