The president acknowledged the deaths of the trans people in the US who have recently been killed, noting that the past year has been the "deadliest year on record" for them.
The president said in a statement that at least 46 people in this country and hundreds more around the world were killed in horrifying acts of violence this year. Each one of these lives was precious. They deserved freedom, justice, and joy.
At least 47 trans or gender-non-conforming people have died in the US this year after being shot or killed by other violent means, according to the Human Rights Campaign. The number of trans deaths recorded by HRC in 2020 was the highest on record.
"Despite our progress, too many people still live in fear and face systemic barriers to freedom and equality," Biden said.
Since taking office in January, Biden has taken steps to reverse the policies of the Trump administration. Biden reversed a memo issued by the Trump administration that effectively banned the serving of trans people in the military.
"America is safer when everyone qualified to serve can do so openly and with pride," Biden said in a statement.
In February, the Biden administration halted the implementation of a Trump-era Department of Health and Human Services policy that would've allowed discrimination against the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Trans people.
The Equality Act would expand protections for the LGBTQ+ community. The bill was passed in the House but not in the Senate. He nominated Dr. Rachel Levine to be the assistant secretary for health in the Department of Health & Human Services, making her the highest-ranking openly trans person to serve in the federal government.
The New York Times reported that Biden reversed a Trump-era policy that said health care providers that received federal funding could not discriminate against gay and trans people.
Biden said he charged his team with coordinating across the federal government to address the epidemic of violence and advance equality for trans people. He called on state leaders to address anti-trans legislation on the state level.
Biden said that trans people are some of the bravest Americans. No person should have to be brave just to live. We remember today. We must continue to act tomorrow and every day.
