In commemoration of the upcoming Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV), President Joe Biden issued a statement praising trans people’s contributions to society and describing actions his administration has taken to counter transphobic bullying and extremism. Additionally, many members of Biden’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) also issued their own statements affirming that community health depends on supporting trans people too.
“Transgender Americans are part of the fabric of our Nation,” Biden wrote in his statement. “Whether serving their communities or in the military, raising families or running businesses, they help America thrive. They deserve, and are entitled to, the same rights and freedoms as every other American, including the most fundamental freedom to be their true selves.”
Messaging and signaling are both important. We just have to be wary of when people are disingenuous. There’s value in introducing progressive legislation like how Sanders and AOC do even if it isn’t going to pass, just like there’s value here in affirming that trans people are people who matter.
Put it on the record. Make them write down what’s happening. Keep those receipts.