From the DARLENE SUPERVILLE Associated Press March 31, 2022, 5:38 p.m. • 4 minutes reading Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Email this article President Joe Biden said on Thursday that his government “supports” transgender Americans against “hateful bills” passed at the state level and is committed to promoting equality in society. Biden commented in a short videotaped message celebrating Transparency Visibility Day. “Attacking state laws against trans people attacking you and your families is simply wrong,” Biden said in the video. “This government is defending you against all these heinous bills. “And we are committed to promoting trans equality in the classroom, on the field, at work, in our military and in our housing and healthcare systems.” “Everywhere. Just everywhere,” Biden said. The administration announced several steps to make the federal government more inclusive of trans people. The move comes as Republican leaders push for state action targeting trans people as part of a broader push to spark cultural wars leading to a critical election period. The government said the federal government will become more inclusive of trans people, including through the use of a new gender “X” index in U.S. passport applications starting April 11, and new Transportation Security Service scanners that are gender neutral. It works to extend the availability of the “X” gender index to airlines and federal travel plans and will make it easier for transgender people to change their gender information in Social Security records. Visitors to the White House complex will soon also be able to select a gender-selective “X” option in the White House Employee and Visitor Entry System, which is used to conduct historical audits. At airports, there will be changes to control scanners along with the introduction of the use of an “X” for travelers passing through Precheck who do not identify as male or female. Agents of the Transportation Safety Administration will receive new instructions on how to make screening procedures less invasive and will work with airlines to promote acceptance of the “X” gender index. In the video, Biden said there is still work to be done to end the “epidemic of violence against trans women and girls of color” and to ensure that trans seniors “can grow old with dignity.” He reiterated his call for Congress to pass the Equality Act to help trans people around the world “live without discrimination and violence.” Biden tried to reassure any transsexuals who were having difficulty, telling them to remember that “you are not alone.” “You are so brave. You belong. “And we have your back,” Biden said. The administration’s actions follow the recent steps at the state level to limit the activity of trans people. At least 10 states have banned trans athletes from participating in sports at all levels in a way that is consistent with their gender identity. In Texas, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, who is seeking re-election, has instructed the state’s child care service to investigate reports confirming childcare sex as abuse. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican who is running for re-election and considering running for president in 2024, on Monday signed into law a bill called “Do Not Say Homosexual” by opponents, which prohibits and gender. identity card in kindergarten until the third grade. The law has sparked strong national scrutiny from critics who say it marginalizes LGBTQ people. Republicans and lawmakers argue that these issues should be discussed between parents and their children. In the White House, “Danger!” Champion Amy Schneider, the first openly transgender winner in the popular show quiz, will meet second gentleman Doug Emhoff. Emhoff and Admiral Rachel Levine, Assistant Secretary for Health at the Department of Health and Human Services, will host a separate discussion with transgender children and their parents. Levine is the first openly federal official to be confirmed by the Senate. In Florida, Education Minister Miguel Cardona will meet with LGBTQ + students. HHS, the White House said, will also be the first agency to carry a trans pride flag. ——— Associated Press writers Meg Kinnard in Columbia, South Carolina, and Colleen Long and Ben Fox contributed to this report.
