Biden hits back at states targeting trans youth in Pride Month proclamation

President Biden recognized June as Pride Month in a proclamation on Tuesday, while pushing for LGBTQ equality and calling out some states for targeting trans youth in "discriminatory bills."

Why it matters: The White House has repeatedly deferred to the Justice Department on whether it will take action against a record number of bills targeting trans youth introduced by Republican lawmakers.

• Only a handful of the bills — nearly all focused on youth sports — has been enacted into law so far, although LGBTQ advocates, medical experts and pediatricians have raised concerns about a new rash of mental health crises among trans kids in response to the legislation.

What he's saying: "For all of our progress, there are many States in which LGBTQ+ individuals still lack protections for fundamental rights and dignity in hospitals, schools, public accommodations, and other spaces," Biden said in a statement.

• "Our Nation continues to witness a tragic spike in violence against transgender women of color. LGBTQ+ individuals — especially youth who defy sex or gender norms — face bullying and harassment in educational settings and are at a disproportionate risk of self-harm and death by suicide."
• "Some States have chosen to actively target transgender youth through discriminatory bills that defy our Nation’s values of inclusivity and freedom for all."

The big picture: The Biden administration has pledged to reverse Trump-era policies that restricted LGBTQ access to housing, health care and equal treatment in prisons.

• LGBTQ advocates expect action from the Biden administration after Trump quickly worked to undo the majority of protections secured under President Obama.
• A DOJ spokesperson told Axios late last month the agency “intends to fully enforce our civil rights statutes to protect transgender individuals," as the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division considers trans students protected under Title IX.