ExecutiveOrdersEO
Proc 10557ProclamationBiden · DCeremonial

Proclamation 10557

70th Anniversary of the Lavender Scare

This proclamation commemorates the 70th anniversary of the "Lavender Scare," when President Eisenhower's 1953 executive order banned LGBTQI+ Americans from federal employment. It acknowledges the historical injustice, honors activists who fought back, and calls on Americans to recognize the contributions of LGBTQI+ public servants while recommitting to equal rights.

Federal Register Open PDF 88 FR 26473

Impact dates

  1. 70th Anniversary of the Lavender Scare commemorative day proclaimed

Key directives

  • Proclaim April 27, 2023 as the 70th Anniversary of the Lavender Scare
  • Call upon government officials and people of the United States to honor contributions of LGBTQI+ public servants
  • Call upon government officials and people to recognize lives impacted by the Lavender Scare
  • Call upon government officials and people to celebrate diversity of American people

Timeline

Immediate

  • Proclamation of April 27, 2023 as commemorative day

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

—

Risks & tensions

  • Document references 'discriminatory laws that target them—especially transgender children' but does not specify which laws or direct specific federal action against them
  • Vague mandate to 'do all we can to write a new chapter' lacks concrete enforcement mechanism
Proclamation 10557: 70th Anniversary of the Lavender Scare · Executive Orders