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Karin Jean-Pierre, the first openly gay White
House press secretary, welcomed the cast, saying it was
"incredibly important" for young people to see characters in
books and on television whose life stories and identities
inspire them "to reach their highest potential."
Shows like "The L Word" that tell LGBTQ stories help "save
precious lives," she said, adding the show made her feel less
alone as she grew up.
The fictional Showtime drama that first debuted in 2004 inspired
a reality TV spinoff and then a sequel 15 years later.
"This work is more important than ever as the LGBTQI+ community
continues to face relentless attacks from some Republicans
across the country," Jean-Pierre said. "From books bans to
'don't say gay' laws, MAGA extremists want to roll back the
visibility and progress we fought so hard to achieve."
Conservative lawmakers have led a wave of nationwide actions in
recent months that include banning discussion of gender identity
and sexual orientation in schools and clamping down on drag
shows, restrictions that they argue are necessary to protect
children.
Ilene Chaiken, who created "The L Word" in 2004, said she was
delighted the show had lived on and was now speaking to a new
generation.
"They may try to erase our stories from classrooms and
libraries, but we're here. We're here today at the White House,
and we won't be erased," she said.
Jean-Pierre has previously used the White House podium to
support LGBTQ rights, calling on states earlier this month to
stop what she described as "legislative bullying."
(Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Heather Timmons and
Rosalba O'Brien)
(Photo: Cast member Leisha Hailey of Showtime's
TV show The L Word speaks about LGBTQIA rights to draw attention
to Lesbian Visibility Week as fellow cast members Jennifer Beals
and Kate Moennig listen during a briefing with White House Press
Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre at the White House in Washington,
U.S., April 25, 2023. REUTERS/Leah Millis)
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