When he made a proclamation recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility ( TDoV ) known to conservatives and a well-known transgender woman, Caitlyn Jenner, he attracted the ire of president Joe Biden.
” Now, we send a message to all transgender Americans: You are loved. You are heard. You are understood. You belong. The chairman said in a statement released on Friday that “you are America, and my whole Management and I have your back”
TDoV fell on March 31, the same day as the orthodox Christian Easter, infuriating a number of liberals. May 5 is the Catholic Easter holiday this time.
A number of conservatives claimed that Biden had taken advantage of a divine trip to support trans people.
The Claim
Jenner, an Olympic fighter and reality TV star who publicly admitted she was a trans woman in 2015, took to X, previously Twitter, to criticize Biden’s message of support for transgender people, suggesting that he created TDoV to be held on the “most Holy of Holy time.”
” I am positively horrified that Joe Biden has designated Transgender Day of Visibility as the most holy day of all- a self-proclaimed devout Catholic. The only thing you should be declaring on this day is’ HE is Risen ‘”, she wrote.
I find it absolutely repulsive that Joe Biden has designated Transgender Day of Visibility as the most sacred of all nights- a self-declared devout Catholic. The only thing you should be declaring today is” HE is Risen.”
— Caitlyn Jenner (@Caitlyn_Jenner ) March 30, 2024
The Information
TDoV was created in 2009 to “celebrate the life and accomplishments of transgender people, while also drawing attention to the poverty, discrimination, and assault the group faces”, according to LGBTQ+ internet advocacy group, GLAAD.
It was first observed on March 31, which has been the day’s day of observance for the past 15 years.
Rachel Crandall-Crocker, a trans activist from Michigan, created TDoV and considered how it has grown into a worldwide day of recognition since 2009.
She told NPR on March 30:” It really is incredible how far it has come. ” I was n’t expecting to start an international movement”.
I desired a day so that we could concentrate on the lifestyle. And where we could hold rallies all over the world as one group.
Additionally, Crandall- Crocker explained why she particularly chose March 31 as TDoV to assure there was enough time between Transgender Day of Memory on November 20 and LGBTQ+ Pride Month in June.
Non-Orthodox Christians set the times for mobile holidays like Easter according to the Gregorian calendar. Easter is typically observed on the first Sunday after the full sun on or following the flower spring and falls between March 22 and April 25 every year. Orthodox Christians observe the Julian calendar.
Biden was the first U.S. leader to designate March 31 as transgender awareness time in 2021.
In a public statement at the time, he said,” Transgender Day of Visibility recognizes the generations of battle, engagement, and courage that have brought our country close to full justice for trans and female non-binary people in the United States and around the world.
Biden added:” In spite of our advancement in advancing civil rights for LGBTQ+ Americans, to many trans people—adults and children alike—still face structural barriers to liberty and equality”.
The president also sent out a separate message this year to honor TDoV in addition to recognizing TDoV.
” Jill]Biden, the First Lady ] and I send our warmest wishes to Christians around the world celebrating Easter Sunday. Easter reminds us of the power of hope and the promise of Christ’s Resurrection”, he said in a statement.
” As we gather with loved ones, we remember Jesus ‘ sacrifice. We pity one another and cherish the blessing of the opening of fresh possibilities. And as innocent lives are being impacted by wars and conflict all over the world, we renew our commitment to fighting for peace, security, and dignity for all people.
” From our family to yours, happy Easter and may God bless you.”
The Ruling
False.
Although Biden did officially acknowledge that TDoV on March 31, he also did it on April 4, that year because Easter fell on April 4.
A Michigan-based advocate set the occasion to raise awareness of the plight of transgender people and honor their accomplishments.
The first TDoV was held on April 12th, 2009, when Easter fell on April 12. Since then, the two dates coincided only twice: in 2013 and in 2024.
Biden did not create TDoV or intentionally conflict the date with Easter, which is held on a different date each year.
FACT CHECK BY NEWSWEEK
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is dedicated to challenging conventional wisdom and making connections in search of common ground.
Newsweek is dedicated to challenging conventional wisdom and making connections in search of common ground.
