Joe Biden Slams Trump's 'Blind Eye' Toward Anti-Trans Violence

Joe Biden took aim at the Trump administration's treatment of transgender people, including its "blind eye" toward the epidemic of violence they face.

"For four years Donald Trump has tried to roll back to protections for the LGBT community," Biden said Sunday at an LGBTQ+ event. "Denying access to health care. Denying transgender Americans a chance to serve our country. Letting adoption agencies and homeless shelters and other public services discriminate. Turning a blind eye to the epidemic of violence against transgender women of color."

"Folks, the White House should never be a source of opposition or fear or oppression," he continued. "It should be a source of hope and moral courage and unification. "

At least 32 transgender Americans have died by violence in 2020 thus far. In addition to ignoring this plight, the Trump administration has worked to roll back their rights, including the ability to serve in the military, and stoke transphobia for political gain.

Biden's remarks aired Sunday at Revry's QueerX Live!, a drive-in event in Los Angeles that also aired on the streaming LGBTQ+ service. In his pre-taped speech, the former vice president recommitted himself to "win full rights" for the transgender and broader LGBTQ+ community by helping pass the Equality Act, which would prevent employment discrimination.

"As president, I promise you I'm going to draw on all the best of us, not the worst," he said. "I'll be an ally to the light, not the darkness. This is a time of real peril, but it's also a time of extraordinary possibilities."

At the awards show, Jennifer Lopez also delivered remarks to honor her nonbinary "nibling," Brendon Scholl, with the Revry Visibility Award. Pose's Angelica Ross and activist Joshua "Zeke" Thomas also received awards at Revry's QueerX Live!, which featured speakers Carmen Carrera, basketball legend Isiah Thomas, Queer Eye's Karamo Brown, and GLAAD's Sarah Kate Ellis. Vincint and the House of Balmain, the winners of HBO Max's Legendary, performed.

Watch the full event at Revry.