Biden issues 'Transgender Day of Visibility' proclamation: 'Trans Americans shape our Nation's soul'

WASHINGTON (TND) — The White House issued a proclamation Thursday, dubbing March 31, 2023 as "Transgender Day of Visibility."

"Today, we show millions of transgender and nonbinary Americans that we see them, they belong, and they should be treated with dignity and respect," the White House's proclamation, released Thursday, reads. "Transgender Americans shape our Nation's soul — proudly serving in the military, curing deadly diseases, holding elected office, running thriving businesses, fighting for justice, raising families, and much more."

Biden issued similar proclamations in 2021 and 2022.

The proclamation relented that America has "never fully lived up" to the ideals "that all people are created equal and deserve to be treated equally throughout their lives," but insisted it has been something the nation always strives for, pointing to the Biden administration's support for the LGBTQI+ community.

"Today, as we celebrate transgender people, we also celebrate every American's fundamental right to be themselves, bringing us closer to realizing America's full promise," the proclamation reads. "My Administration has fought to end these injustices from day one, working to ensure that transgender people and the entire LGBTQI+ community can live openly and safely."

The White House touted the Biden administration's "record number" of LGBT-appointed leaders, and noted how the president rescinded the ban preventing trans folks from joining the military. The proclamation added that President Biden was working towards adding "inclusive gender markers on United States passports," improving access to public services for trans individuals, "cracking down" on trans discrimination and more.

However, there were some critics of the proclamation suggesting trans rights aren't nearly as "invisible" as the White House proclamation seemingly suggested.

The proclamation comes a few days before several transgender activists plan to hold a "Trans Day of Vengeance," a move that has earned considerable backlash in light of the shooting that took place earlier this week, which some lawmakers have deemed was a hate crime.

READ MORE: "'Trans Day of Vengeance' protest continues as planned following Nashville shooting"