President Biden in his speech on International Transgender Day of Visibility used the medium to criticize acts of violence and discrimination against Americans who identify as trans and nonbinary and on the rising number of Republican-led bills targeting trans youth.
“A wave of discriminatory state laws” aimed at trans-Americans, squarely blaming “MAGA extremists” for “advancing hundreds of hateful and extreme state laws that target transgender kids and their families,” Biden said in a statement on Friday.
“Let me be clear: These attacks are un-American and must end. The bullying, discrimination, and political attacks that trans kids face have exacerbated our national mental health crisis.” He added.
Going biblical, Biden continued; “I want every member of the trans community to know that we see you. You’re each made in the image of God, and deserve love, dignity, and respect. You make America stronger, and we’re with you.”
Joe Biden has earlier referred to efforts to restrict transgender rights in Florida as “close to sinful.” He is the only president in the history of the United States to issue a presidential proclamation to mark International Transgender Day of Visibility.
Joe Biden’s statement is not far-fetched from measures that have been introduced in some states this year to restrict the rights of LGBTQ. The proposed bills cover a wide range of policies such as stopping transgender people from competing on sports teams or using bathrooms that align with their gender identity. Youth and medical care is a growing legislative focus.
According to data compiled by the American Civil Liberties Union, 385 bills targeting LGBTQ rights and queer life have been introduced in the United States this year. The number which is only to March 7, is already more than that of last year which was 306, indicating strong opposition from the people against the LGBT movement.
According to Biden, transgender Americans “shape our Nation’s soul – proudly serving in the military, curing deadly diseases, holding elected office, running thriving businesses, fighting for justice, raising families, and much more.”
“As kids, they deserve what every child deserves: the chance to learn in safe and supportive schools, to develop meaningful friendships, and to live openly and honestly,” he continued. “As adults, they deserve the same rights enjoyed by every American, including equal access to health care, housing, and jobs and the chance to age with grace as senior citizens.”
Transgender Day of Visibility was started in 2009 by Rachel Crandall, a Michigan-based transgender activist and the executive director of Transgender Michigan. It was founded as a day of awareness to celebrate the successes of transgender and gender-nonconforming people and is an important day for the LGBTQ community.
