ABOVE PHOTO: Raffi Freedman-Gurspan
Raffi Freedman-Gurspan becomes new outreach and recruitment director in White House Office of Presidential Personnel
President Barack Obama has demonstrated a strong show of support for the LGBT community by recently appointing a former policy adviser at the National Center for Transgender Equality to a White House position. Raffi Freedman-Gurspan was recently appointed as an outreach and recruitment director in the White House Office of Presidential Personnel.
Freedman-Gurspan is not only the first transgender, but also the first transgender of color to be appointed to a White House staff position.
“Her commitment to bettering the lives of transgender Americans, particularly transgender people of color and those in poverty, reflects the values of this administration,” said Valerie Garrett , senior advisor for the White House.
Freedman-Gurspan was praised by many for her hard work and commitment in supporting members of the LGBT community. Her appointment reflects the support that the Obama administration has exhibited toward the LGBT community. But the appointment is not the only demonstration of support from President Obama. Other actions taken within the last two years includes:
• Banning discrimination by federal contractors against employees because of their gender identity or sexual orientation
• Creating a bathroom in the Eisenhower Executive Building that is gender-neutral
• Banning therapies that target gay and transgender youth in an attempt to “fix” them
Freedman-Gurspan has been called a role model. Her appointment was warmly welcomed and approved by community leaders and advocates.
Grants for women.com and CNN contributed to this story.
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