Biden's Stance on LGBTQ Issues: Progress and Challenges

In the 2024 US elections, the national debate on LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) rights and issues has been relatively subdued. Unlike his predecessor, President Donald Trump, Joe Biden has taken several initiatives to address LGBTQ concerns. However, his approach has also faced criticism for performance and insufficiency. This article will explore the progress made under Biden's administration and the challenges that remain.

Progress and Positive Initiatives

Joe Biden, as President, has issued several orders that positively impact the LGBTQ community. Here are some notable examples:

1. Diverse Training and Workplace Inclusion

One significant move was the removal of the ban on diversity training in the US federal government. This decision ensures that federal employees can participate in programs designed to promote understanding and respect for LGBTQ individuals. Additionally, the revocation of a memo by the US Department of Justice, which suggested that the Bostock vs Clayton County Supreme Court decision had limited scope to employment discrimination, was a positive step. This move paved the way for the US Housing and Urban Development program to protect housing rights for LGBTQ individuals. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) also pledged to protect LGBTQ individuals from credit discrimination.

2. Military Service

Biden's administration lifted the ban on transgender people serving in the military. This decision allows transgender individuals to serve openly, promoting a more inclusive environment for all those who wish to serve. Furthermore, the US Department of Justice announced that it would protect the rights of transgender students under Title IX, ensuring they have access to educational resources and facilities without discrimination.

3. Health and Citizenship Policies

Another significant initiative from the Biden administration is the enforcement of non-discrimination policies for LGBTQ Americans under the Affordable Care Act. This ensures that health insurance providers cannot discriminate against LGBTQ individuals. Additionally, the US Department of State declared that it would enforce birthright citizenship for children born to same-sex US couples, recognizing the rights of LGBTQ parents and their children.

4. Passport Policies

The US Department of State is also taking steps to make travel documents more inclusive. They plan to issue passports with non-binary markers, which is a significant step towards recognizing and respecting the gender identities of all citizens.

Criticisms and Ongoing Challenges

While Biden's initiatives are commendable, his approach to LGBTQ issues has also faced criticism. There are instances where he has required LGBTQ individuals to go through unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. For example, he has placed a burden on federal workers to address gender-neutral restroom signs and to accommodate transgender individuals, often without providing the necessary resources and support.

1. Performance and Insufficiency

In some cases, Biden's actions can come across as performative. For instance, the requirement for federal workers to ensure gender-neutral restrooms and to provide appropriate accommodations to transgender individuals without additional support can provoke resentment. This highlights the ongoing need for a more comprehensive and resourceful approach to address LGBTQ rights and inclusivity.

2. State and Local Enforcement

Additionally, it is noteworthy that many of the initiatives at the federal level are countered by less favorable policies at the state and local levels. While the federal government may take steps to protect LGBTQ rights, many Republican-controlled states continue to limit these rights. This dual approach can often confuse and frustrate the LGBTQ community, as it may feel that progress is being undermined at the state level.

Conclusion

Joe Biden's administration has taken significant steps towards addressing LGBTQ issues, but there is still much work to be done. The positive initiatives such as lifting bans, protecting rights, and promoting inclusivity are important milestones, but they must be complemented by concrete actions that eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and provide the necessary resources to support LGBTQ individuals. The ongoing challenges at the state and local levels highlight the need for a more unified and comprehensive approach to ensure that LGBTQ rights are protected and promoted across all levels of governance.