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Washington, DC -- Today, the Transgender Equality Task Force, led by Co-Chairs Representatives Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), Marie Newman (D-IL), and Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), introduced a resolution supporting the ideals and goals of International Transgender Day of Visibility, recognized annually on March 31st.

"To all of our transgender family, friends, and neighbors, whether you're out or not, this Transgender Day of Visibility is a time to be reminded that you are seen and you are loved," said Congresswoman Wexton. "The resolution my colleagues and I have introduced today celebrates transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary people for the bravery it takes to live as their authentic selves. Over the past few years, we have made major progress to advance equity, but the reality is that many trans people do not feel safe or welcome to live openly. Transgender people, especially trans women of color, continue to face alarming rates of violence, discrimination, and poverty that we must confront. Here in Congress, we'll continue pushing forward with legislation like the Equality Act to fight back against anti-trans attacks which seek to erase our trans family, friends, and neighbors. It is incumbent upon all of us to speak out against this kind of hate and bigotry wherever and whenever we see it to create safer and more inclusive communities."

"On International Transgender Day of Visibility, we witness, recognize and celebrate the history and resilience of transgender Americans in our country. For decades, transgender Americans have fought hate and discrimination on a daily basis while still accomplishing historic achievements and milestones for our own nation. As transgender Americans, particularly Black and Brown transgender women, face violence at epidemic levels, it is on all of us to ensure they are not only protected, but that their voices are heard loud and clear," said Congresswoman Newman. "While Republican-controlled state legislatures across our nation are working to enact anti-trans legislation, this resolution demonstrates that this Congress is standing proudly side by side with the millions of transgender Americans like my own daughter. While we continue to urge the Senate to pass the Equality Act immediately, it is critical we continue to recognize that this country would not be where it is today without the bravery and courage of the millions of LGBTQ Americans, advocacy organizations, and community leaders who have fought for freedom and equality for decades. Love and progress will always triumph over hate and division. Always."

“As the proud parent of a transgender child, I am honoring this Transgender Day of Visibility by committing to taking on the urgent legislative work necessary to finally guarantee that every transgender person can live freely as themselves and free from discrimination,” said Congresswoman Jayapal. “This is a pivotal moment in our fight for equality, and I stand with my child and every LGBTQ+ person in America as we defeat hate, end discrimination, and secure full civil rights across this country.”

Over the past few years, more transgender people have bravely shared their stories and made history as trailblazers in all areas of society. Earlier this month, the first openly transgender federal official was confirmed by the U.S. Senate, the first transgender teen testified before Congress, and the first openly transgender person was elected as student body president of a major university. Transgender people have appeared on the cover of major magazines and have been celebrated as artists, musicians, doctors, workers, organizers, and more.

Unfortunately, transgender people continue to face severe discrimination and violence which prevent them from living a visible and authentic life. Across the country right now, state legislatures are advancing bills to ban gender-affirming health care services for trans youth, block trans kids from participating in sports, and deny trans people access to sex-segregated spaces like bathrooms and locker rooms.

International Transgender Day of Visibility was established in 2009 and is an opportunity to celebrate the many accomplishments and leadership of transgender, non-binary, and gender nonconforming people and recognize the bravery it takes for the transgender community to tell their stories and push for full equity under the law.

In addition to Wexton, Newman, and Jayapal, the resolution is cosponsored by Representatives Jake Auchincloss (D-MA), Cori Bush (D-MO), David Cicilline (D-RI), Madeleine Dean (D-PA), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA), Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Mondaire Jones (D-NY), Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Jim Langevin (D-RI), Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Chris Pappas (D-NH), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Adam Smith (D-WA), Jackie Speier (D-CA), Mark Takano (D-CA), Dina Titus (D-NV), Ritchie Torres (D-NY), and Nikema Williams (D-GA).

The full text of the resolution can be found here.

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