Former U.S. President Joe Biden sharply criticized Republicans for exploiting transgender rights for political gain during a speech at the International LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference in Washington on Friday.
Accepting a lifetime achievement award for his advocacy on LGBTQ+ issues, Biden urged the community to mobilize against efforts by Donald Trump’s administration to roll back civil rights protections.
“Donald Trump and his Republicans are trying to derail and distort our fight for equality,” Biden said. “They want to turn it into something frightening, something sinister. But there is nothing more American than the idea of equality.”
Biden, who signed the Respect for Marriage Act during his presidency—requiring states to recognize same-sex marriages performed elsewhere—accused Republicans of weaponizing identity for political advantage. “At its core, this is about ensuring every American is treated with basic dignity and respect,” he said.
Reflecting on his own evolution on LGBTQ+ issues, Biden acknowledged past positions, including his 1990s vote for the Defense of Marriage Act, before publicly supporting same-sex marriage as vice president in 2012. “I got myself into a bit of good trouble,” he recalled.
Addressing young LGBTQ+ people, Biden emphasized belonging and visibility. “There are young people sitting alone right now, wondering if they will ever be accepted for who they are,” he said. “You are heard, and you belong.”
The appearance was notable as one of Biden’s few major public events since announcing in May that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. His speech also drew attention after he slightly stumbled over the word “America,” jokingly correcting himself and reaffirming: “We are the United States.”
Biden ended by calling for resilience: “As long as we keep the faith, hold onto hope, and remember who we are, we will continue moving forward.”
Source: Theguardian
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