President Joe Biden's open proclamation of this Easter Sunday being the "Transgender Day of Visibility" has raised the ire of Christian conservatives in America, including a rebuke from the famed transgender voice of Olympic gold medalist Caitlyn Jenner.
"I am absolutely disgusted that Joe Biden has declared the most Holy of Holy days — a self proclaimed devout Catholic — as Transgender Day of Visibility," Jenner posted to X. "The only thing you should be declaring on this day is 'HE is Risen.'"
The "Transgender Day of Visibility" was not picked to be March 31 because it falls on Easter Sunday. It began under President Barack Obama in 2009 and is observed every year on that date, but the Trump campaign, conservatives, and Republicans note Biden did not have to "thumb his nose at God" or "mock your faith" with a proclamation of something already established 15 years ago.
"By virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 31, 2024, as Transgender Day of Visibility," the Biden statement posted Friday read. "I call upon all Americans to join us in lifting up the lives and voices of transgender people throughout our Nation and to work toward eliminating violence and discrimination based on gender identity."
"On Transgender Day of Visibility, the Biden-Harris Administration honors the extraordinary courage and contributions of transgender Americans and reaffirms our nation's commitment to forming a more perfect union where all people are treated equally," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre wrote on X.
"This year, transgender Americans have faced an onslaught of hateful attacks. As @POTUS has said, transgender youth are some of the bravest people he knows — and they deserve to live their lives free from hate," she added.
Those statements drew a further response from one of the biggest voices for the transgender community.
"Hey there … it's called Easter Sunday," Jenner wrote. "The Holiest Day in the Christian faith that BILLIONS of people practice worldwide."