by Mark Segal — Philadelphia Gay News
In my October Q & A with candidate Joe Biden, I asked whether he
would put LGBT people in his cabinet. His answer was "I'll nominate and
appoint federal officials and judges that represent the diversity of
America, including LGBTQ+ individuals."
That wording is important
since not only does it state clearly that he will be inclusive of our
community, but it's also historic since there has never been a
senate-confirmed LGBT cabinet secretary before.
While
Biden/Harris should be applauded for appointing numerous LGBT people in
major roles thus far, the choice of Mayor Pete Buttigieg to be
Transportation Secretary is a good choice.
The LGBT community is
unique in that LGBT people exist everywhere in America. We are a part of
every racial group and every economic group. We are in every state. We
are in every industry. And we always have been.
Last week, over a
hundred members of Congress from the Equality caucus wrote
President-elect Biden to urge him to keep his promise to appoint an LGBT
cabinet member. Behind the scenes there was jockeying for particular
candidates from the various LGBT organizations as well as LGBT
individuals close to Biden and those in the transition team. This writer
didn't have a horse in that race, but I'm thrilled that they ignored
the pressure from the outside world and picked a person who is not only
qualified but is also a trailblazer.
We are part of America and
have been since its revolution. In fact, as I often say, without Baron
Von Steuben, a gay man, there would be no United States of America.
George Washington included him in his Valley Forge Cabinet. Now it's the
Biden/Harris Cabinet that will be inclusive of our community.
Reprinted courtesy of Mark Segal and Philadelphia Gay News
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