Biden Accuses Republicans Of Turning Transgender Rights Into A "Political Football" At LGBTQ+ Conference

Joe Biden Warns Against Weaponizing Transgender Rights

Former president Joe Biden condemned Republicans for turning transgender rights into a "political football" during a speech at the International LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C. Accepting a lifetime achievement award, Biden urged LGBTQ+ people and allies to "get up and fight back" against efforts he said would roll back civil-rights progress under a potential second Trump administration.

What He Said

"Folks, Donald Trump and his Republicans are trying to derail and distort our fight for equality," Biden said as he accepted the award. "They're trying to turn it into something scary, something sinister." He added: "There is nothing more American than the notion of equality. Nothing, nothing, nothing."

"They've weaponized people's basic identity and turned it into a political football."

Biden described the debate over LGBTQ+ rights as fundamentally about dignity and respect. "At its core, it's about giving every American an opportunity to be treated with the basic decency, dignity and respect they all deserve," he said.

Background And Context

The former president highlighted his record on LGBTQ+ issues, including signing the Respect for Marriage Act as president, which requires states to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states. He also acknowledged his own political evolution: in the 1990s, while a senator, he voted for the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA); by 2012, serving as vice-president, he publicly voiced support for same-sex unions.

Reflecting on that change, Biden quipped, "I got myself in a bit of trouble — good trouble." He directly addressed young LGBTQ+ people who may feel isolated: "There are young people sitting alone as I speak, scrolling through social media, wondering whether they will ever truly be accepted for who they are. You are heard, and you belong."

Health, Public Perception And A Moment That Drew Attention

The event was a rare public appearance for Biden, who revealed a prostate cancer diagnosis in May. Concerns about his physical health and cognitive sharpness were widely discussed when he decided to withdraw from his 2024 re-election campaign after one term in the White House.

During his address, the 83-year-old drew renewed attention when he mispronounced "America," saying: "As long as we keep the faith, some hope and get back up and remember who in the hell we are – we are the United States of Amerigotit." He later corrected himself: "That's who we are. We are the US."

Takeaway

Biden used the platform to rally LGBTQ+ communities and allies, framing current political attacks on transgender rights as part of a broader effort to undermine equality. He urged vigilance and action to preserve civil rights while acknowledging both his personal history on the issue and concerns about his health that have shaped recent political developments.