United States President Barack Obama gave the State of the Union address Tuesday to report on the state of the nation and to outline his agenda and plan for national priorities. Praising citizens for the highest graduation levels in three decades, Obama mentioned many changes and brought up issues never before discussed in the State of the Union address. For the first time in U.S. history, the LGBT community, transgendered persons in particular, was acknowledged in the Union address. 

Obama shared his belief that recognizing gay marriage as a civil right is necessary.

“I’ve seen something like gay marriage go from a wedge issue used to drive us apart to a story of freedom across our country, a civil right now legal in states that seven in 10 Americans call home,” he said. “So I know the good and optimistic and big-hearted generosity of the American people who, every day, live the idea that we are our brother’s keeper and our sister’s keeper. And I know they expect those of us who serve here to set a better example.” 

Many members and allies of the Starkville LGBT community were proud to be recognized by such a high-ranking member of the country.

Michael Waldrop, senior political science major, said he was proud to be supported in his fight for equality, and Obama presented a key component to equalizing citizens with his recognition and support.

“I’m proud that as I was debating the worth of LGBT citizens to our local government, the  president was acknowledging the dignity of all LGBT persons,” Waldrop said.

This year, over 30 states have legalized same-sex marriage. Christopher Little, lecturer of Spanish at Mississippi State University, said being recognized by such an important political figure is a major step for equality in the U.S.

“I think   him mentioning the LGBT by name in his address has the same significance as when he declared his support for same-sex marriage several years ago. It shows that at the highest level of the government, there is recognition of the fact that we are valid members of society and that we have a dignity and worth as such, which is not insignificant with all the attempts nationally to proclaim and legislate otherwise,” he said. “It’s one thing for me or you to say it, but from the highest office in the country, it speaks volumes about the progress we have made and hopefully the direction we will continue to go.”