Joe Biden accepts Stonewall Award recognising his support for LGBTQ+ rights
Concluding his speech at the 2026 Stonewall Awards, Biden left a challenge to the audience, calling for an opponent to come forward to tackle Donald Trump's administration
By Aaron Sugg
Former US president Joe Biden accepted a Stonewall Award recognising his support for LGBTQ+ rights at the Philadelphia Gay News (PGN) Stonewall Awards 2026.
State representative Malcolm Kenyatta introduced Biden and praised his record on LGBTQ+ rights, drawing attention to his stance on marriage equality, anti-discrimination legislation, and the appointment of LGBTQ+ cabinet members.
Under Biden’s presidency from 2021 to 2025, he appointed the first publicly gay Cabinet member, Pete Buttigieg, former Secretary of Transportation, and Rachel Levine, former assistant secretary for health, who was the first openly transgender person confirmed by the US Senate.
“There’s nothing more American than the fight for equality” – Joe Biden accepting his Stonewall Award
Speaking at yesterday’s event, Biden highlighted the importance of equality in the uncertain times LGBTQ+ people are living under Donald Trump‘s reign.
“There’s nothing more American than the fight for equality,” said Biden. “It’s a struggle as old as our country. America is the only country in the world built on an idea.”
He continued: “Every other country is built based on geography, religion or ethnicity, but America is built on an idea. The idea is that we’re all created equal.”
“You risked a hell of a lot” – Biden honouring those who fought for LGBTQ+ rights during the Stonewall Riots
Receiving applause from 150 LGBTQ+ leaders and allies in attendance at the 2026 Stonewall Awards, Biden honoured the historic acts of the 1969 Stonewall Riots.
“You risked a hell of a lot. You’re risking jobs, risking your family, and you’re really risking your very lives for the cause of equality,” he said.
Comparing the fraught moment in history to today’s political climate attacking LGBTQ+ rights across the globe, the former US president left a message to the young members of the community.
“You’re loved by more and more people every day” – Biden speaking to the young people of the LGBTQ+ community
“Right now, it’s no small part because of the vitriol of our national debate that young people staying home alone are so very scared to death… I want to say to all the young people, just be you, be who you are. You’re loved. You’re loved by more and more people every day.”
Last year, Biden was honoured with the Chris Abele Impact Award at the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute’s 41st International LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C.
The award recognised Biden’s administration as one of the most LGBTQ+-inclusive in US history, noting its award-winning achievements.
What has Biden done for LGBTQ+ rights in America?
Historically, before he became president in 2021, as Vice President to Barack Obama, Biden became one of the highest‑ranking US official at the time to publicly support same-sex marriage.
On his first day in office, Biden signed Executive Order 13988, which ruled “preventing and combating discrimination on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation”. President Trump has since rescinded the order.
He also lifted Trump’s 2017 ban on transgender individuals being drafted into the military, stating: “It shall be the policy of the United States to ensure that all transgender individuals who wish to serve in the United States military and can meet the appropriate standards shall be able to do so openly and free from discrimination.” Since, the now-president has issued Executive Order 14183, restoring the ban.
Concluding his speech at the 2026 Stonewall Awards, Biden left a challenge to the audience, calling for an opponent to come forward to tackle Trump’s administration.
“There’s gotta be at least one president in this room other than me coming up, okay? Keep it going, folks.”