I just got this from my friend Mark Segal of the Philadelphia Gay News…
The LGBT community is served very well by President-elect Barack Obama’s appointment of Brian Bond as Deputy Director of White House office of Public Liaison.
Brian has served on the front lines in the struggle for LGBT rights for over 25 years. He is a leader who understands the importance of bringing our community into the political process. Through his leadership at the Victory Fund he seeked out candidates, teaching them the fundamentals of community building and running campaigns, and assisted their fundraising efforts. This effort led to record numbers of LGBT candidates running for City Councils, school boards, Mayor, State offices and other elected positions accross the country. His mentoring has led to a long list of elected and appointed LGBT officials.
With this appointment the President-elect makes clear his commitment of inclusivness and high standards by appointing a long time LGBT activist with both experience and the ability to get the job done.
Mark Segal
Director, The Gay History Project
Publisher, Philadelphia Gay News
Former President National Gay Newspaper Guild
But he asks Warren to do the prayer.
Is this going to be the highest ranking gay in the administration?
One could argue that Schwartznegger has a more diverse administration.
Sadly, when it comes to gays, W had a more diverse cabinet with Condi Rice and chief adviser Carl Rove. Obama is sounding more and more “centrist” every day.
Brian,
Brian Bond is openly gay…big difference than believing Rice and Rove are of the LGBT community, and actually being honest and open about one’s sexuality.
My sense was that the rumors were often promoted as an aspersion against Rove & Rice, not as a compliment.
As for Bond being the highest ranking LGBT member of the cabinet, we’ll have to wait and see…
I’d like to point out the fact that the Bishop who will be standing at Obama’s side, Gene Robinson, is openly gay. To my knowledge, this is another first.