Ever since 1933 with the ratification of the 20th amendment, each presidential and vice-presidential term of office has ended at noon, January 20th. Though the president and the vice president were already officially sworn in on the 20th, the inaugural celebration took place on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 21st.

In terms of the LGBTQ community, their presence and part of the inauguration was undeniably an extraordinary moment in history. As noted by articles put out by Politico, the Advocate, and the Huffington Post, this inauguration marks the first-ever use of the word “gay” at the presidential celebration: “It is now our generation’s task to carry on what those pioneers began, for our journey is not complete until our wives, our mothers, and daughters can earn a living equal to their efforts. Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law; for if we are truly creating equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well.”

This push for gender and marriage equality has been noticed by many and has resounded throughout the Internet, through word of mouth, and of course through various forms of media, garnering vast multitudes of praise. The same attention has also been given to Obama’s mention of “Seneca Falls, and Selma, and Stonewall”, invoking their importance for reflection as the community steps forward.

Reverend Luis Leon, who delivered the benediction, was also praised for his inclusive prayer. “We pray for your blessing because without it, we will see only what the eye can see. But with the blessing of your blessing we will see that we are created in your image, whether brown, black or white, male or female, first generation or immigrant American, or daughter of the American Revolution, gay or straight, rich or poor.”

Richard Blanco was also praised for his performance and appearance as the first gay man to be selected to deliver the inaugural poem.

SOURCES:
http://www.politico.com/story/2013/01/first-inaugural-use-of-the-word-gay-86499.html
http://www.advocate.com/politics/2013/01/21/obama-sounds-historically-lgbt-inclusive-message-inauguration-speech
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/21/obama-inauguration-speech-stonewall-gays_n_2520962.html