Today, former US president Joe Biden will receive the Chris Abele Impact Award at the 41st International LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C., in recognition of his decades-long advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and what supporters call the most inclusive presidential administration in US history. The award comes as more than 700 elected officials, advocates and human-rights leaders gather for three days of meetings, skill‑building and strategy sessions organised by the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute.
The Victory Institute says Biden is being honoured for a string of administration actions widely praised by LGBTQ+ advocates: reinstating and expanding federal anti‑discrimination protections, restoring transgender military service, and appointing a record number of openly LGBTQ+ officials.
The conference programme lists Biden as delivering remarks, underscoring the event’s role in acknowledging leaders who have championed LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Evan Low, CEO of the Victory Institute, said the award recognises Biden’s 'unwavering commitment to ensuring LGBTQ+ people can participate fully and openly in our democracy.' He framed the moment as one of 'urgency and hope', noting that while attacks on LGBTQ+ communities , particularly trans people , have intensified, political engagement and candidate interest are also rising. Source: Noah Wire Services