By Yemi Adebowale
Barack Obama’s presidency started with a first – he was the first black man in the White House.
The 44th POTUS has broken another barrier, becoming the first sitting President to be photographed for an LGBT magazine. Sure, world leaders have become cover stars before – but this is a huge deal.
The historic moment, captured in Out magazine, shows Obama smiling in black and white.
epa05019904 A handout cover image released by Out Magazine showing a portrait of US President Barack Obama on the cover of the magazine’s Out 100 issue as their ‘Ally of the Year’ in New York City, New York, USA, 10 November 2015. According to a release from the magazine it marks the first time a sitting US President has been photographed for the cover of an LGBT publication. EPA/OUT / HANDOUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES
The cover reads: ‘Our President. Ally. Hero. Icon.’
In the issue, Obama says: ‘My mom instilled in me the strong belief that every person is of equal worth.
‘At the same time, growing up as a black guy with a funny name, I was often reminded of exactly what it felt like to be on the outside.
Out have named the POTUS their Ally of the year for his support of the LGBT community.
On June 26, under the Obama administration, the American Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional to deny same-sex couples the right to wed.
The country became awash with rainbow flags – and even the White House shone the colours to show support for equality.
Obama added: ‘I was proud to say that love is love.
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