USA: Conservative Meltdown Over Biden’s Easter Trans Day Proclamation

American Christian conservatives are in an uproar over President Joe Biden’s decision to commemorate the Transgender Day of Visibility, which coincided with Easter Sunday this year.

On Friday, Biden issued an announcement through the White House proclaiming 31 March 2024 as Transgender Day of Visibility.

This international observance, celebrated since 2009, is dedicated to honouring transgender individuals and their achievements and raising awareness about the challenges they face in society.

Bigoted Backlash Over Coinciding Dates

This year, the Transgender Day of Visibility coincided with Easter Sunday, prompting a backlash from right-wing groups and commentators, who slammed Biden for “blasphemy” and for “desecrating” one of Christianity’s holiest days.

Karoline Leavitt, the 2024 Donald Trump campaign press secretary, called on Biden and the White House “to issue an apology to the millions of Catholics and Christians across America who believe tomorrow [Sunday 31 March] is for one celebration only – the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

Republican Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, criticised the proclamation, tweeting on Sunday that “The Biden White House has betrayed the central tenet of Easter” and describing it as “outrageous and abhorrent”.

Religious Bigotry and Intolerance

These were just two high-profile expressions of fury and religious intolerance among the many others shared on social media platforms, with some even accusing Biden and his administration of satanism.

The vicious reaction is a reflection of the bigotry, discrimination and hatred faced by transgender people, who’ve become pawns in a cynical and destructive culture war sweeping the globe.

The controversy also raises questions about the true values of extremist Christians who seemingly view inclusivity, equality, and compassion for marginalised people as inconsistent with Christ’s teachings and instead equate these principles with blasphemy.

Biden’s Call for Trans Inclusion

In his proclamation statement, President Biden asserted: “Transgender Americans are part of the fabric of our Nation. 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.”

He condemned “extremists” who are seeking to undermine the basic human rights of transgender people, adding that “No one should have to be brave just to be themselves.”

Biden called on all Americans “to join us in lifting up the lives and voices of transgender people throughout our Nation and to work toward eliminating violence and discrimination based on gender identity.”