Culture clash erupts in Fairfax County as ‘Transgender Day of Visibility’ falls on Easter

Something big is happening on Sunday, but as far as the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is concerned, it’s not Easter.

The Democrat-controlled board was accused of insulting Christianity by passing a proclamation 9-0 recognizing March 31 as “Transgender Day of Visibility,” which happens to fall this year on the same day as the Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Christ.

“Fairfax County has chosen to mock Christianity on its holiest day of the year,” CatholicVote President Brian Burch told The Washington Times.

In the board’s defense, International Transgender Day of Visibility has been held on March 31 since it was created by transgender activist Rachel Crandall in 2009.

Easter is held the Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox, or March 21, meaning that the date varies from year to year.

There was no proclamation to honor Easter considered at the board’s March 19 meeting.

“I’m just very happy that we’re recognizing a community that has too often been pushed into the shadows, and celebrating yet another community within our diverse tapestry here in Fairfax County,” said Fairfax Supervisor James Bierman at the meeting. “We really are one Fairfax, and we want to make sure everybody who’s a part of our community feels welcomed, feels loved, feels empowered.”

Not feeling the love were Christian conservatives like Mr. Burch, who said the board should have selected another date for its transgender recognition.

“Their hate and bigotry is undeniable and inexcusable — was there no other day they could have chosen other than Easter?” Mr. Burch said. “They may claim that this ‘holiday’ is always on March 31, but it is a fake and arbitrary observance which was invented in 2009 compared with the 2,000-year history of Easter.”

Not every member of the Fairfax board supported the resolution. Supervisor Pat Herrity, the board’s only Republican, left the room before the vote was taken.

“This would never be tolerated with any other religious tradition, and that’s the point,” Mr. Burch said. “Christianity is their target. Every member of this board should resign immediately.”

Fairfax County isn’t alone. A host of left-tilting states and localities have already or are expected to issue declarations designating March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility in what has emerged as a real-time barometer of cultural and political priorities.

The Democrat-controlled California Senate passed last week a resolution declaring March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility — also with no mention of Easter — over the objections of Senate Republicans.

In Iowa, Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague issued last week a Transgender Day of Visibility proclamation for March 31. The city also flying the pink-and-blue transgender flag outside city hall from March 20-31.

Timothy Head, executive director of the Faith and Freedom Coalition, said counties, cities, school districts and others should focus on providing essential services rather than engaging in “ideological stunts.”

“This act in Fairfax County joins an exhausting list of examples of political activists seizing governmental levers to force their ideology onto unassuming communities, rather than simply delivering the basic services that most citizens and voters ask of their local government,” Mr. Head told The Washington Times.

In addition to March 31, transgender-rights advocates have designated June as Pride Month; October as LGBTQ History Month, and Nov. 20 as Transgender Day of Remembrance.

The Biden administration typically issues statements recognizing Easter as well as Transgender Day of Visibility. The White House will host its annual Easter Egg Roll on Monday, the day after Easter.

Easter Sunday in Washington, D.C., will feature traditional church sunrise services as well as a rally on the National Mall celebrating International Transgender Day of Visibility sponsored by the National Center for Transgender Equality.

The rally will be followed by an evening gala featuring “an all-trans drag showcase featuring internationally renowned entertainers.”