Not even Easter could be spared from the culture wars.
This year, the holiest Christian holiday on the calendar — celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ — coincides with Transgender Day of Visibility, which has taken place on March 31 every year since 2009.
In keeping with years past, President Biden, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, and a slew of other top Democrat pols celebrated both Easter and Transgender Day of Visibility — stoking ire from Christian conservatives who view supporting transgender people as antithetical to their religion.
“On Transgender Day of Visibility, we honor the extraordinary courage and contributions of transgender Americans and reaffirm our Nation’s commitment to forming a more perfect Union — where all people are created equal and treated equally throughout their lives,” Biden’s proclamation, issued on Friday, said.
Then on Saturday, Hochul followed suit and announced that major Empire State landmarks including One World Trade Center, the Kosciuszko Bridge and the Niagara Falls would be lit pink, white, and light blue in support of transgender people..
“Today we celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility by acknowledging the contributions that members of the transgender community have made in New York State and across the country,” Hochul declared.
“I am proud of the strength transgender New Yorkers display every day and want to make one thing clear: you are always welcome in New York. You are loved.”
The blowback
Biden’s statement is what kicked off the furor — and sparked festering outrage among Christians and conservatives over the Easter weekend.
“Joe Biden declaring the most holy day for Christians as ‘Transgender Visibility Day’ is a slap in the face to every American, whatever their faith,” former presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy said.
“We’re in the middle of a war in this country.”
Ramaswamy was far from alone. A cacophony of prominent Republicans — from former President Donald Trump too House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) — piled on the outrage.
“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,” Karoline Leavitt, Trump’s national press secretary, said.
“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,” Caitlyn Jenner, a prominent transgender conservative, posted on X.
“The only thing you should be declaring on this day is ‘HE is Risen.’”
The White House vehemently pushed back and denounced the criticism, claiming it was hateful.
“As a Christian who celebrates Easter with family, President Biden stands for bringing people together and upholding the dignity and freedoms of every American,” White House spokesperson Andrew Bates said in a statement Saturday.
“Sadly, it’s unsurprising politicians are seeking to divide and weaken our country with cruel, hateful, and dishonest rhetoric. President Biden will never abuse his faith for political purposes or for profit.”
Why celebrate Trans Day on Easter?
In contrast to many other religious and secular holidays, Easter is not tied to a specific date — it is intended to follow on the Sunday after the Paschal full moon, which comes after the spring equinox.
Typically, Easter falls somewhere between March 22 and April 25.
And the two events aren’t set to occur together again until 2086 — more than 60 years from now.
Meanwhile, Transgender Day of Visibility began taking shape in 2009 after lobbying from transgender activist Rachel Crandall, who felt that there was insufficient recognition of his community.
Prior to Transgender Day of Visibility, there were celebrations of Transgender Day of Remembrance, which began in 1999. But Transgender Day of Remembrance centered on mourning deceased transgender people.
Crandall felt Remembrance Day was “always so negative because it’s about people who were killed” and wanted something much more upbeat.
Biden became the first president to issue a proclamation celebrating Transgender Day of Visibility during his first year in office back in 2021.
Prior to that, his predecessors Barack Obama and Donald Trump declined to herald the occasion in a formal way.
The 81-year-old president has cast himself as a champion of the LGBTQ community and has been no stranger to controversy on the issue.
Last year, for example, after transgender influencer Rose Montoya exposed her breasts at the White House South Lawn last June during a Pride celebration, the White House faced intense public backlash.
Biden celebrates Easter
For their part, both Biden and Hochul, both Catholics, made sure to celebrate Easter as well.
“Jill and I send our warmest wishes to Christians around the world celebrating Easter Sunday. Easter reminds us of the power of hope and the promise of Christ’s Resurrection,” Biden said in a statement.
“As we gather with loved ones, we remember Jesus’ sacrifice. We pray for one another and cherish the blessing of the dawn of new possibilities.”
Hochul similarly proclaimed, “Happy Easter! Let’s recommit ourselves to being good to one another and spreading the enduring messages of hope, kindness, and compassion that marks this season.”
