Joe Biden, signed a proclamation that officially recognizes trans visibility day

The US President signed a proclamation that officially recognizes Trans Visibility Day. On the same day, the US military updated its recruiting rules to accommodate trans people.

Democrat Joe Biden formalized his support by signing a proclamation. He is the first US president to officially recognize this day.
« I call on all Americans to join me in the fight for the dignity of transgender Americans. Together we can end discrimination, » the President of the United States wrote on Trans Visibility Day.

The « strongest army on the planet », enabled our country to approach equality

The proclamation « recognizes the struggles of generations, activism and courage that has brought our country closer to equality for transgender and non-binary people in the United States and around the world. » On March 31, the Pentagon unveiled new rules for recruiting its troops, the Military Times reports. They come back to Donald Trump’s transphobic policy, which denied transgender people the right to serve in the military.

We’re going to remain the best team because we take advantage of the best talent America has to offer, despite gender identity, ”said Secretary of State for Defense Lloyd J. Austin III.
“The US military is the strongest on the planet because it is made up of a team of volunteers ready to defend the rights and freedoms of all Americans.

Trans rights are human rights, and on this #TransDayOfVisibility , I’m pleased to announce we’ve updated DoD policy on the open service of transgender individuals. The update reinforces our prior decision to allow recruitment, retention, and care of qualified trans individuals. pic.twitter.com/JJZhtr7uYI

— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) March 31, 2021

“Too many transgender people continue to face systemic barriers,” writes Joe Biden. He recalls that discrimination takes place « in employment, housing, the care system, social housing … ». The US president notes that a third of trans people have been homeless during their lifetime in the United States.

Transgender rights are human rights — and I’m calling on every American to join me in uplifting the worth and dignity of transgender Americans. Together, we can stamp out discrimination and deliver on our nation’s promise of freedom and equality for all. #TransDayofVisibility

— President Biden (@POTUS) March 31, 2021

In his proclamation, President Joe Biden promises « efforts to end discrimination and advance the inclusion of transgender Americans in access to housing and credit. » He recalls that Rachel Levine, his Deputy Minister of Health, is the first transgender minister to serve in a US government.

What is the story behind International Transgender Visibility Day?

The first International Trans Day of Visibility dates back to March 31, 2009, at the initiative of transgender activist Rachel Crandall from Michigan, who created the event in response to the only People’s Memorial Day. transgender people then in existence, the Transgender Day of Remembrance, which pays tribute to transgender people who are victims of hate murders. The International Transgender Visibility Day is dedicated to celebrating living members of the transgender community, for a better deconstruction of gender stereotypes. The event, since managed by the Trans Student Educational Resources (TSER), has been celebrated internationally, notably in Ireland and Scotland in 2014, and in France since 2018.

Republicans play back transgender rights

Donald Trump still stirs up transphobia. In early March, at a rally, whose slogan was « America uncancelled », the former Republican president declared that trans people « are destroying women’s sports. » « Young girls and women are annoyed to be forced to compete with biological men (sic), » he said in language deemed transphobic by those concerned.

At the same time, in several states ruled by Republicans, transphobic laws are being debated or passed. Arkansas voted on Monday, March 29 to ban minors from accessing gender-affirming treatment. Notably, these trans teens may no longer have access to hormones and puberty blockers.

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Gabriel MIHAI

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