Obama First to Address Transgender, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Issues As Bruce Jenner Tackles LGBT Rumors [Video]

President Obama has become the first president in history to refer to lesbian, bisexual, and transgender issues in a State of the Union address. As a result, the gay community is praising him for his game-changing comments, reported the Washington Times.

“President Obama’s public recognition of transgender people in his State of the Union address was historic,” asserted Masen Davis, executive director at the Transgender Law Center.

Davis emphasized that the reference might seem minor. But for those battling for gay acceptance, it was a sea change.

“While it seems like a simple thing — saying the word ‘transgender’ in a speech — President Obama’s statement represents significant progress for transgender people and the movement towards equality for all,” declared Davis.

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In his State of the Union address, Obama addressed the issue of free speech and human rights.

As Americans, we respect human dignity, even when we’re threatened … that’s why we defend free speech, and advocate for political prisoners, and condemn the persecution of women, or religious minorities, or people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.

GLAAD also lauded the President for his historical commentary.

Any State of the Union speech is historic, but tonight, we were able to witness history in the making. For LGBT people, hearing themselves and some of their issues named, makes this speech one that sets an agenda to create even more LGBT history and further LGBT equality.”

When it comes to LGBT news issues, Bruce Jenner has become the center of a controversy regarding just how far tabloids go when it comes to addressing celebrity rumors.

As the Inquisitr reported, InTouch concocted a cover featuring a photoshopped-Bruce Jenner in makeup and women’s clothes, with the headline “My Life as a Woman.” GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis addressed both that specific item and the general media coverage of Jenner in a statement.

“This nonsense has to end. Speculating about a person’s gender identity only inflames the invasive and gross scrutiny that transgender people face every day at school, at work, or even when just walking down the street. It’s long past time that media outlets stop gossiping about Bruce Jenner’s gender.”

Bruce plans to address the rumors in an upcoming episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians, reported the Daily Mail. A source revealed his decision, noting that his ex-wife Kris Jenner will be there to support him.

“[Bruce] was upset by InTouch’s story. Bruce and Kris address his changing appearance in a scene they shot together. It will be a plotline.

“His family has been pushing him to make a statement. It’s a serious subject.”

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As the Inquisitr pointed out, Bruce’s sons Brandon and Brody Jenner have also supported their father. Both boys were irate with the publication and stated that they empathize with the LGBT community.

“The magazine cover didn’t come as a surprise to the brothers, but they both feel it’s very insensitive to the LGBT community. Both Brandon and Brody are both very strong supporters of LGBT people. They’re standing by their dad through this.”

[Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images]