US president Joe Biden has shared a message of solidarity with young trans Americans on social media in honour of Pride month. On June 8, Biden tweeted: “To transgender Americans across the country — especially the young people who are so brave — I want you to know your President has your back. During Pride Month — and all the time.”
His message follows an official presidential proclamation to commemorate Pride month, where he noted the “tragic spike in violence” against trans people, particularly trans women of colour. 2021 has also seen over 30 states propose anti-trans bills, the majority of which aim to limit young trans people’s access to healthcare and/or school sports.
The Biden administration has suggested it will be taking action against states which pass anti-trans laws, with education secretary Miguel Cardona recently telling ESPN that it is “critically important” to provide “opportunities” for young LGBTQ+ people. However, he declined to state whether the government would be filing lawsuits against the states in question.
Florida is the most recent state to have passed a bill prohibiting trans inclusion in school sports. The Human Rights Campaign has already sued the state, saying it will “always stand up to anti-equality forces on behalf of transgender kids.”
