LGBTQ Flag Conor Doherty of Scituate holds up his rainbow flag while listening to the speakers at Lawson Common during Scituate’s Pride parade on Saturday, June 26, 2021. Phoma Sc Pride3 New0630rc

Over the past several months, many states across the country have passed or proposed legislation that targets transgender athletes, banning transgender women and girls from competing in sports in accordance with their gender identities. And this week, United States President Joe Biden took a pretty clear stance against those lose.

Joe Biden declared Sunday, March 31 Transgender Day of Visibility to celebrate the “joy, strength, and absolute courage” of the transgender community. And in his proclamation, the President called out “a wave of discriminatory State laws targeting transgender youth.”

“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. As kids, they deserve what every child deserves: the chance to learn in safe and supportive schools, to develop meaningful friendships, and to live openly and honestly. As adults, they deserve the same rights enjoyed by every American, including equal access to health care, housing, and jobs and the chance to age with grace as senior citizens. But today, too many transgender Americans are still denied those rights and freedoms. A wave of discriminatory State laws is targeting transgender youth, terrifying families and hurting kids who are not hurting anyone. An epidemic of violence against transgender women and girls, in particular women and girls of color, has taken lives far too soon. Last year’s Club Q shooting in Colorado was another painful example of this kind of violence — a stain on the conscience of our Nation,” Biden said in the statement.

Biden called the country into action against these “hateful State laws.”

“There is much more to do. I continue to call on the Congress to finally pass the Equality Act and extend long-overdue civil rights protections to all LGBTQI+ Americans to ensure they can live with safety and dignity. Together, we also have to keep challenging the hundreds of hateful State laws that have been introduced across the country, making sure every child knows that they are made in the image of God, that they are loved, and that we are standing up for them,” Biden said.

Obviously, this is a strong stance from Biden, and it led to a lot of reactions on social media.

It’s certainly a strong statement from Biden.

[White House]