“I take pride in the campaign we built and ran, and I’m proud of the coalition we’ve assembled — the most extensive and diverse coalition in history […] gay, straight, transgender…” Wait, did I just hear Joe Biden, the President-elect, acknowledge the existence of transgender individuals and express pride in us? Absolutely. He was the first president to include transgender people in his victory speech.
It shouldn’t be a significant event to feel seen, yet it was, especially after the last four years where the previous president mentioned the queer community only to undermine our rights and protections. Trump actively worked to erase queer people, particularly transgender individuals, from legal recognition. This started on his inauguration day when he removed all references to LGBTQIA+ individuals from government websites. He subsequently banned transgender people from the military and rolled back housing, healthcare, education, and employment protections for queer and transgender individuals. Biden appears ready to halt this damaging trajectory.
Barack Obama was the first to mention gay voters in 2008. Since then, politicians often utter safe phrases like “love is love” and “love wins,” but real support for our identities and the fluidity of our gender expression has been scarce. Biden was the first to directly mention the transgender community in a meaningful way.
In his address, Biden also acknowledged Latino, Asian, and Native American voters for their support. While racial diversity is often highlighted in campaigns, LGBTQIA+ issues frequently get sidelined. This reluctance stems from either bigotry or fear of losing voter support, revealing hypocrisy rather than true allyship. I understand why some liberal officials tread carefully; there’s only so much “diversity” that some may be willing to accept. Queer identities and our experiences are often seen as too much for some to handle.
I long for lawmakers who will actively advocate for and protect the queer community by enacting robust anti-discrimination laws, but for now, I settle for politicians who won’t actively undermine my rights. It feels almost acceptable to ask for the bare minimum: see us but ignore us just enough so our lives don’t worsen.
When Biden acknowledged gay and transgender individuals in his speech—indirectly recognizing me and my trans daughter—I experienced a whirlwind of emotions. I felt hopeful that maybe some of the fear and anger would dissipate. I felt excitement, but also frustration that my sense of relief depended on an external figure. This is the reality for many transgender individuals; we often exist in a constant state of cognitive dissonance.
As a transgender person, particularly a nonbinary individual, my existence is often up for debate, despite my understanding of my own identity. I know that biological sex does not determine gender. I understand that gender is fluid. I know I am not female, even if others perceive me that way. I also recognize that aligning with society’s gender constructs is often necessary for daily interactions, even though it feels alienating.
Imagine living in an environment where you’re overlooked until it’s time for your mistreatment. Or consider being so eager for acknowledgment that when you finally hear your name, you feel a mix of joy and disbelief. That’s the sensation I experienced when I heard “transgender” spoken on national television, with respect, by the country’s highest official.
It will take time to heal from the trauma left by Trump’s administration. Not only did he challenge my and my daughter’s right to exist as transgender individuals, but he also allowed his followers to perpetuate harmful narratives that deny our reality, particularly in religious contexts. The implication that my existence is sinful means I should repent or be ostracized, and Trump did everything in his power to make that happen.
Biden is making a positive start to reverse this trend. I noted that he frequently used the term “folks” instead of “ladies and gentlemen,” which—whether intentional or not—could signify a move toward inclusivity across all genders. Biden understands that transgender people contribute significantly to society; we are intelligent, hardworking, and deserving of positions of power. His decision to include Shawn Skelly, a transgender veteran, on his evaluation team for the Department of Defense feels like a direct rebuke to Trump while also serving as an overdue acknowledgment to transgender military personnel who have faced unjust treatment. While this isn’t a complete solution, it’s a step toward progress.
Vice President-elect Kamala Harris is also demonstrating her support for the queer community. She includes her pronouns in her social media bios, nominated an openly Black lesbian as her chief of staff, and appears to be learning from past mistakes regarding the treatment of transgender inmates, who are often denied gender-affirming care and appropriate housing.
There are many injustices to address, but this administration seems prepared to learn, adapt, and take direct action. While I anticipate that Biden and Harris will make mistakes as they protect queer rights, I am hopeful because they are surrounding themselves with LGBTQIA+ individuals who can help elevate our voices rather than merely speaking on our behalf. I look forward to more inclusive and gender-neutral recognition over the next four years.
Summary:
As a trans parent with a trans daughter, the author expresses a sense of validation and hope following President Biden’s acknowledgment of the transgender community in his victory speech. This recognition contrasts sharply with the previous administration’s efforts to undermine LGBTQIA+ rights. The author highlights the importance of representation and inclusivity in politics, noting the potential for positive change under Biden and Vice President Harris, who are willing to learn and support the queer community.
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