For the first time in U.S. history, the "Transgender Flag" was flown outside of a federal building on March 31, the Transgender Day of Visibility.
The white, pink, and blue striped transgender flag was flown just below the U.S. flag on the flagpole in front of the Department of Health and Human Services building in Washington, D.C.
In a tweet, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said, "On this International #TransDayofVisibility, I say to our transgender communities: we see you, we stand with you, and we will be there for you. For the first time in history, the transgender flag is flying in front of a federal agency, @HHSGov’s Hubert Humphrey building."
On this International #TransDayofVisibility, I say to our transgender communities: we see you, we stand with you, and we will be there for you. For the first time in history, the transgender flag is flying in front of a federal agency, @HHSGov’s Hubert Humphrey building. pic.twitter.com/7vpYZJI4KY
— Secretary Xavier Becerra (@SecBecerra) March 31, 2022
In a proclamation for the Transgender Day of Visibility, President Joe Biden said transgenders are "made in the image of God and deserving of dignity, respect, and support. On this day and every day, we recognize the resilience, strength, and joy of transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming people."
"Visibility matters, and so many transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming Americans are thriving," said the president. "Like never before, they are sharing their stories in books and magazines; breaking glass ceilings of representation on television and movie screens; enlisting — once again — to serve proudly and openly in our military; getting elected and making policy at every level of government; and running businesses, curing diseases, and serving our communities in countless other ways."
In February 2021, President Biden nominated Rachel Levine, a transgender woman (biological male), to be the Assistant Secretary for Health at the HHS. Levine was confirmed by the Senate (52-48) to that position on March 24, 2021. Only two Republicans joined with the Democrats to confirm Levine.
