Raffi Freedman-Gurspan has become the first ever openly trans woman to be appointed as a White House official.

 
 
Freedman-Gurspan, former policy director for the National Centre for Transgender Equality has been appointed director of outreach and recruitment at the White House, making her the first ever trans person to to work in the White House.

Senior White House adviser Valerie Jarrett commented, “Her commitment to bettering the lives of transgender Americans, particularly transgender people of color and those in poverty, reflects the values of this administration.”

Executive Director of the NCTE, Mara Keisling added, “I am elated that Raffi Freedman-Gurspan will become the first openly transgender staff member at the White House.

“President Obama has long said he wants his Administration to look like the American people. I have understood this to include transgender Americans. A transgender person was inevitably going to work in the White House. That the first transgender appointee is a transgender woman of colour is itself significant. And that the first White House transgender appointee is of a friend is inspiring to me and to countless others who have been touched by Raffi’s advocacy.”

Celebrities and trans activists quickly tweeted their congrats to the newly appointed official.

Congratulations Raffi Freedman-Gurspan, the first openly trans white house staff member. #TransIsBeautiful https://t.co/imcRatSymo

— Laverne Cox (@Lavernecox) August 18, 2015

Congrats! To my girlfriend Raffi for her new position at the whitehouse so well deserved. pic.twitter.com/49pvVw9j1p

— JOANNA CIFREDO (@JoannaCifredo) August 18, 2015