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Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), Marie Newman (D-IL), and Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), co-chairs of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus Transgender Equality Task Force, led 34 of their colleagues in introducing a resolution recognizing International Transgender Day of Visibility, which occurs each year on March 31.

“At a time when the rights and dignity of transgender people are under fierce attack, we must stand up to let every member of the trans community know that they are seen, they are loved, and they belong,” said Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. “Transgender Day of Visibility is such an important occasion because it is an opportunity to lift up the remarkable courage of trans individuals to live authentically, showing the world the beauty and strength of this community even as many seek to spread vicious falsehoods. I’m proud to be an ally for my trans family, friends, and neighbors in Congress and lead this resolution to show that Congress stands with the transgender community and is committed to the fight for full LGBTQ+ equality.”

"At a time when millions of transgender Americans are under attack by violence, hateful rhetoric and discriminatory legislation, it is crucial that we — as a nation — witness, recognize and celebrate the resilience of the transgender community in the United States and around the globe," said Congresswoman Marie Newman. "That is why I am honored to join my fellow Equality Caucus Vice Chairs, Representatives Wexton and Jayapal, in introducing a resolution to commemorate International Transgender Day of Visibility. As a proud mother to a transgender daughter, I will continue to do everything in my power to not only bring awareness to the multiple hurdles this community faces every day, but also to lift up their success and bravery as we fight hand-in-hand for their full equality under the law."

“As the proud mom of an incredible trans kid, I want to do everything I can to support my daughter as she embraces who she is fully and unapologetically,” said Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. “Today, I’m thrilled to recognize Trans Day of Visibility and emphatically say to all trans people who just want to live as their authentic selves – I see you, I stand with you, and I will never stop fighting for you. Because trans rights are human rights.”

“Today, as we uplift the transgender community and celebrate trans excellence, we are also reminded of the crippling discrimination that too many trans men and women experience across the country. On this Transgender Day of Visibility, I want to say to the trans community – I promise to continue fighting with and for you,” said Congressman David N. Cicilline (RI-01), Chair of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus. “This resolution from Representatives Jayapal, Wexton, and Newman applauds the achievements of the transgender community and acknowledges the work that remains to ensure that every trans individual can live as their authentic selves. I want to thank them for their consistent and vocal leadership on trans issues – I am committed to working with them to achieve a future where every single person, no matter their gender, can live without fear of repression, discrimination, or violence.”

In recent years, more transgender people in the United States and across the globe have courageously come forward to share their journeys. Trans people are breaking new barriers, with the first openly transgender federal official confirmed by the U.S. Senate, trans individuals being featured on the covers of magazines and television and movie screens, and young trans people making history at their schools and in their communities.

However, the transgender community still faces intense discrimination and a crisis of violence, particularly for trans women of color. As a result, many trans people are unable to live openly and authentically. Trans rights have been under assault over the past few years as a record numbers of bills in state legislatures seek to marginalize and villainize trans people through efforts such as banning gender-affirming health care services and denying trans people access to sex-segregated spaces.

Today, the White House released a fact sheet on advancing equality and visibility for transgender Americans, announcing new initiatives including resources for trans kids and improving access to federal services for trans people. The full fact sheet can be found here.

Transgender Day of Visibility, first established in 2009, is an occasion to celebrate the achievements of transgender, non-binary, gender non-conforming, and gender-diverse people, uplift the stories of bravery and perseverance of trans people, and continue the push for full equality for the trans community.

In addition to Wexton, Newman, and Jayapal the resolution is cosponsored by Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Sean Casten (D-IL), David Cicilline (D-RI), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Angie Craig (D-MN), Sharice L. Davids (D-KS), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Kaialiʻi Kahele (D-HI), Daniel T. Kildee (D-MI), Derek Kilmer (D-WA), John B. Larson (D-CT), Andy Levin (D-MI), Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA), Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), Sean Patrick Maloney (D-PA), Grace Meng (D-NY), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Chris Pappas (D-NH), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Linda T. Sánchez (D-CA), Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Mark Takano (D-CA), Dina Titus (D-NV), Ritchie Torres (D-NY), Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Nikema Williams (D-GA).

The full text of the resolution can be found here.

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