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Transwoman Amanda Simpson Appointed To Department Of Commerce

01/04/10-by Bridgette P. LaVictoire
Amanda Simpson has been appointed by President Barack Obama to the Bureau of Industry and Security, which is part of the Department of Commerce. Ms Simpson is the first transperson to be nominated or appointed to a government post. Though some have stated that she is the first transperson to work for the Federal government, it is unlikely that is accurate as there are several transpeople who work throughout the various departments, including one who works or has worked for the FBI. “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.”

Simpson worked at Raytheon where she transitioned on the job. She also was able to get the company to change their policies to include gender expression to the list of non-discrimination groups. Simpson is a former test pilot. After leaving Raytheon, she went on to unsuccessfully run for the Arizona Legislature. She was a super delegate for Hilary Clinton in the 2008 Democratic Presidential Primary. She currently serves on the National Center for Transgender Equality.

President Obama has had a strong record of appointing LGBT Americans to government posts since he took office in 2009; however, a strong feeling of frustration is felt by many within the Community due to his lack of advocacy and movement on issues such as Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and the Defense of Marriage Act.

Amanda Simpson appointed to Department of Commerce