President Obama told gay and lesbian supporters today that as long as he is president, they will have a "friend" and "fellow advocate" in the White House.

Speaking at a White House reception marking LGBT Pride Month, the president touted his accomplishments on gay rights issues, including repealing "Don't Ask Don't Tell," his decision to withdraw legal support for the Defense of Marriage Act, and his support for same-sex marriage.

"Three years ago, I also promised you this: I said that even if it took more time than we would like, we would see progress, we would see success, we would see real and lasting change. And together, that's what we're witnessing," Obama told the boisterous crowd in the East Room.

Obama made clear, however, "we still have a long way to go."

"But we will get there," he said. "We'll get there because of all of you. We'll get there because of all of the ordinary Americans who every day show extraordinary courage. We'll get there because of every man and woman and activist and ally who is moving us forward by the force of their moral arguments, but more importantly, by the force of their example."

"As long as I have the privilege of being your president, I promise you, you won't just have a friend in the White House, you will have a fellow advocate for an America where no matter what you look like or where you come from or who you love, you can dream big dreams and dream as openly as you want," the president said.