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Obama Names Transgender Appointee

Amanda Simpson will serve in Commerce Dep't

By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 4, 2010 10:58 AM CST

(Newser) – President Obama has named Amanda Simpson to serve as a senior technical adviser to the Commerce Department, making her one of the first transgender presidential appointees. Simpson, a member of the National Center for Transgender Equality’s board of directors, is former test pilot who previously worked as deputy director in Advanced Technology Development at Raytheon Missile Systems, ABC reports.

“As one of the first transgender presidential appointees to the federal government, I hope that I will soon be one of hundreds,” she said in a statement, “and that this appointment opens future opportunities for many others.”

Amanda Simpson is shown in a photo from a news bulletin.
Amanda Simpson is shown in a photo from a news bulletin.   (National Center for Transgender Equality)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 73 comments
riffran
Jan 16, 2010 7:53 AM CST
Nice Hair...lol...Hell I have seen some real women who looked more manly...as long as he/she is happy and does a good job....whatever
BleeBloo
Jan 7, 2010 4:58 AM CST
I am going to assume you are white, so you don't understand the idea of privilege. If you are interested in reading up on these, I can definitely link you to studies. The point is that gay and trans individuals have been shoved in the closet SO LONG that making people aware that yes, there are successful, talented, intelligent people out there who do amazing things AND ALSO happen to be gay or trans is important, just like it is important when a black man becomes president, because it empowers minority that is disenfranchised to this day. People with privilidge--white, heterosexual, cisgendered people--don't have to hide or make exuses for WHO THEY ARE. Neither should people of color, homo- or bisexuals, and transgendered people. It's not jamming down anyone's throat, it's being proud of who you are.
flightofphoenix1973
Jan 6, 2010 4:09 AM CST
I knew when I read this one that all the haters out there would have a lot to say. let's wait and see how she does the job before bashing her!!! I pray for the day when none of this matters and all the hatred and anger over people's differences is a thing of the past.

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