Despite facing criticism for recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility on Easter Sunday, President Joe Biden was not alone in his acknowledgement. U.S. Department of State Secretary Antony Blinken also chose to honor the day, describing it as "a celebration of the courage and resilience" of transgender individuals worldwide.
"Transgender people deserve to live authentically, safely, and with dignity. We continue to fight for a world in which trans people can live safely and openly as themselves," said Blinken, according to X.
The Associated Press reported that this year, both Easter and Transgender Day of Visibility coincided on March 31. The overlap led to a statement from Biden acknowledging both occasions, which drew accusations from the Trump campaign of insensitivity towards the religious holiday. Transgender Day of Visibility has been observed annually on March 31 since its inception in 2009.
Blinken tweet.
| X
Karoline Leavitt, the press secretary for the Trump campaign, demanded an apology from Biden's team. She stated, "We call on Joe Biden’s failing campaign and White House to issue an apology to the millions of Catholics and Christians across America who believe tomorrow is for one celebration only — the resurrection of Jesus Christ," according to the news outlet.
Biden defended his stance by emphasizing America's foundational principle of equality. He said, "America is founded on the idea that all people are created equal and deserve to be treated equally throughout their lives. We have never fully lived up to that, but we have never walked away from it either. Today, as we celebrate transgender people, we also celebrate every American’s fundamental right to be themselves, bringing us closer to realizing America’s full promise."
In addition to supporting Transgender Day of Visibility, Blinken also addressed global issues faced by transgender individuals. He said, "In many parts of the world, trans persons face violence, suppression, and infringements on their human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly, as society treats trans persons with stigma, discrimination and violence. Transgender persons deserve to live authentically, safely, and with dignity. They deserve documentation that reflects who they are, healthcare that is responsive to their needs, and the right to live full lives of opportunity.."
