Joe Biden tells trans Americans in his State of the Union address : “I have your back!”

Joe Biden trans Americans Union address

Biden’s Solidarity with Transgender Community

In his State of the Union address, President Joe Biden explicitly expressed his support for the transgender community, stating, “I have your back.” He criticized the practice of book-banning and the attempt to erase historical truths. Biden urged Congress to approve the Equality Act, a proposed law aimed at establishing LGBTQ+ civil rights at the national level.

Midway through his address, Biden declared, “Stop denying another core value of America our diversity across American life,” emphasizing, “Banning books — it’s wrong! Instead of erasing history, let’s make history! I want to protect other fundamental rights! Pass the Equality Act, and my message to transgender Americans: I have your back!”

He reassured transgender Americans, especially the youth watching from home, of his unwavering support: “To all the transgender Americans watching at home – especially the young people – you are so brave. I want you to know your president has your back,” he reiterated.

Contrast of American Values and a Look into History

President Biden highlighted the conflict between American ideals such as “honesty, decency, dignity, [and] equality” and the negative sentiments of “resentment, revenge, and retribution” prevalent among certain older demographics, subtly referencing former President Donald Trump without naming him. He discussed the ongoing battle for the country’s soul, pitting a vision pulling back to the past against a push toward a future-facing America.

He reminded the audience, “Not since President Lincoln and the Civil War have freedom and democracy been under assault at home as they are today,” referring to recent events, including Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions in Ukraine and the January 6, 2001, insurrection led by Trump’s supporters, as challenges to democracy and equality.

Biden’s Defense of Democracy and Vision for the Future

Biden emphasized, “Insurrectionists stormed this very Capitol and placed a dagger at the throat of American democracy… But they failed. America stood strong and democracy prevailed.” He called for honesty and defense of democracy, condemning attempts to obscure the truth of events like the January 6 insurrection.

Addressing concerns regarding his age, Biden, 81, reflected on his extensive career and reaffirmed his commitment to the foundational American value of equality for all. He stated, “We’ve never fully lived up to that idea, but we’ve never walked away from it either,” expressing his continued commitment and optimism for the country.

Concluding his speech, Biden set forth his vision for a future inclusive of all Americans, underscoring his belief in the nation and its people. He invited everyone to contribute to this shared future, emphasizing, “There is nothing beyond our capacity when we act together.”