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White House Employs First Transgender Staff Member
Barack Obama’s presidency has seen many landmark moments. His appointment itself marked the election of the first African-American president of the United States.
Barack Obama is sworn in for his first term as president of the United States in January 2009.
Photo Credit: Washington Post
Despite what his detractors might say, he has achieved a fair share of milestones over his two terms. This past Tuesday marked another significant move — the appointment of the first openly transgender White House staff member.
Raffi Freedman-Gurspan was hired as an outreach and recruitment director at the White House Office of Presidential Personnel. She is a former policy advisor on racial and economic justice at the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE)
Raffi Freedman-Gurspan at Trans Civil Rights Lobby Day, January 2010
Photo Credit: Flickr Gallery curated by Nancy Nangeroni
LGBTQI leaders and advocates have commended the decision, seen as part of the Obama administration’s continued support of the community.
In 2012, Obama helped end the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy that discriminated against openly gay men and women in the US military. And last year he signed executive orders that prevent federal contractors from discriminating against employees on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Most recently, in April of this year, the president condemned therapies that tried to "fix" gay and transgender youth.
President Obama Signs the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010
Photo Credit: Whitehouse.gov (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)
Valerie Jarret, a senior advisor to the president, said, “Raffi Freedman-Gurspan demonstrates the kind of leadership this administration champions. Her commitment to bettering the lives of transgender Americans, particularly transgender people of color and those in poverty, reflects the values of this administration."
Freedman-Gurspan has been lauded by former colleagues as a role model and praised for her work to empower members of the LGBTQI community. For NCTE Executive Director Mara Keisling, the significance of the appointment is made more profound by the fact that “the first transgender appointee is a transgender woman of color.” Keisling went on to say that the appointment was inspiring to all, especially those whom Freedman-Gurspan’s work and advocacy have touched.
Article Sources: The Globe and Mail, BBC,CNN
Main Image Photo Credit: NCTE handout photo via abcnews.go.com
Dilshad Burman
Author
Dilshad Burman is an award winning TV host and Canadian media personality. Born in Mumbai, India, she was surrounded by its creative energy and grew up with a passion for music, film and television. While completing her Bachelor of Arts in English literature from The University of Mumbai, she i...
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