"Danger!" Champion Amy Schneider visited the White House on Thursday to mark International Transgender Day visibility as the Biden administration launched a series of measures in support of transgender Americans.
"The more people like me that can be seen, the harder it is to perpetuate the myths that are driving so much of this hate and fear," said Schneider, the first trans woman to qualify for "Jeopardy! Champions of Champions, told the White House briefing room.
Her visit – which included a discussion about transgender visibility with second gentleman Doug Emhoff – was a busy day in Washington with the administration aiming to support the mental health of transgender children, removing barriers to entry to government services. Announced several functions. Improving data representation for trans Americans and for transgender people.
"Transgender people are some of the bravest Americans I know, and our nation and the world is stronger, more vibrant, and more prosperous because of them. To transgender Americans of all ages, I want you to know that you are very Brave. You belong. I have your back," the president said in a presidential proclamation Wednesday evening.
International Transgender Day of Visibility aims to celebrate the achievements of transgender rights activists and raise awareness of the ongoing challenges facing transgender and gender-nonconforming people.
New support
US citizens will have the option of selecting "X" when identifying their gender on US passport applications and other documents starting in April, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday.
"Starting April 11, US citizens will be able to select an X as their gender marker on their US passport application, and the option will become available for other forms of documentation next year," Blinken said in a statement.
"After thoughtful consideration of research and feedback from community members, we concluded that the State Department's definition of an X gender marker on public forms would be 'unspecified or other gender identity.'" respects it."
The administration also announced that it would partner with airlines, the Transportation Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security to add an "X" gender marker to its system.
Additionally, the Social Security Administration will remove the requirement that transgender people show proof of identity or doctor's notes to update their gender information by 2022, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) ) will allow new steps. Move individuals to indicate their gender identity -- removing barriers to self-identity that they may face in employment and the student loan process.
The administration also announced new steps to ensure equality in data, including $10 million in funding to research best practices for the Census Bureau's American Community Survey.
And the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Education and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration will release new material aimed at addressing the challenges facing transgender youth in schools and in mental health care.
"This Transgender Day of Visibility, we honor transgender people who are fighting for freedom, equality, dignity and respect," Biden said in his proclamation on Wednesday. "We also celebrate parents, teachers, coaches, doctors and other allies who affirm the identities of their transgender children and help these young people reach their potential."
White House events
Transgender Day of Visibility, or TDOV, was founded in 2009 by Rachel Crandall, Michigan-based transgender activist and executive director of Transgender Michigan. It was started as an awareness day to celebrate the successes of transgender and gender-nonconforming people and is an important day for the LGBTQ community.
While Transgender Day of Remembrance is held every year on 20 November to remember transgender people who have lost their lives as a result of anti-transgender violence, TDOV is a day that honors and honors the lives of transgender and non-binary people. Dedicated to empowering
Beyond Schneider's visit, the White House organized a number of events, including talks with transgender youth and advocates around the country, hosted by Second Gentleman and Assistant Secretary for Health Rachel Levine. And Education Secretary Miguel Cardona traveled to Orlando, Florida, to discuss the state's controversial law, which opponents have dubbed the "Don't Say Gay" law with LGBTQ students.
The Department of Health and Human Services also raised a transgender pride flag to mark the day – the first time in history a federal agency has done so.
Justice Department warning
The administration's efforts come against the backdrop of a larger movement by conservative lawmakers to ban the lives of transgender youth in the US.
This month, Republican Gov. Doug Ducey of Arizona signed two bills into law targeting transgender youth in the state, including one that restricts access to gender-affirming health care for minors, while a controversial order in Texas There was a demand to investigate gender-affirming care. minors as "child abuse".
On Thursday, the Justice Department sent a letter to the state attorney general reminding him of the federal rights that transgender youth have, including seeking gender-affirming care.
"All individuals should be free to access services, programs and activities supported by federal financial aid without fear that for doing so they may face unlawful discrimination," the letter said.
"The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that all children are able to live free of discrimination, abuse, and harassment," DOJ Civil Rights Division chief Kristen Clarke said in a statement Thursday.
The letter, she said, "reaffirms the obligation of state and local officials to ensure that their laws and policies do not undermine or harm the health and safety of children," regardless of their gender identity.
"Over the past year, hundreds of anti-transgender bills were proposed across America in states, most of them targeting transgender children. The attacks have continued this year. These bills are wrong," Biden's Wednesday announcement stated in.
“Efforts to criminalize supportive medical care for transgender children, ban transgender children from playing sports, and stop discussing LGBTQI+ people in schools undermine their humanity and tarnish the values of our nation.”