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Joe Biden Tells Transgender Americans 'The President Has Your Back'

Joe Biden Tells Transgender Americans 'The President Has Your Back'

The US President urged Congress to enact reform so that these vulnerable citizens can avoid discrimination.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

In his first joint address to Congress since becoming US President, Joe Biden has called on transgender Americans to stay strong.

To mark his first 100 days in office, Biden outlined what his Administration has achieved and what he hopes to do over the next few months.

He mentioned his multi-trillion dollar infrastructure plan, hopes for free community college, the coronavirus vaccine rollout and the January 6 insurrection.

However, he also had messages for Congress and told them to pull their fingers out and enact reform.

PA

Biden asked Congress to get cracking on bills that would would offer more protection for LGBTQ+ Americans from workplace, housing and health care discrimination.

"I also hope Congress can get to my desk the Equality Act to protect the rights of LGBTQ Americans," he said.

"To all the transgender Americans watching at home - especially the young people who are so brave - I want you to know that your president has your back."

The Equality Act passed though the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives back in February. Due to the Senate being much more politically divided, the bill faces an uphill battle.

The US President also touched on gun crime and how Congress needs to ban assault weapons to stop more unnecessary deaths.

He promised to do everything in his power as President to stop more gun deaths, however insisted the politicians in Congress have the ability to do more.

"Our flag at the White House was still flying at half-staff for the 8 victims of the mass shooting in Georgia, when 10 more lives were taken in a mass shooting in Colorado.

"In the week between those mass shootings, more than 250 other Americans were shot dead. 250 shot dead.

'I know how hard it is to make progress on this issue."

PA

He added that a ban on assault weapons and increased background checks would be instrumental in curbing the number of people being killed or injured across the US.

"These kinds of reasonable reforms have the overwhelming support of the American people - including many gun owners.

"The country supports reform, and the Congress should act. This shouldn't be a Red vs. Blue issue. It's an American issue."

It was the longest first address by a US President in recent memory, clocking in just over 64 minutes.

While there was a lot that Joe Biden mentioned that was negative about the country he leads, he says he's optimistic about the future.

"We are the United States of America. There is nothing - nothing - beyond our capacity - nothing we can't do - if we do it together. May God bless you all," he said.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: joe biden, News, LGBT, US News