A real milestone: The US president gets a lesbian spokeswoman
Just recently, Jen Psaki, the (still) current spokesperson for U.S. President Joe Biden, made a statement about the importance of treating people equally regardless of their sexual orientation. Now her term is over in mid-May.
She has been replaced by Karine Jean-Pierre, an openly lesbian woman. This is a real break, which - according to her own statement - her predecessor Psaki is also pleased about. After all, this form of representation is very important.
Karine Jean-Pierre is also aware of the significance of these developments. She speaks of a "historic moment. No precise statements have yet been made about how Psaki will pass the time after her tenure in the White House. She, too, is keeping a very low profile.
Who is Karine Jean-Pierre anyway?
This is a question that not only members of the American community are likely to ask. However, a look at Karine Jean-Pierre's CV shows that she is no stranger to the White House. After all, Joe Biden's new spokeswoman has also worked for Barack Obama. Moreover, she has already advised Biden in recent years. The chemistry seems to be right.
This is evident, among other things, in the way Biden speaks about his new spokeswoman. He speaks of the "experience" and "talent" she brings with her. At the same time, he says, she has a high degree of integrity.
Jean-Pierre was born in Martinique. She then grew up in New York. She studied at Columbia University and in the past stood in for her predecessor from time to time when she was unavailable. The guesswork surrounding Psaki's successor is now over. The (still) current speaker announced herself who will replace her and left no doubt that she is satisfied with the choice.
U.S. government has become more LGBTQIA+ friendly
Even if some new laws, such as the "Don't Say Gay" law, initially suggest otherwise: The U.S. government, under Biden, is increasingly committed to the rights of the community. One of the first official steps of the (then) new president was to ensure that transgender armed forces would also be allowed to be active. This was a ban that was repeatedly brought into focus and supported by the Trump administration, among others.
Karine Jean-Pierre gives courage
In the meantime, Karine Jean-Pierre may have also managed, among other things, not only to set an example, but also to encourage other people. Regarding the fact that she was the first lesbian woman to become the spokesperson for the President of the United States, she explained that she never doubted that she could make it this far. After all, she had worked hard for it.
A great message, with a particularly encouraging subtext. In other words, if a person puts in the effort, works hard, and performs well, it is completely irrelevant whether they are queer or not. So, for those of you who are concerned in the coming days, weeks, and months with queers in the U.S. and the various homophobic laws that, frighteningly, are also having a major impact on children and youth in schools, perhaps you should not forget that there are positive developments as well.
The appointment of the new spokeswoman shows that it is worth fighting for oneself and one's rights. Now it is up to Karine Jean-Pierre to prove herself in the new position. She should have the trust of the community.
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