The White House proclamation of Transgender Day of Visibility on Easter Sunday has sparked backlash, with critics accusing President Biden of attacking Christianity. Despite this criticism, there are numerous LGBT-focused holidays celebrated throughout the year, many of which are recognized by the White House. The origins of International Transgender Day of Visibility date back over 10 years, while Easter Sunday is the most holy holiday for Christians. The Trump campaign called on Biden to issue an apology for the proclamation, with some labeling him as the “world’s worst Catholic” for cheapening Irish and Catholic identity.
While not every LGBT-related holiday is recognized by the White House or high-ranking lawmakers, there are at least 28 such holidays celebrated in the U.S., including Pride Month, LGBT History Month, and Transgender Awareness Month, to name a few. The Biden administration has celebrated several of these holidays, including National Coming Out Day, Pride Month, and Transgender Day of Remembrance. White House spokesman Andrew Bates defended Biden’s decision to recognize Transgender Day of Visibility, stating that the President, as a Christian, is committed to bringing people together and upholding the dignity and freedoms of every American.
Critics continue to criticize the Biden administration for celebrating both Transgender Day of Visibility and Easter Sunday on the same day, accusing the President of using his faith for political purposes. Despite this, Biden did post a message celebrating Easter and Jesus’ resurrection on social media. The Biden administration has a long history of promoting and supporting the LGBT community, with last year seeing the largest Pride celebration in White House history. Biden has made combating discrimination against the gay community a priority, and has spoken out in support of the transgender community during his State of the Union address.
While the White House has faced backlash for its support of the LGBT community in the past, including controversial incidents at Pride events in 2021 and 2022, Biden has remained committed to inclusivity and equality for all Americans. The administration has celebrated numerous LGBT-related holidays and events, highlighting the importance of recognizing and supporting the diverse communities that make up the United States. As the debate over the proclamation of Transgender Day of Visibility on Easter Sunday continues, it is clear that the Biden administration is dedicated to promoting equality and acceptance for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
