Progress and Action on Trans Day of Visibility

Last June, President Joe Biden signed an Executive Order to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the federal workforce. Since then, federal agencies have been working to put the order into action. With enormous gratitude to Charlotte Clymer who curated this list on her Twitter feed in celebration of #TransDayofVisibility, here are some of the highlights of this work:

1. Starting on April 11, 2022, U.S. citizens will be able to select a non-binary gender marker on their passports.
2. TSA is updating their body scanners at airport security to improve the experiences of trans and non-binary travelers.
3. TSA is also implementing non-binary gender markers during TSA Precheck enrollment and when booking flights.
4. A new website from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) offers resources and guidance for LGBTQ youth and families.
5. The Department of Education’s Office of Safe and Supportive Schools is expanding efforts to educate school leaders and communities about the challenges facing trans and non-binary youth and their families.
6. A recent blog post from HHS’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration affirms the critical need of gender-affirming case for trans and non-binary youth.
7. New information for healthcare providers from HHS’ National Child Traumatic Stress Network confirms that providing gender-affirming care in neither child maltreatment nor malpractice.
8. HHS has developed a resource to inform parents and guardians, educators, and others with information on what is gender-affirming care.
9. By the Fall of 2022, the Social Security Administration will no longer require transgender people to show proof of identity such as a doctor’s note to update their gender information.
10. Individuals filing a discrimination complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission can now select a non-binary gender marker during the intake process.
11. The Department of Education will propose a new federal regulation to allow student aid applicants to indicate their gender identity, race, and ethnicity to inform the Department about application barriers.
12. The White House will begin implementing a non-binary gender marker that affirms trans and non-binary visitors and workers.
13. The President’s proposal FY23 budget includes $10 million in funding for critical research on how to best add questions about sexual orientation and gender identity to the American Community Survey.

These actions help recognize the rights and dignity of all youth and adults in America, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. We celebrate everyone who brings their authentic selves to work and life every day.