NEW YORK, NY -- As part of his “Unity Agenda” for the nation shared in his 2022 State of the Union, President Joe Biden called upon the Senate to pass the Equality Act, a crucial piece of federal legislation that would codify gender identity and sexual orientation as protected categories under existing civil rights law and improve protections for women, people of color, and people of all faiths. In his televised remarks, the President spoke directly to transgender young people, reminding them he “has their back,” and acknowledging their right to be themselves and achieve their full potential.

In response to the President’s remarks, Andy Marra, Executive Director of Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund (TLDEF), released the following statement:

“TLDEF applauds President Biden’s remarks to ensure passage of the Equality Act, and his message of support to transgender young people and their families across the nation. Now more than ever, transgender people need explicit federal protections, and we have bipartisan support across the country for this sensible and long-overdue legislation to finally be passed and signed into law. TLDEF is gratified to have a steadfast partner in the White House who both shares our belief that transgender people deserve a country and future that guarantees our dignity and works with us to make that vision a reality.”