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President-elect Obama is making good on his commitment to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community as he prepares to enter the White House. His transition team features seven LGBT people, he’s set to name a lesbian to a senior position in his administration and an LGBT marching band — which includes two Minnesotans — will provide entertainment during his inauguration.
Obama’s transition team includes seven openly LGBT people: Michael Guest, former Clinton ambassador to Romania; Fred Hochberg, former Clinton Small Business Administration leader; Elaine Kaplan, who headed Clinton’s Office of Special Counsel; Thomas Soto, who was appointed by Clinton to serve on an international commission involved in conservation efforts with Mexico; Rick Stamberger, president of an online gay news collection website called SmartBrief; and Brad Kiley, a deputy assistant for administration at the Clinton White House.
Additionally, more than 1,300 LGBT-identified people have submitted applications for a spot in the administration.
Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Nancy Sutley, a lesbian born in South America and now a U.S. citizen, will likely head up the White House Council on Environmental Quality, making her the highest-ranking LGBT appointment so far.
Obama also selected the Lesbian and Gay Band Association to perform at the inaugural parade in January. It will be the first time a LGBT group will be involved in inauguration festivities at that level. President Clinton allowed the band to play on the side of the route. Obama is giving them center stage.
Minnesota’s own Harvey Zuckman and Tim Schleicher, clarinet and percussion respectively, will be marching in the national contingent of LGBT musicians.
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6 Comments »
Comment posted December 16, 2008 @ 11:00 am
Oh boy! Goody! How far we have come – NOT. A gay marching band and a minor sub cabinet appointment. Whoop-d-frickin’ do. You gotta do better than that.
Comment posted December 16, 2008 @ 12:47 pm
You know, I’m trying to share a little good news after 8 years of rejection. Improvement is improvement. We might not yet have a lesbian in the White House, but at least — even before the swearing in — we are seeing positive changes.
Of course, whining is always your prerogative.
Comment posted December 16, 2008 @ 1:38 pm
Thanks so much Andy, I think it’s admirable how PEBO is keeping to his promises and making sure the White House reflects the American People. As someone who’s been for equal rights for all, it’s refreshing to see that while not making too much noise concerning his views on Gay marriage, PEBO isn’t pushing the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy where hsi staff is concerned. I am so proud to have supported this man, and hope to continue supporting his presidency as long as the choices he makes reflect the betterment of our country. Thanks again for reporting, this is news we need to know.
Comment posted December 17, 2008 @ 1:18 pm
Ahh. I see. Those who have opinions different than yours are “whining”. Good response. God forbid we should have any expectation of actual, substantive progress for our community or the nads to demand it, like every other minority group in the country. Hey, I support PEBO, too. I also expect more from him and from our supposed GLBT “leaders”, some of whom have a history of worrying more about their seats for the inaugural than pushing electeds on the tough issues. Of course, waiting at the back of the bus is always your prerogative.
Comment posted December 17, 2008 @ 10:01 pm
Ideasthatsuckup – yeah, really : stop your whining
all we need now is some ‘gay backlash’ -plus, if, God (or Allah) forbid, the Obama administration tanks, it wont be because he ‘filled it up with all dem darn gays!’
The Rethuglicans have for the last 13 years, carefully crafted a public image of ‘rampant homosexuals in-your-face, trying to stuff-their-agenda-down-your-throat
Comment posted December 18, 2008 @ 12:07 pm
Yes, I’m sure that Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Nelson Mandella and the folks at the Stonewall riots (to name just a few) were all most concerned about the “backlash” of their courage. Relax, sport; it’s not something that I would expect you to understand (or even be discussed at the many faaaabulous lgbt inaugural parties). Oh, and if the Obama administration tanks, which I hope it does not, it will be because it sacrificed hope and change on the alter of political expediency. I’m still hoping for that “Change You Can Believe In” that was all the rage during the campaign…. Happy Holidays to you in any event. (Hope that wasn’t too much whining for you).
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