Republicans and Trump join forces in anger towards Biden as Trans Visibility Day coincidentally falls on Easter Sunday

President Joe Biden’s statement recognizing Trans Visibility Day on Easter Sunday has sparked controversy and backlash from Republicans, including former President Donald Trump and his allies.

Trans Visibility Day, created by transgender activist Rachel Crandall in 2009, is observed on March 31 each year. This year, the date coincided with Easter Sunday, a Christian holiday that marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In his statement, President Biden praised the courage and contributions of transgender Americans and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to equality and justice for the LGBTQI+ community. He highlighted his administration’s efforts to end the ban on transgender individuals serving in the military and appointing transgender Americans to leadership roles.

The coincidence of Trans Visibility Day with Easter Sunday added a religious dimension to the backlash from conservatives, who accused President Biden of disrespecting Christians by recognizing the transgender community on a day that holds religious significance.

Karoline Leavitt, a press secretary for Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, called on President Biden to apologize to Christians for “declaring” Trans Visibility Day on Easter Sunday. Other Trump loyalists, including senators Mike Lee and JD Vance, also criticized the president on social media.

The controversy comes at a time when transgender rights are under attack in conservative states, with some states passing laws to ban gender-affirming care for minors. The death of a transgender girl in Oklahoma earlier this year has further highlighted the challenges and discrimination faced by transgender individuals in the United States.