Washington — Following is a statement by Frank C. Worrell, PhD, president of the American Psychological Association, in response to the White House statement regarding the Transgender Day of Visibility:
“The American Psychological Association welcomes the Biden administration’s statement reaffirming support for advancing the dignity, respect and self-determination for transgender people. At a time when transgender and gender-nonconforming people are being targeted by governors and state legislatures, the measures put forth by the White House are a vital step toward not only protecting transgender people, but ensuring they are treated equitably.
“Research has shown that discrimination is a significant source of stress for transgender people and has substantial adverse effects on their health and well-being. For decades, APA has worked to apply psychological science to improving the health and well-being of LGBT people. APA has urged psychologists to take a leading role in ending discrimination based on gender identity and has called for more research into all aspects of gender identity and expression. APA’s governing Council of Representatives adopted a resolution in 2008 supporting full equality for transgender and gender-variant people (PDF, 48KB)opens in new window, including legal and social recognition of transgender individuals.
“We are heartened to see such wide-ranging support for transgender people, including transgender children and their parents, and hope that other policymakers will follow the White House’s leadership.”