Social media personality Woah Vicky angered many after labeling former President Barack Obama the “worst president.” She made that comment because he was the first to openly come out for same-sex marriage. Her controversial statement has fans, as well as LGBTQ+ advocates and allies, coming out against her.
Obama’s stance on same-sex marriage evolved: first, he was only for civil unions; then he became a strong supporter of same-sex marriage. He came out for same-sex marriage in 2012, and that really opened the doors for it to be legal everywhere. Also, his administration repealed the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy barring LGBTQ+ people from serving openly in the military.
Woah Vicky explains why she said Barack Obama was the worst president: “Because he made gay marriage legal” PIC.TWITTER.COM/EOLLAGZQAA
— SAY CHEESE! 👄🧀 (@SaycheeseDGTL) JULY 27, 2024
However, in 2012, Obama dramatically announced the public endorsement of same-sex marriage. This was no longer a personal shift but a big moment for LGBTQ+ rights in America. Expressly, Obama explained that this change of heart resulted from his personal reflections and conversations he held with friends, family members, and colleagues. According to him, same-sex couples have a right to marry just like heterosexuals since their level of love and commitment is at par.
Another very important accomplishment of Obama’s presidency was the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. It was signed into law in 1993 by President Bill Clinton and essentially prohibited openly LGBTQ+ individuals from serving in the United States military. Due to the presidency of Obama, it was repealed in 2010, which allowed LGBTQ+ individuals to serve openly without a threat of discharge based upon sexual orientation. This was a very important repeal to make the world more equal; therefore LGBTQ+ advocates and allies celebrated.
Obama’s support for gay marriage and the abolition of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” were part of initiatives taken for equality and civil rights more broadly. Criticisms over such actions were primarily reserved within the circles of the conservatives. Based on critics, it is said that Obama’s policies are favorably divisive and have derogated American traditional values. This critique resonates in Woah Vicky’s statement, indicating a lengthening political and cultural debate concerning Obama’s lasting legacy.
Woah Vicky’s comments fall within that part of the conservative opinion which finds Obama’s presidency to be problematic. Indeed, quite oftentimes, these very critics do cite his support for LGBTQ+ rights as one among other such policies targeting his so-called divisive agenda that goes against traditional values.
Probably very few presidencies, like that of Barack Obama, are remembered by landmark achievements in the domain of LGBTQ+ rights. People remember his changing stance on gay marriage and the abolition of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” military policy as a step toward real equality and justice. These policies, despite all criticism, have left their mark on American society and continue to be highly praised by every advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
