President Joe Biden’s social media post celebrating Transgender Day of Visibility, which coincided with Easter this year, received backlash from conservatives, including a prominent Republican LGBT group.
On Sunday afternoon, Biden shared a message on X, formerly Twitter: “Today, on Transgender Day of Visibility, I have a simple message to all trans Americans: I see you. You are made in the image of God, and you’re worthy of respect and dignity.”
Biden’s post, following an Easter message earlier in the day, quickly garnered over 14,000 comments, with critics expressing their disapproval.
The Log Cabin Republicans, representing LGBT conservatives and allies, responded to Biden’s post in an exclusive statement to Newsweek on Sunday.
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The Context:
The International Transgender Day of Visibility, established in 2009, is observed on March 31 each year to honor transgender individuals and raise awareness about the discrimination they face.
Easter, a Christian holiday typically celebrated between March 22 and April 25, falls on the first Sunday following the spring equinox.
A White House announcement on Friday officially designated March 31, 2024, as Transgender Day of Visibility, with Biden expressing support and love for transgender Americans.
This proclamation triggered online outrage, with critics condemning the administration’s message.
Former President Donald Trump’s national press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, criticized Biden’s proclamation of Easter Sunday as ‘Trans Day of Visibility’ as an assault on the Christian faith.
Leavitt demanded an apology from the Biden administration to Christians for what she deemed as disrespect towards Easter.
The Response:
Charles Moran, president of the Log Cabin Republicans, condemned Biden’s Easter post as disrespectful in a statement to Newsweek on Sunday.
Moran expressed astonishment at the lack of consideration in scheduling the transgender proclamation on the same day as Easter, a significant Christian holiday.
He criticized the administration for creating unnecessary division and urged LGBT voters to seek alternative leadership.
Newsweek reached out to Biden’s representatives for comment but did not receive a response.
Meanwhile, the White House defended the transgender event overlapping with Easter, emphasizing Biden’s commitment to unity and respect for all Americans.
In response to the backlash, White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates stated that Biden would never exploit his faith for political gain and aimed to bring people together.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
