Biden Official Responds To Uproar After Declaration
As Christians around the world celebrated Easter Sunday, President Joe Biden drew criticism for his announcement that April 1st would also be recognized as “Transgender Day of Visibility.” The President tweeted “Today, on Transgender Day of Visibility, I have a simple message to all trans Americans: I see you. You are made in the image of God, and you’re worthy of respect and dignity.” This sparked anger and outrage from many in the Christian community, who saw it as a direct insult to their faith.
Others, however, saw it as a positive step towards inclusivity and recognition of the transgender community. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) rebuked the White House for what he dubbed “a betrayal of a central tenet of Easter – the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” Johnson, and others, felt that the timing of the announcement on Easter Sunday was a deliberate attempt to cause division and stir up anger.
Former Wisconsin Republican Governor Scott Walker took to Twitter to express his disappointment, saying “This should [be] evidence to anyone who voted for Biden in 2020 because they thought he was reasonable that he is not.” He charged that Biden was pandering to a radical fringe within politics, at the expense of the beliefs of Christians across the country.
Today, on Transgender Day of Visibility, I have a simple message to all trans Americans:
I see you.
You are made in the image of God, and you’re worthy of respect and dignity. pic.twitter.com/ihvsJrXEyd
— President Biden (@POTUS) March 31, 2024
Biden’s pick for Assistant Secretary for Health, Admiral Rachel Levine, who is transgender herself, came to the defense of the President’s declaration. In an interview with The Advocate, Levine dismissed the criticism as “faux outrage” and “manufactured.” She argued that the date of April 1st was chosen long before Biden took office and was not meant to provoke or belittle the Christian community.
Levine also invoked a quote from the iconic “Star Wars” films to explain the feelings of those who criticized Biden’s declaration. “You know there’s a quote from Yoda … Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate, and hate leads to suffering,” she said. In her view, the backlash against the Transgender Day of Visibility highlighted a deeper fear and misunderstanding of the transgender community.
Levine emphasized that the recognition of the Transgender Day of Visibility is not meant to be a social contagion phenomenon or to discredit the teachings of Christianity. Instead, it is a way to celebrate and embrace the diversity and individuality of all people, including the transgender community. She urged for an attitude of acceptance and support for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity.
On Transgender Day of Visibility, we celebrate the joy, strength, and absolute courage of some of the bravest people I know.
Today, we show millions of transgender and nonbinary Americans that we see them, they belong, and they should be treated with dignity and respect. pic.twitter.com/mhixHV9KC2
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) March 31, 2024
Some members of the Christian community have also come out in support of the Transgender Day of Visibility, seeing it as a way to promote love and inclusivity, as Jesus taught. They argue that the message of Easter – love, forgiveness, and acceptance – extends to everyone, regardless of their gender identity.
The debate around Biden’s declaration highlights the ongoing tension between religious beliefs and the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. It also brings to light the need for continued dialogue and understanding between different communities. While some may see the recognition of the Transgender Day of Visibility as a threat to their beliefs, others see it as a necessary step towards a more inclusive and accepting society.
In the end, regardless of one’s personal views on the issue, the fact remains that the Transgender Day of Visibility is now recognized and supported by the Biden administration. It is a day to celebrate and recognize the contributions and struggles of the transgender community, and to advocate for their rights and equality. As for the critics who see it as a disregard for Easter and the Christian faith, it remains to be seen how they will respond in the future.