First Lady Jill Biden presented an “International Women of Courage Award” to a biological male and Twitter users were not happy.
During the ceremony Wednesday, Argentinian Alba Rueda was described as a “transgender woman who was kicked out of classrooms, barred for sitting for exams, refused job opportunities, subjected to violence, and rejected by her family. But in the face of these challenges, she worked to end violence and discrimination against the LGBTQ plus community in Argentina.”
Biden proceeded to present Rueda with the award amid cheers from the crowd.
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) responded, “It’s International Women’s Day – a good time to remember that Democrats can’t even tell you what a woman is.”
It’s International Women’s Day – a good time to remember that Democrats can’t even tell you what a woman is. https://t.co/BPJ1fHhl5u
— Sarah Huckabee Sanders (@SarahHuckabee) March 8, 2023
One user added, “Bruh. What planet am I living on.”
Bruh. What planet am I living on. https://t.co/SdHbthOjjP
— Dominique Clare (@DomClare) March 9, 2023
Podcast host Chris Stigall tweeted, “Of course.”
Of course. https://t.co/e61bEfc8Mp
— Chris Stigall (@ChrisStigall) March 8, 2023
Newsmax contributor Karoline Leavitt asked, “Why are the Democrats working overtime to push the trans agenda?”
Why are the Democrats working overtime to push the trans agenda? https://t.co/GJ7XDVBrhw
— Karoline Leavitt (@kleavittnh) March 8, 2023
Contributor for The Telegraph Nile Gardiner called it “disgraceful.”
Disgraceful. https://t.co/0aNkmIX1AL
— Nile Gardiner (@NileGardiner) March 8, 2023
See more reactions below:
Real women are being replaced. When will you stand and fight against this insanity? https://t.co/0RZ8OwlmJq
— Mike Opelka (@stuntbrain) March 9, 2023
I have never met a single woman who truly respects these people – even super liberal ones admit it in private- that they find the premise ridiculous and the physical details revolting
— ib (@Indian_Bronson) March 9, 2023
And yet it persists https://t.co/h6ZUgWECXX
Remember, Jill is a doctor. https://t.co/xSWZ5aG4H6
— Brett Craig (@bac37) March 9, 2023
Nice of FLOTUS to encourage the diminishment of women on "international women's day."
— Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) March 8, 2023
Erasing women is abusive. https://t.co/SYNfHSE78s
It's 2023 and half of America is actively trying to convince you that a man in women's clothing is a woman, and if you don't believe them, you're a bigot.
— Brianna Lyman (@briannalyman2) March 8, 2023
We are erasing women so that MEN can feel 'safe' to dress up like women. Where are all the feminists?? Protect WOMANhood https://t.co/cKEH47q0hD
A Biological Man Hijacks an Award for Women .. https://t.co/5wdsDJqGby
— Lawyerforlaws (@lawyer4laws) March 8, 2023
I didn't consider this a real holiday and now I definitely don't. https://t.co/kvKQA6Voj9
— Matt Braynard (@MattBraynard) March 8, 2023
While delivering remarks at the White House, Biden said, “Today, we’re here to tell girls everywhere the truth that they need to hear: Yes, you matter. Yes, you can make a difference.”
She added, “That’s why we wanted to bring the leaders we’re honoring today, and the stories that they share, to the biggest stage we could: The White House.”
A total of 11 global women leaders were honored during the event for their “exceptional courage, strength, and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equity and equality, often at great personal risk and sacrifice.”
Secretary of State Antony Blinken was also in attendance.
“Despite decades of progress, in far too many places around the world, the rights of women and girls are still under attack, holding back entire communities,” he said.
Blinken continued, “We see it in Afghanistan, where the Taliban bars women and girls from attending school and pursuing employment. We see it in Iran, where the regime is brutally repressing the voices of women who are courageously standing up for their freedom. And in the face of Russia’s vicious and unjust invasion of Ukraine, including the use of rape as a weapon of war, we see countless stories of women bravely fighting for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Ukrainians.”
He declared that “defending the rights of women and girls is rooted in our democratic values of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.”