Va. Gov.'s Trans Relative Speaks Out

Friday's Washington Post includes a profile of Robyn Deane, the transgender former brother-in-law of Virginia governor Bob McConnell.

Deane says she decided to discuss her relationship with McDonnell because she feels that his reaction to her may be responsible for his antigay positions--including opposition to marriage equality and workplace protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Deane, who divorced a younger sister of McDonnell's wife in 1999, first went public about her relationship with the governor at a statehouse rally in April.

"I am father to three of the present governor's nephews and nieces," she said at the time. "I'm also uncle to five of his children, so that puts me kind of close."

McDonnell, who has not seen Deane for more than a decade, has refused requests to meet with her and declined to comment for the Post profile. "This is a personal matter," a spokesperson said. "The governor wishes Robyn the very best."

Read the profile here.

See video of footage of Deane's April statehouse speech below.