Administration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 2021

November 20, 2021

This year, at least 46 transgender individuals in this countryâand hundreds more around the worldâwere 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 peopleâdisproportionately Black and Brown transgender women and girlsâ 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. Tomorrowâand every dayâwe must continue to act.

NOTE: The statement referred to H.R. 5.

Categories: Statements by the President : Transgender Day of Remembrance.

Subjects: Civil rights : Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons, equality; Civil rights : Minorities :: Minority rights and ethnic tolerance; Civil rights : Women's rights and gender equality; Holidays and special observances : Transgender Day of Remembrance; Law enforcement and crime : Hate crimes, prevention and prosecution efforts; Legislation, proposed : Equality Act.

DCPD Number: DCPD202100991.

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