Supporting the goals and ideals of International Transgender Day of Visibility.

Bill Number: H.Con.Res. 23
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-03-31: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Last Updated: 2026-04-13T14:39:49Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 23) expresses congressional support for International Transgender Day of Visibility, an annual event founded in 2009 to honor the achievements of transgender individuals worldwide, celebrate their lives, and raise awareness about the discrimination and violence they face.

Key Provisions

Background and Recognition: The resolution outlines the history and purpose of the day, noting its role in celebrating transgender contributions and bravery while highlighting ongoing challenges like discrimination in employment, healthcare, housing, education, public services, and exposure to violence. It addresses how these issues disproportionately affect transgender people of color, those with limited resources, immigrants, people with disabilities, justice-involved individuals, and transgender youth.
Critique of Oppression: It references a rise in anti-transgender legislation targeting education (e.g., restricting acknowledgment of transgender identities or access to facilities), healthcare (e.g., limits on transition-related care), public accommodations (e.g., restroom access), and identification documents (e.g., updating birth certificates). It also criticizes certain executive orders (e.g., from President Trump) for attempting to "erase" transgender people.
Historical and Cultural Context: The resolution acknowledges the pre-colonial existence of Indigenous two-spirit and transgender individuals in Native American communities, their suppression, and recent efforts to raise awareness. It highlights transgender leadership in civil rights, politics (e.g., at least 36 states with transgender elected officials, including milestones like Sarah McBride in Congress), judiciary, media, arts, and culture.
Core Resolutions: Congress resolves to:
Support the goals and ideals of International Transgender Day of Visibility.
Encourage U.S. citizens to observe the day with ceremonies, programs, and activities.
Celebrate the accomplishments and leadership of transgender individuals.
Recognize the bravery of the transgender community in seeking equal dignity and respect.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding concurrent resolution, meaning it does not create, amend, or repeal any laws. It serves as a formal expression of congressional sentiment without legal force or enforceable requirements.

Potential Impacts

On Citizens: It promotes public awareness and encourages voluntary participation in events, potentially fostering greater acceptance and reducing stigma for transgender individuals. No direct mandates affect daily life.
On Government Agencies: Minimal impact, as it does not require action from federal agencies; however, it could influence future policy discussions or executive actions on transgender rights.
On International Relations: Symbolic support for a global observance may signal U.S. alignment with international efforts for transgender visibility, but it has no binding diplomatic effects.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Transgender Community: Primary beneficiaries, as the resolution affirms their contributions, bravery, and rights while spotlighting their challenges.
Allies and General Public: Encouraged to participate in observances, promoting broader societal education and support.
Elected Officials and Political Leaders: Highlights transgender representation in government, potentially inspiring further inclusion.
Advocacy Groups and Media: Reinforces their roles in storytelling, cultural production, and pushing for equity.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: No direct legal changes, but it underscores tensions around transgender rights amid rising state-level restrictions, potentially influencing court challenges or future legislation without creating precedents.
Constitutional: Aligns with First Amendment protections for free speech and expression by supporting visibility and anti-discrimination awareness, though it avoids mandating actions that could raise equal protection concerns under the Fourteenth Amendment.
Political: As a bipartisan (though largely Democratic-led) statement in a divided Congress, it serves as a symbolic counter to anti-transgender policies, emphasizing progress in representation (e.g., transgender elected officials) and civil rights. It may heighten partisan debates on identity issues but reinforces transgender inclusion in U.S. democratic traditions.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Jacobs, Sara [D-CA-51]

Cosponsors (70)

Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7], Rep. Takano, Mark [D-CA-39], Rep. McCollum, Betty [D-MN-4], Rep. Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. DeGette, Diana [D-CO-1], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Ramirez, Delia C. [D-IL-3], Rep. Swalwell, Eric [D-CA-14], Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7], Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Balint, Becca [D-VT-At Large], Rep. Garcia, Sylvia R. [D-TX-29], Rep. Meeks, Gregory W. [D-NY-5], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. McGarvey, Morgan [D-KY-3], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6], Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36], Rep. Scanlon, Mary Gay [D-PA-5], Rep. Pocan, Mark [D-WI-2], Rep. Fletcher, Lizzie [D-TX-7], Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9], Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24], Rep. Johnson, Julie [D-TX-32], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10], Rep. Courtney, Joe [D-CT-2], Rep. Raskin, Jamie [D-MD-8], Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3], Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2], Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-8], Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24], Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5], Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-12], Rep. Sánchez, Linda T. [D-CA-38], Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5], Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1] and 20 more

Recent Actions

2025-03-31: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
2025-03-31: Submitted in House
2025-03-31: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

Supporting the goals and ideals of International Transgender Day of Visibility. — issued 2025-03-31 — PDF (5 pages)