To all transgender and gender diverse members of the workforce living visibly and invisibly – we see your strength, your courage, and your dedication to serving the American people. You are paving the way for a future where all can live as their fullest selves, not just within the United States, but throughout the world. Trans visibility remains one of our most effective tools for increasing understanding around the needs and experiences of trans people, just as it remains a daily act of courage in the face of hate, hostility, and discrimination.

We recognize the growing intensity of attacks on transgender people, as many attempt to reduce members of this community to political scapegoats. We see aggression in these efforts to force transgender to remain closeted or to leave public life. At the release of this statement, 15 anti-trans bills have passed in eight states since the beginning of 2024, including egregious bills that restrict life-saving healthcare for transgender and gender diverse teenagers. There are currently 479 active bills targeting trans people in 41 states, as well as 45 anti-trans bills at the federal level. Around the world, the humanity of trans people is being targeted in increasingly specific ways.

To parents of trans and gender diverse children, we see your steadfast advocacy and your willingness to shake slow-moving bureaucratic mechanisms to secure what is best for your children. To trans and gender diverse people who are not yet comfortable living your truth in the workplace, glifaa is working tirelessly to create more open and accommodating spaces. 

The Administration could also do more, including by making X gender marker no-fee passports available for diplomats, U.S. service members, and their family members, by working to ensure that gender neutral bathrooms are consistently available at all U.S. government facilities at home and abroad, and by continuing to challenge and speak out against hateful legislation domestically.  

On this Transgender Day of Visibility, we recognize our trailblazing trans colleagues who continue to make invaluable contributions as foreign affairs professionals. We are proud to serve alongside you.

–The glifaa Board–