President Joe Biden issued a proclamation on Wednesday recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility and calling on Americans to "recommit to the work that remains to be done to ensure that transgender people are treated equally and with dignity and respect."

"Transgender Day of Visibility is an opportunity to celebrate the courage and contributions of transgender individuals, while also recognizing the discrimination and inequality that many transgender people continue to face," Biden said in the proclamation.

Biden noted that transgender people have made important contributions throughout American history and that their voices and experiences "enrich the Nation's culture, economy, and diversity."

He also acknowledged the challenges that transgender individuals face, including the risk of violence and harassment, limited access to health care and economic opportunities, and discrimination in housing, education, and the workplace.

Biden has made advancing LGBTQ rights a priority since taking office in January, including signing an executive order on his first day in office directing federal agencies to implement the Supreme Court's ruling on LGBTQ workplace discrimination and reversing a Trump-era ban on transgender individuals serving in the military.

The proclamation comes as lawmakers in several states are considering legislation that would restrict transgender individuals' rights, including their ability to participate in school sports and access gender-affirming health care.