President Obama has made the first transgender appointment of his administration with the announcement that Amanda Simpson will be working in the Bureau of Industry and Security as a Senior Technical Advisor to the Commerce Department.
Ms. Simpson, who used to be a man, is a former test pilot for Raytheon Missile Systems. The appointment, which came during the typically quiet news period between Christmas and New Year’s, hasn’t generated much news coverage or right-wing radio jokes as of yet, but with Rush Limbaugh out of the hospital after experiencing chest pains last week in Hawaii, there is little doubt that he will find a way to weave Ms. Simpson into his daily barrage of nastiness.
Simpson, who is a member of the National Center for Transgender Equality’s board of directors, released a statement that said: “I’m truly honored to have received this appointment and am eager and excited about this opportunity that is before me. And at the same time, as one of the first transgender presidential appointees to the federal government, I hope that I will soon be one of hundreds, and that this appointment opens future opportunities for many others.”
During her more than 20 years at Raytheon, Simpson transformed from a male to female and was integral in convincing the company to adjust its equal opportunity policy to include gender identity and expression.
The White House had no comment on the appointment.
Comments
They'll think, omg how could he do that? How could he even consider doing that? How could someone do that to themselves? They think, the bible doesn't allow such a terrible thing. Omg. what is the world coming to? On the other hand, for those of us who believe that you are who you are, and that gender, sexual orientation and personal beliefs are just that, we will think this is great, awesome, long overdue, etc. etc. Way to go Barack!
No doubt there will be much criticism. Good for Obama!!
The word "bible" should be capitalized. FYI
If the GOP has anything to say about it then that would be truly low of them. Apparently if you can't attack a person's character, you must attack their personal matters that are beside anything of relevance.
To Lauren: per the dictionary, bible is not capitalized unless it is mentioned in a religious context specifying "Christian", "King James", etc. Otherwise it is a book of scriptures and does not require capitalization.
Who cares. I am Republican and have no problem with gay or transgender appointments... so long as the person was the best man/woman for the job, i.e. not picked solely because of his/her sexual orientation.
I agree with Tim- choosing someone to do a job, attend a college, receive a scholarship, etc. for any reason other than the fact that they have earned it is discrimination.
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