Across the United States, many states have passed or proposed legislation to ban transgender athletes from competing in sports in accordance with their gender identities, particularly in school and state-sanctioned athletic events. This week, United States President Joe Biden made it pretty clear that he stands against those laws, calling them “discriminatory” and “hateful.”
Joe Biden issued a proclamation on Saturday morning, declaring Sunday, March 31 Transgender Day of Visibility in which the country can celebrate the “joy, strength, and absolute courage” of the transgender community. In the letter, he made it very clear that he stands against “a wave of discriminatory State laws targeting transgender youth.”
“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. 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. But today, too many transgender Americans are still denied those rights and freedoms. A wave of discriminatory State laws is targeting transgender youth, terrifying families and hurting kids who are not hurting anyone. An epidemic of violence against transgender women and girls, in particular women and girls of color, has taken lives far too soon. Last year’s Club Q shooting in Colorado was another painful example of this kind of violence — a stain on the conscience of our Nation,” Biden said in the statement.
Biden made it clear that he has supported the transgender community throughout his presidency, and will continue to challenge and fight against the “hundreds of hateful State laws” targeting the transgender community.
“There is much more to do. I continue to call on the Congress to finally pass the Equality Act and extend long-overdue civil rights protections to all LGBTQI+ Americans to ensure they can live with safety and dignity. Together, we also have to keep challenging the hundreds of hateful State laws that have been introduced across the country, making sure every child knows that they are made in the image of God, that they are loved, and that we are standing up for them,” Biden said.
It’s clear that Biden supports the transgender community and transgender athletes.
