President Biden’s Statement On Transgender Day Of Remembrance 2021

President Joe Biden marked Transgender Day of Remembrance in a statement Saturday, memorializing “those we lost in the deadliest year on record for transgender Americans.” In his statement, Biden also paid tribute to “the countless other transgender people — disproportionately Black and brown transgender women and girls — who face brutal violence, discrimination, and harassment.” https://twitter.com/ReggieGreer46/status/1462073848136933381

This year, at least 46 transgender individuals in this country—and hundreds more around the world—were killed in horrifying acts of violence. Each of these lives was precious. Each of them deserved freedom, justice, and joy.

Today, on Transgender Day of Remembrance, we mourn those we lost in the deadliest year on record for transgender Americans, as well as the countless other transgender people—disproportionately Black and brown transgender women and girls—who face brutal violence, discrimination, and harassment.

In spite of our progress strengthening civil rights for LGBTQI+ Americans, too many transgender people still live in fear and face systemic barriers to freedom and equality.

To ensure that our government protects the civil rights of transgender Americans, I charged my team with coordinating across the federal government to address the epidemic of violence and advance equality for transgender people.

I continue to call on state leaders and lawmakers to combat the disturbing proliferation of discriminatory state legislation targeting transgender people, especially transgender children. As I have said before, these bills are nothing more than bullying disguised as legislation, they are un-American, and they endanger the safety and well-being of our children.

I also continue to urge the Senate to swiftly pass the Equality Act so that all people are able to live free from fear and discrimination.

Transgender people are some of the bravest Americans I know. But no person should have to be brave just to live in safety and dignity. Today, we remember. Tomorrow—and every day—we must continue to act.

Sadly, the death toll of trans people in 2021 has risen to at least 47 transgender/nonbinary individuals even as Biden’s statement went public. 2021 has also marked a record year for anti-transgender legislation, with state legislatures introducing 100 bills across 33 states aimed at curbing the rights of transgender people. Transgender Day of Remembrance caps off Transgender Awareness Week, and memorializes victims of anti-transgender violence across the country. https://twitter.com/SecondGentleman/status/1462207523021377541 Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff hosted a first of its kind vigil at the White House to honor the lives of transgender people killed this year. The event also raised awareness for the countless trans and gender diverse people who face violence, harassment, and discrimination in the United States and around the world. https://twitter.com/VP/status/1462152517177909248