Joe Biden’s forceful promise to fight for the queer community rang throughout DC

President Joe Biden’s speech at the HRC National Dinner this weekend was the talk of the D.C. queer politico community after the forks and spoons were put away.

While honorees Shonda Rhimes, Lena Waithe, and Matt Bomer were celebrated too, Biden’s forceful condemnation of MAGA extremists’ attacks on the queer community was what resonated beyond polite applause.

Related: Joe Biden strikes out at Marjorie Taylor Greene in campaign announcement & she’s not happy

Biden used a few Republicans’ images in his video to show GOP extremism. She was one of them.

After being introduced by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, the president noted that it was his fourth time addressing the group, going back to when he was vice president.

Get the Daily Brief

The news you care about, reported on by the people who care about you:

Subscribe to our Newsletter

“I’ve been here every time you’ve invited me, because – careful, I’m like a poor relative,” he joked. “I show up when I’m invited.”

“At this pivotal moment in our history, Jill and I have come here tonight to say thank you for your courage, thank you for your hope, and thank you for your pride,” he continued. “Thank you for defending equal rights and dignity of all people, despite intense opposition and hate-fueled rhetoric, even violence, to try to keep you from moving.”