The Lesbian and Gay Band Association performs “Tonight” from West Side Story and “The Edge of Glory” by Lady Gaga for President Obama during his second Inaugural Parade. LGBA is made up of members of LGBT bands from 27 states and DC. In 2009, the band made history as the first ever LGBT group to be invited to participate in an inaugural parade, and this year it was the parade’s second-largest contingent, with 215 members.
LGBA’s inclusion took on additional significance in light of President Obama’s second inaugural address, in which he invoked the historic Stonewall riots and declared, “Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law”—the first time the word “gay” has ever been used in an inauguration speech.
LGBA artistic director Marita Begley told the New York Times, “This is a parade that’s a tapestry of all the things that make up this country. It feels like the president is saying, ‘These people are Americans, welcome to the table.’ ”
“It’s really good to be here,” she said, “as full citizens.”
(Video.)
OMG I’m a GIF.
