Transgender Day of Visibility
pixabay
The White House has been facing severe criticism for recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility on Easter Sunday. Fox News has since compiled a long list of LGBTQ-focused holidays observed throughout the year, some of which are also acknowledged by the White House.
March 31, 2024
CBS
“Now, therefore, I, Joseph R. Biden Jr., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 31, 2024, as Transgender Day of Visibility.”
Strongly criticized
CBS
Opponents of the White House, including conservatives, strongly criticized the choice to acknowledge Transgender Day of Visibility on Easter, labeling it as an affront to Christianity.
Observed annually
CBS
International Transgender Day of Visibility, established over a decade ago by activists, is observed annually on March 31, whereas the date of Easter Sunday varies each year. The Trump campaign demanded an apology from Biden for the declaration.
Courage
CBS
A White House statement said, “On Transgender Day of Visibility, we honor the extraordinary courage and contributions of transgender Americans and reaffirm our Nation’s commitment to forming a more perfect Union — where all people are created equal and treated equally throughout their lives.”
Transgender Americans
CBS
“Today, we send a message to all transgender Americans: You are loved. You are heard. You are understood. You belong. You are America, and my entire Administration and I have your back,” it added.
Biden’s failing campaign
CBS
“We call on Joe Biden’s failing campaign and the 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,” Karoline Leavitt said.
Social media
CBS
Social media users highlighted that various cities, universities, LGBT organizations, and government officials observe numerous calendar events throughout the year.
Related holidays
CBS
Fox News Digital discovered at least 28 other related holidays celebrated in the U.S., such as International Asexuality Day, International Day of Pink, Day of Silence, Harvey Milk Day, Pansexual and Panromantic Awareness Day, and International Drag Day.
Entire months
CBS
Moreover, there are entire months dedicated to LGBT causes or commemorations, like Pride Month in June, LGBT History Month in October, and Transgender Awareness Month in November.
Not all
Youtube
While not all holidays are officially acknowledged by the White House or prominent lawmakers, advocacy groups in cities like Seattle and on college campuses celebrate these occasions.
Biden administration
Youtube
The Biden administration has recognized a variety of holidays dedicated to celebrating and honoring LGBT matters, such as National Coming Out Day in October, Lesbian Day of Visibility in April, International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia in May, Pride Month in June, Spirit Day in October, Intersex Awareness Day in October, and Transgender Day of Remembrance in November.
Since 2021
pixabay
Since 2021, the Biden White House has marked Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31 annually. White House spokesperson Andrew Bates mentioned that Biden, being a Christian, aims to foster unity among people through this event.
Dignity and freedoms
Youtube
“As a Christian who celebrates Easter with family, President Biden stands for bringing people together and upholding the dignity and freedoms of every American,” Bates said in a comment to Fox News Digital on Sunday.
Unsurprising
Youtube
“Sadly, it’s unsurprising politicians are seeking to divide and weaken our country with cruel, hateful and dishonest rhetoric. President Biden will never abuse his faith for political purposes or for profit.”
Biden
Youtube
Biden, who is Catholic, also shared a message Sunday celebrating Easter and Jesus’ resurrection.
Warmest wishes
Youtube
“Jill and I send our warmest wishes to Christians around the world celebrating the power of hope and the promise of Christ’s Resurrection this Easter Sunday,” he posted Sunday morning.
Commitment
pixabay
The Biden administration has consistently shown its commitment to promoting and advocating for the LGBT community, with notable actions like hosting the largest Pride celebration in White House history last year, as reported by Reuters.
Promises
pixabay
President Biden has made clear promises to combat discrimination against the gay community and has voiced support for the transgender community in his recent State of the Union address.
LGBT community
pixabay
However, the White House has faced criticism from detractors during events honoring the LGBT community, such as when a transgender model and activist engaged in a controversial act at a Pride event by exposing her breasts in photos, and when an anti-police nonbinary drag queen was invited to the signing of the Respect for Marriage Act in 2022.
Republicans
pixabay
Republicans have persistently criticized the Biden administration online for commemorating the holiday on the same day as Easter.
