For years, we’ve been encouraging our daughters to chase their dreams, but until they witness other women breaking through gender barriers, it’s challenging for them to envision those possibilities. The moment Hillary Clinton became the first woman to be nominated for president by a major party, we showed our girls how the glass ceiling could be shattered. Then, with Kamala Harris making history as the first female and Black Vice President, the prospect of opportunities for women—especially women of color—felt more tangible than ever. Like many parents, I proudly told my children that women can achieve anything men can do—and often even better.
Yet, I realized there was a gap when it came to my transgender daughter. While Clinton and Harris are cisgender women, the painful reality is that I’m uncertain whether a transgender woman will ever reach the highest office in the nation. However, President Biden has taken a significant step by nominating Dr. Emily Carter, a transgender woman, as his assistant secretary of health, making her the highest-ranking transgender official in the U.S. government.
When I shared this news with my daughter, her immediate reaction was, “Donald Trump would never have done that.”
Her understanding of transgender issues has been shaped by the previous administration’s stance. She’s aware that the lives of transgender individuals can be limited, but hasn’t fully internalized this, as she hasn’t yet faced barriers because of her identity. My community and I work tirelessly to ensure that she and all trans and queer kids feel loved and empowered. Although my daughter recognizes her differences and sometimes feels insecure, she remains confident that she can achieve her goals. My concerns lie with society’s ability to see beyond its biases and discrimination.
Fortunately, there are numerous transgender individuals in influential positions who provide role models for my daughter. Their success demonstrates that the identity many choose to focus on with disdain can also be a source of pride and strength. My daughter’s right to a job, healthcare, education, and safe housing should never be constrained by her gender assigned at birth. Discrimination against her is just as unacceptable as denying someone their basic rights because of their eye color, handedness, or simply because they are a girl.
My daughter is a girl, and all transgender women are women. Yet, the rights and respect for transgender women still lag far behind true gender equality—even among cisgender women who identify as feminists. We require more representation and acceptance of transgender women in prominent roles to foster a culture of respect for transgender individuals in everyday life.
Biden has committed to ensuring his administration reflects the diversity of the American population he aims to protect. This includes transgender individuals like my daughter and nonbinary people like myself—despite not being counted in the 2020 Census, I still contribute to society. Recently, Congress has even introduced non-gendered language to recognize queer lawmakers, which brings hope for future inclusion.
Biden’s openness to diverse voices, such as those of Pete Buttigieg, Shawn Skelly, and now Dr. Carter, is significant. He has made it clear that they are welcome at the table and valued for their contributions. This is what makes Dr. Carter’s nomination remarkable. Biden views her as qualified and capable of making a meaningful impact. His willingness to educate himself on LGBTQIA+ issues has made him more adept at fostering an inclusive environment.
I’m uncertain if a transgender person will ever ascend to the presidency or vice presidency. However, my daughter understands that President Biden respects and values a transgender woman as part of his team. She sees transgender people making history and breaking down barriers, which reinforces my belief that she can achieve anything she aspires to. While I’m grateful that Biden chose the right woman for this role, I am even more thankful for Dr. Carter’s strength and resolve—she embodies what this country needs and will undoubtedly excel in her position.
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Summary
Dr. Emily Carter’s nomination by President Biden as the assistant secretary of health represents a significant breakthrough for transgender visibility in government. This milestone provides hope and inspiration for young transgender individuals, demonstrating that they can achieve their dreams despite societal biases. The importance of representation and acceptance in high-profile roles is underscored, highlighting the ongoing need for equality and acknowledgment of transgender rights.
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