Joe Biden has spoken out in support of transgender individuals, saying: "Please know you’re not alone."
Yesterday marked Transgender Day of Visibility, and as a number of 'anti-trans' bills are being pushed through states across the US, President Biden spoke out in support of transgender Americans.
"To everyone celebrating Transgender Day of Visibility, I want you to know your president sees you," the POTUS said in a video address. "Our entire administration sees you for who you are, made in the image of God and deserving in dignity, respect, and support.
"But we know it’s hard when there are those out there who don’t see you and don’t respect you."
Check out Biden's comments in the video below:Biden went on to address parents of transgender children, telling them that affirming their child's identity is "one of the most powerful things you can do to keep them safe and healthy". This comes as Republican Governor Doug Ducey of Arizona signed a bill that restricts access to gender-affirming health care for anyone under the age of 18.
"To any transgender American who’s struggling, please know you’re not alone, Biden said. "To parents and children alike, please ask for help and know this: You’re so brave, you belong, and we have your back."
Biden's message coincided with a number of new measures announced by the White House on Thursday, which aim to "support the mental health of transgender children, remove barriers that transgender people face accessing critical government services, and improve the visibility of transgender people in our nation’s data."
In a statement from the White House, officials said: "Far too many transgender Americans still face systemic barriers, discrimination, and acts of violence. Today, the Administration once again condemns the proliferation of dangerous anti-transgender legislative attacks that have been introduced and passed in state legislatures around the country."
One way the White House aims to support transgender youth is by releasing a new website from the Department of Health and Human Services to offer "resources for transgender and LGBTQI+ youth, their parents, and providers. These resources include best practices for affirming an LGBTQI+ child, and information about suicide prevention services."
The Biden Administration is also hoping to improve the traveler experience for trans people. From April 11, 2022, the White House announced that "all U.S. citizens will be able select an 'X' as their gender marker on their U.S. passport application."
The full list of measures being introduced can be found here.
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