Republicans have taken issue with President Joe Biden's proclamation of Easter Sunday as the Transgender Day of Visibility, despite the fact that the two days coincided this year by chance. The Transgender Day of Visibility, established in 2009 to celebrate the successes of transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals, is observed annually on March 31, while the date of Easter varies each year.
Several Republicans have criticized Biden for his proclamation. Former President Donald Trump's campaign labeled it as 'appalling and insulting,' while House Speaker Mike Johnson accused the administration of betraying the central tenet of Easter. In response, a White House spokesperson emphasized Biden's commitment to bringing people together and upholding the dignity and freedoms of all Americans.
In his proclamation, Biden highlighted the courage and contributions of transgender Americans, asserting that they deserve the same rights and freedoms as every other citizen. The president also condemned Republican-led efforts to limit protections for transgender individuals, characterizing them as forms of bullying and discrimination.
The national debate on transgender rights has intensified, with Republican lawmakers advocating for stringent laws, including restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors and barring trans women from participating in sports teams aligned with their gender identity. Former President Trump has made this issue a focal point, vowing to prevent men from competing in women's sports, a stance echoed by several states through the implementation of bans on transgender participation in sports.
