Schatz Leads Resolution Celebrating International Transgender Day Of Visibility
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) led a group of 17 senators in introducing a resolution to recognize the achievements and courage of the transgender, nonbinary, gender-nonconforming, and gender-diverse communities around the world, and to celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility.
“International Transgender Day of Visibility is about celebrating the transgender, nonbinary, gender-nonconforming, and gender-diverse communities around the world – their achievements, their courage, and their right to live authentically and openly. But it is also about raising awareness of the discrimination and violence they still face today. While we have made significant progress over the years – thanks to the bravery of many transgender leaders – the work for full equality, acceptance, and civil rights protections continues,” said Senator Schatz.
Schatz’s resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Bob Casey (D-Penn.), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.).
“No one should face discrimination based on who they are, or have to live in fear. Trans rights are human rights,” said Senator Markey. “Our job in Congress is to advocate for and celebrate every American, and today on Trans Day of Visibility – and every other day of the year – we recommit to the work of creating a more equitable and inclusive society.”
“At a time when trans rights are under attack in state houses and by school boards, it is more important than ever to support transgender people and especially children. On International Transgender Day of Visibility, I am especially proud of Pennsylvania’s own Dr. Rachel Levine, a renowned physician and the highest-ranking transgender official ever to serve in the federal government. She has transcended hate and bigotry throughout her time in public service and has never wavered in her leadership or her commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of all Pennsylvanians and Americans,” said Senator Casey.
“Despite the progress we’ve made toward equality, trans people—particularly trans people of color—continue to face discrimination and attacks. On this International Transgender Day of Visibility and always, I stand in solidarity with trans people everywhere and celebrate their perseverance, vibrance, and the important contributions they make to our society. I’ll keep fighting until all transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse people have the freedom to live authentically,” said Senator Hirono.
“Transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals still face violence, harassment, and discrimination based on their gender identity and gender expression – that must end. Recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility is an important step in celebrating their rights to live openly, and their contributions to our country and the world. We have to keep fighting for full equality and to protect individuals from targeted violence and persecution based on gender identity or expression – I’m glad to be with Senator Schatz in this fight,” said Senator Warren.
“On this International Transgender Day of Visibility and always, we celebrate the resilience of transgender, nonbinary and gender nonconforming Americans and their basic right to be their most authentic selves without fear, shame or discrimination,” said Senator Duckworth. “As the transgender community continues to endure horrific, targeted violence and with a wave of anti-transgender bills being proposed in states across the country, I’m proud to join Senator Schatz and my colleagues to introduce this resolution to commemorate Transgender Day of Visibility and send a strong, unified message to our fellow Americans: we see you, we hear you and we will never stop working to advance true equality for all of us.”
“The transgender community is diverse, resilient, and strong,” said Senator Rosen. “I'm proud to help introduce this resolution recognizing Trans Day of Visibility and raising awareness of the discrimination and violence the trans community still endures. No one should have to ever live in fear or experience violence for being who they are.”
“On Transgender Day of Visibility, I’m reminded of the strength and bravery of all transgender individuals — especially our nation’s trans youth. Everyone in this country deserves to be seen, respected, and loved. Sadly, this is not the case for many, as transgender Americans continue to face intolerance, violence, and barriers to opportunity. Today, and every day, we must continue to lift up these brave individuals to ensure their stories are heard and that they have equal protection under the law,” said Senator Carper.
“Today, we celebrate the lives—the joy, the contributions, the perseverance and so much more—of trans and non-binary people here in the United States and around the world,” said Senator Wyden. “As attacks against the LGBTQ+ community continue to plague our nation, we are reminded today of our shared humanity and goals for a more equitable world. Today and every day, I am fighting tooth and nail to protect the rights of trans youth, veterans, and folks in Oregon and across the country to get the gender-affirming care and treatment they seek to continue to be their true selves.”
“There is no room for discrimination and hate in society,” said Senator Whitehouse. “I’m glad to join my colleagues in recognizing trans Americans’ many contributions, and in sending a message of kindness and love as the world celebrates International Transgender Day of Visibility.”
“International Transgender Day of Visibility is an opportunity for us to celebrate the contributions, successes and resilience of trans people,” said Senator Bennet. “As the transgender community continues to face an onslaught of bigoted, reprehensible attacks on their humanity, I'll continue working in the Senate to take much-needed steps to protect trans people in Colorado and across the country.”
International Transgender Day of Visibility was founded in 2009. Since then, the transgender community has seen many visible leaders in both government and popular culture.
A similar resolution was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representative Jennifer Wexton (D-Va.).
The full text of Schatz’s resolution is available here.
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