feature: obama named “ally of the year” by out magazine + first sitting president to be photographed for the cover of an lgbt title

Check out the latest cover star of Out! President Obama, named by the magazine as “Ally of the Year”, covers Out’s new issue (the annual issue dedicated to the 100 most influential people in the LGBT community) – the first sitting president to appear on an LGBT title. Aaron Hicklin, Out’s editor-in-chief, writes: “This is the first time a sitting president has been photographed for the cover of an LGBT title […] a historic moment in itself, and a statement on how much his administration has done to advance a singularly volatile issue that tarnished the reputations of both President Clinton and President Bush.” Hicklin adds, “A president who came to office on a wave of euphoria, appeared to lose momentum halfway through, and has since rallied, helping us secure marriage equality, among other landmark initiatives that are transforming our place in America.” Speaking to Out, Obama said: “Part of being American is having a responsibility to stand up for freedom — not just our own freedom, but for everybody’s freedom.”  

By Alexander Aplerku, AFROPUNK Contributor

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(Photos by Ryan Pfluger)