WASHINGTON, D.C. – Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (D-MA) took to the House Floor to celebrate International Trans Day of Visibility. Below is a transcript of her remarks:

“Ahead of Trans Day of Visibility, I rise in honor of a community that is being forced to fight for its very existence. I rise in honor of trans voices that deserve to be heard – not silenced and not criminalized. I rise in honor of trans joy that deserves to be celebrated – not eradicated. I rise with unconditional love for my trans daughter, Riley. And I rise in solidarity with every trans American seeking nothing less than their inalienable right to the pursuit of happiness.

“To stand in the way of that right is to stand against our most basic American values. But that’s exactly what MAGA extremists are doing across this country. On school boards. In state capitols. Here in the halls of Congress. Elected officials are using their power to undermine the freedoms and human dignity of trans Americans. And they’re waging an especially vicious crusade on our kids. 

“These attacks make me all the more grateful for the unconditional love that Mimi and Joe Lemay of Massachusetts have for their son Jacob. Mimi and Joe have faced vitriol and cruelty from right-wing extremists. All because they heard, accepted, and embraced Jacob when he told them he’s a boy.

“A few years ago, Mimi shared a letter she wrote to her son. And I’d like to offer a few of her moving words:

‘You have at the age of nine years accomplished what many adults couldn’t in a lifetime. In your courageous visibility, you have changed the course of your own history. You have turned strangers into allies and allies into advocates. Layered in my pride is my concern for you. I know your strength, but I also know how determined the forces are that have pitted themselves against you.  The politicians and preachers who would rather see you languish in a dark closet than watch you engage the world as you do – cultivating joy and love wherever you go.’

“Madam Speaker, Jacob’s courage demonstrates a profound strength. Let’s show that strength the respect it demands. Let’s reject the forces of opposition and bigotry. Let’s celebrate the bravery and beauty of our trans community. Let’s follow Jacob’s example and cultivate joy and love wherever we go.”

To watch the full speech, click HERE.

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