President Joe Biden‘s administration affirmed its support for the transgender community, issuing a proclamation commemorating today, which happens to be Transgender Day of Visibility. President Biden called upon “all Americans to join in the fight for full equality for all transgender people.”
Today, we honor and celebrate the achievements and resiliency of transgender individuals and communities. Transgender Day of Visibility recognizes the generations of struggle, activism, and courage that have brought our country closer to full equality for transgender and gender non-binary people in the United States and around the world,” the statement reads. “Their trailblazing work has given countless transgender individuals the bravery to live openly and authentically. This hard-fought progress is also shaping an increasingly accepting world in which peers at school, teammates and coaches on the playing field, colleagues at work, and allies in every corner of society are standing in support and solidarity with the transgender community.”
The administration notes that “In spite of our progress in advancing civil rights for LGBTQ+ Americans, too many transgender people — adults and youth alike — still face systemic barriers to freedom and equality.”
“Transgender Americans of all ages face high rates of violence, harassment, and discrimination. Nearly one in three transgender Americans have experienced homelessness at some point in life. Transgender Americans continue to face discrimination in employment, housing, health care, and public accommodations. The crisis of violence against transgender women, especially transgender women of color, is a stain on our Nation’s conscience,” the administration said, adding: “The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to fulfilling the promise of America for all Americans by stamping out discrimination and delivering freedom and equality for all.”
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The administration was firm in its commitment to the Equality Act, which would provide federal civil rights protections on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
“The Equality Act will deliver legal protections for LGBTQ+ Americans in our housing, education, public services, and lending systems. It will serve as a lasting legacy to the bravery and fortitude of the LGBTQ+ movement,” the proclamation reads. “Vice President Harris and I affirm that transgender Americans make our Nation more prosperous, vibrant, and strong.  I urge my fellow Americans to join us in uplifting the worth and dignity of every transgender person.”
Alan is a writer, editor, and news junkie based in New York.
