Obama appoints first trans man to Presidential commission

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Shannon Minter has been appointed to the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships.

The commission considers applications for fellowships to the White House, which gives graduates opportunities to work as special assistants to high-level politicians and gain experience of leadership and government.

Mr Minter currently works as legal director at the National Centre for Lesbian Rights, where he has been a key figure in a number of cases related to same-sex marriage.

He said: “I am deeply honored to serve on the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships, which provides a unique opportunity for new leaders to gain a firsthand experience of our nation’s government.

“As a transgender man, I am especially grateful to President Obama for his commitment to building a government that reflects the full diversity of our country and for supporting equal opportunity for all people.”

President Barack Obama said, of his most recent appointments, which include Mr Minter’s: “I am confident that these experienced and hardworking individuals will help us tackle the important challenges facing America, and I am grateful for their service.

“I look forward to working with them.”