President Obama made a couple of notable pro-LGBT moves last week.
First, he promoted Amanda Simpson from executive director of the U.S. Army Office of Energy Initiatives to deputy assistant secretary of Defense for Operational Energy, LGBTQ Nation reported.
In 2010, she made history as the first openly trans woman to be appointed by the Obama ( or any ) administration. She worked for defense contractor Raytheon while transitioning.
In addition, Obama has nominated Eric Fanning for U.S. Army secretaryand he would be the first openly gay person in that position if confirmed.
Fanning is formerly one of Defense Secretary Ash Carter's closest advisers, according to Army Times. Fanning will succeed Army Secretary John McHugh, who has said he will leave the post by Nov. 1 after being there for six years.
"Eric brings many years of proven experience and exceptional leadership to this new role," Obama said in a statement. "I am grateful for his commitment to our men and women in uniform, and I am confident he will help lead America's Soldiers with distinction. I look forward to working with Eric to keep our Army the very best in the world."
"We are thrilled to see Eric Fanning nominated to lead the world's greatest Army," said American Military Partner Association President Ashley Broadway-Mack said in a separate release. "History continues to be written and equality marches forward with the nomination of an openly gay man to serve in this significantly important role."
The LGBTQ Nation item is at www.lgbtqnation.com/2015/09/amanda-simpson-advances-as-the-highest-ranking-transgender-official-in-the-u-s/ .
The Army Times piece is at www.armytimes.com/story/military/2015/09/18/president-nominates-first-openly-gay-army-secretary/72414970/ .