Barack Obama: “Every man needs a gay friend”

Washington, D.C. — In an intimate and revealing conversation during the podcast “IMO”, hosted by Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson, former President Barack Obama surprised with a powerful reflection: “Every man needs a gay friend”.

The former president explained that during his university years he had an openly gay professor who made an important difference in his life. “He was one of my favorite professors, a great guy. He corrected me when I said ignorant things. That’s necessary,” Obama recalled. For the former president, having diverse people in his close circle not only broadens his perspective, but also allows him to develop empathy, respect, and sensitivity towards others. “You need those kinds of people in your group of friends. Because if at some point you have a child who is gay or non-binary, that child can say: ‘I’m not alone in this,'” he expressed. Obama also emphasized that no parent, no matter how excellent, can be everything to their child. That’s why he considers it essential that children —and especially boys— have multiple reference figures, including those who represent realities different from their own. The former president’s words have been widely shared and celebrated on social media, generating debate and applause for their message of inclusion, diversity, and the importance of surrounding oneself with people who challenge prejudices and teach by example.