Analysis by Colleen Gundersen * Barak Obama: Declaration of LGBT Pride Month

* Speaker * President Barak Obama

* About Obama * Barak Obama was born on August 24 th, 1961 in Honolulu Hawaii * He served for three terms in the 13 th District of the Illinois Senate from 1997 to 2004 * In 2000, he ran for the U.S. House of Representatives, but was defeated * He is the forty-fourth president * He is the first African American president * He was elected for two presidential terms

* Occasion * May 30 th, 2014 * During a Pride event * The city of Washington D.C.; broadcasted nationally from a press conference * Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act * Despite this, members of the LGBT+ community were still being discriminated against * Included persecution, arrest, or state-sponsored execution “As progress spreads from State to State, as justice is delivered in the courtroom, and as more of our fellow Americans are treated with dignity and respect – our Nation becomes not only more accepting, but more equal as well. During Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, we celebrate victories that have affirmed freedom and fairness, and we recommit ourselves to completing the work that remains.”

* Audience * Whom he is speaking to: * The general American public * “Last year, supporters of equality celebrated the Supreme Court's decision to strike down a key provision of the Defense of Marriage Act, a ruling which, at long last, gave loving, committed families the respect and legal protections they deserve. In keeping with this decision, my Administration is extending family and spousal benefits -- from immigration benefits to military family benefits -- to legally married same-sex couples.” * Direct Address: * Anyone specifically who discriminates against anyone who is LGBT+ * Persecution was still occurring despite the efforts of allies and the government. * “My Administration proudly stands alongside all those who fight for LGBT rights. Here at home, we have strengthened laws against violence toward LGBT Americans, taken action to prevent bullying and harassment, and prohibited discrimination in housing and hospitals. Despite this progress, LGBT workers in too many States can be fired just because of their sexual orientation or gender identity; I continue to call on the Congress to correct this injustice by passing the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. And in the years ahead, we will remain dedicated to addressing health disparities within the LGBT community by implementing the Affordable Care Act and the National HIV/AIDS Strategy -- which focuses on improving care while decreasing HIV transmission rates among communities most at risk. Our commitment to advancing equality for the LGBT community extends far beyond our borders.”

* Repetitions * Repeated use of following words: * LGBT * Obama was emphasizing that LGBT citizens were now legally able to be treated with respect. * Equality * Obama is pointing out that same-sex couples deserve the same rights and respect that any straight person would get. * Community * This doesn’t necessarily count exclusively for the LGBT community. It establishes that anyone who is part of the LGBT community counts as a citizen of the American community as a whole.

* Purpose * Primary Goal: * Bringing visibility to sexuality minorities * Raising awareness of legal and personal issues * Counting as matters of not being able to marry, bullying, etc. * Minor Goal: to help LGBT couples in being treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

* Subject * Laws granting public safety of LGBT individuals * Specifically: * Acceptance of same-sex couples * Equal social and civil rights for LBGT individuals compared with heterosexuals * Protection from violence * Prohibiting of discrimination in housing, businesses, and hospitals

* Tone * Obama’s words and attitude show his attempt to help bring people together * Proud of the nations progress towards equality * “Last year, supporters of equality celebrated the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down a key provision of the Defense of Marriage Act, a ruling which, at long last, gave loving, committed families the respect and legal protections they deserve.” * Allowed homosexual couples the same rights as heterosexuals. Did NOT diminish heterosexual couple’s rights

* Ethos * Automatic ethos * Connected authorities who worked alongside him * References to the Supreme Court and the presidential Administration providing credibility - “Last year, supporters of equality celebrated the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down a key provision in the Defense of Marriage Act…” - “My Administration proudly stands alongside all those who fight for LGBT rights.”

* Pathos * Appeals to audience: * “I call upon the people of the United States to eliminate prejudice everywhere it exists, and to celebrate the great diversity of the American people.” * Includes himself in a statement, and helps people see LGBT citizens as part of the community: * “The United states call on every nation to join us in defending the universal human rights of our LGBT brothers and sisters.” * Assures that laws may change with the efforts of the audience: * “Following their example, let each of us speak for tolerance, justice, and dignity – because if hearts and minds continue to change over time, laws will too.”

* Logos * Points out that there is still prejudice in workplaces: * “Despite this progress, LGBT workers in too many states can be fired just because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.” * States more severe punishments enforced internationally * “In many places around the globe, LGBT people face persecution, arrest, or even state- sponsored execution”

* Conclusion * Obama’s speech was effective * Protection is being enforced * Partnership is being recognized * Same-sex marriage is now legal all over the United State, as well as other regions of the world * Pride events are celebrated by people of all ages