Biden to receive LGBTQ+ award, deliver rare post-presidency speech

Former President Biden will receive the Chris Abele Impact Award at the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute’s Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C., on Friday, and deliver a rare post-presidency speech.

The award for Biden follows "what LGBTQ+ advocates widely view as the most inclusive administration in U.S. history," as the former president had appointed the most LGBTQ+ officials, restored transgender military service, and reinstated and expanded federal protections, The Advocate reported.

“President Biden has shown unwavering commitment to ensuring LGBTQ+ people can participate fully and openly in our democracy," Victory Institute President and CEO Evan Low said in announcing the award.

The institute’s board also noted Biden’s “historic leadership on LGBTQ+ equality.”

The conference this weekend will include Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey (D); Maine Gov. Janet Mills (D), who is running for U.S. Senate; Mary Trump, President Trump’s niece; and Stuart Milk, the nephew of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California.

Low told The Advocate that Biden’s recognition comes amid LGBTQ+ inclusion at the highest levels of government, under both Democratic and Republican administrations.

“We’ve reached a pivotal moment in American history,” Low said. “It is in the best interest of any administration to ensure LGBTQ voices are present at the highest levels.”