Members of the MAGA movement are outraged after President Joe Biden posted on social media recognition of March 31 as Trans Visibility Day. While Trans Visibility Day has been celebrated on March 31 every year since its inception in 2009, this year’s day of recognition coincided with one of the largest holidays in Christianity: Easter Sunday.
The proclamation issued by the Biden Administration stated Trans Day of Visibility is meant to recognize the “extraordinary courage and contributions of transgender Americans,” but Republicans have taken to social media to express their outrage regarding the coincidental shared day.
“We call on Joe Biden’s failing campaign and White House to issue an apology to the millions of Catholics and Christians across America who believe tomorrow is for one celebration only — the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” said Karoline Leavitt, the Trump campaign’s press secretary.
While some conservative Christians have taken to social media to express their disdain for Trans Day of Visibility, others have gone for a different approach: one that looks to welcome instead of divide. Myers Park Baptist Church in Charlotte posted on Easter and Trans Visibility Day, stating its congregation “stands in solidarity with the trans community.” At the national level, the U.S. Presbyterian Church put out a statement on Easter Sunday to its social media channels, where the church expressed it believed Jesus came to save, not to oppress.
“Breathe courage and love into us today, Creator,” the post reads. “Make our words and actions those that overturn oppression and violence and create a world honoring every being made in your image.
“May we not rest until all may freely and abundantly live into the fullness of who you created them to be.”
The date Easter Sunday falls on changes every year — the Roman Catholic Church and most Protestant faiths celebrate Easter on the first Sunday after the full moon that follows the spring equinox, which is widely believed by Christians to be the day Jesus rose from the dead.
White House spokesperson Andrew Bates called out Republicans, who were using the coincidence of Easter being on March 31, for “seeking to divide and weaken our country with cruel, hateful and dishonest rhetoric.”
“As a Christian who celebrates Easter with family, President Biden stands for bringing people together and upholding the dignity and freedoms of every American,” Bates said. “President Biden will never abuse his faith for political purposes or for profit.”
GLAAD president and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis also pointed out the divisive rhetoric used by MAGA Republicans, saying people can celebrate both holidays while holding true to the real meaning behind Easter.
“The date of Easter moves each year, while Trans Day of Visibility is always recognized on March 31, but this year right-wing politicians and talking heads are using the coincidental timing to overshadow the hope and joy that Easter represents,” she offered.