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President Joe Biden released a video last Thursday to mark International Transgender Awareness Day and said that transgender people are “made in the image of God” and that their parents should accept their gender identity.
“For everyone celebrating Transgender Day of Visibility, I want you to know that your president sees you for who you are: made in the image of God and deserving of dignity, respect and support,” Biden said in a message posted on social media.
Biden said he knows the plight of this group of people and stressed that “the onslaught of state laws against transgender people that target you and your families is simply wrong.”
Despite the president’s comments, media outlets such as the New York Post, recalled that when Biden was a senator, he backed a number of anti-LGBT laws. However, today he criticized what he called “hateful bills” in several states that restrict transgender participation in girls’ sports and limit discussion of sexuality and gender identity.
He further added, “And we are committed to promoting transgender equality in the classroom, on the playing field, in the workplace, in our military, and in our housing and health care systems – everywhere, just everywhere.”
Biden to parents
Joe Biden also called on parents to “affirm their child’s identity.” “It’s one of the most powerful things you can do to keep them safe and healthy. Any transgender American who is struggling, know that you are not alone.”
According to Gallup poll data released in February, 0.7 % of Americans identify as transgender. While 1.5 % are gay, 1 % are lesbian and 4 % said they are bisexual.
