President Obama has appointed Roberta Achtenberg to the US Commission on Civil Rights.
For those of us with loooong memories, Achtenberg was appointed by President Clinton assistant undersecretary of HUD, although the late Senator Jesse Helms (R-NC), tried to sandbag her appointment–and even called her a “damned lesbian.” Nevertheless Achtenberg was the FIRST (!) OUT queer to serve in a presidential administration (a mere 18 years ago).
Ms. Achtenberg has a long history of civil rights activism and public service. She will not be a pushover on the commission, and she should be a refreshing change to some of the current troglodytes on the commission.
While I have been HIGHLY critical of President Obama when it comes to queer issues, this is a terrific policy move.
HT: Americablog Gay.
