WASHINGTON, D.C. - June 9, 2010 - Dr. Rajiv Shah, USAID Administrator, made the following statement on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month:

As the Administrator of USAID, I am pleased to join President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in recognizing the month of June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, and to express my deep appreciation to our LGBT employees for the vital work they do in furthering USAID's mission throughout the developing world.

As the Secretary has said: "Though the road to full equality for LGBT Americans is long, the example set by those fighting for equal rights in the United States gives hope to men and women around the world who yearn for a better future for themselves and their loved ones." I couldn't agree more and I truly believe that the diversity of our staff at USAID makes us more effective as an international development agency. It is our collective duty as development professionals and global citizens to ensure that we reflect the values of democracy, human well-being, and inclusion. In fact, we are stronger and more successful with a workforce that mirrors the diversity of our nation.

On behalf of the Agency and the Executive Diversity Council, I invite all employees to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of all our employees regardless of their differences, including sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. In particular, I encourage you to visit the website of our officially recognized LGBT employee resource group, GLIFAA (Gays and Lesbians in Foreign Affairs Agencies) for a calendar of events celebrating LGBT Pride Month.

Rajiv Shah
Administrator