President Joe Biden and his administration released a statement of affirmation on March 31 in recognition of Transgender Day of Visibility, as well as a report on mental health with a call to action in support of Trans Americans.
In the statement, President Biden shares, “On Transgender Day of Visibility, we celebrate the strength, joy, and absolute courage of some of the bravest people I know. Transgender Americans deserve to be safe and supported in every community—but today, across our country, MAGA extremists are advancing hundreds of hateful and extreme state laws that target transgender kids and their families. No one should have to be brave just to be themselves. Let me be clear: These attacks are un-American and must end.”
The report, which comes from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, includes ways to support LGBTQ youth, especially trans and nonbinary youth, and guidance on gender identity inclusion for federal government employees. The disparities that LGBTQ youth are currently experiencing are astonishing. The discrimination, bullying, and harassment these young people are encountering drastically increases the risk of suicide among youth. Lack of access to affirming environments and the excessive amount of anti-trans laws and bans on gender-affirming care are contributing factors that are prohibiting trans youth from thriving. The report also provides a comprehensive review of the scientific research that has lead to a nationwide mental health crisis.
In addition to the SAMHSA report, the administration, through the Office of Personnel Management, released the update to guidance on inclusion in the federal workplace. The aim of the update is “to help ensure agencies fully follow existing federal policies and anti-discrimination laws, and to help agencies adopt inclusive practices to foster a welcoming and supportive workplace for applicants and employees of all gender identities,” according to a White House Fact Sheet.
Additionally, the fact sheet includes many different steps that the Biden Administration has taken to further support the rights and lives of LGBTQ Americans. Some of these steps include an executive order from President Biden that requires agencies across the federal government to foster equality, support of legal challenges to discriminatory laws and policies, expanding mental health resources, supporting civil rights protections in schools, reversing the trans military ban, offering passports with a gender-neutral marker, and many more actions.
Biden finishes his TDOV statement in solidarity by saying, “I want every member of the trans community to know that we see you. You’re each made in the image of God and deserve love, dignity, and respect. You make America stronger, and we’re with you.”
