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Gays Shut Out of Cabinet

As if the news of antigay pastor Rick Warren's invitation to deliver Obama's inaugural invocation weren't insulting enough to LGBT Americans, we're now hit with the reality that no openly gay people will be seated at the cabinet table to weigh in on the next antigay flap.

By Kerry Eleveld

An Advocate.com exclusive posted December 18, 2008

LGBT Americans were hit with yet another piece of bad news Thursday -- no openly gay people will be appointed to President-elect Obama’s cabinet.

Less than 24 hours after the announcement that antigay pastor Rick Warren would be giving the invocation at Obama's inauguration, reports surfaced that Rep. Hilda Solis is the incoming president’s pick as secretary of the Labor Department. The Labor and Interior posts having been the only two positions left for which openly gay qualified candidates were still in the running, LGBT leaders conceded that no out person will be seated at the cabinet table.

“It’s now clear that President Obama’s top appointees will gather in a cabinet room that does not reflect the living rooms, board rooms, or rooms of worship across this country,” said Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund.

Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, said that in spite of “a very positive series of discussions with the transition team” last week, no forward movement had been made on behalf of gays and lesbians. “Unfortunately, one week later, we learn Rick Warren is giving the inaugural invocation and we're no further ahead in seeing LGBT Americans represented in the new administration,” he said. “A good dialogue without real action is only half the equation.”

Steve Elmendorf, a former deputy campaign manager for John Kerry and senior adviser to Dick Gephardt, called it “very disappointing” that a number of high-quality LGBT candidates had been passed over. “It’s a very diverse and inclusive cabinet for every community except for the gay and lesbian community,” he said.

Not that anyone’s counting, but the 22 cabinet-level positions as announced/projected include three Latinos, two Asian Americans, four African-Americans, five women, and, yes, two Republicans.

Elmendorf observed that the top-tier White House staff doesn’t appear to have any LGBT people in it either. “That just makes the Rick Warren thing an extra kick in the stomach,” he said.

Though Elmendorf sympathized with Obama’s big-tent argument about wanting to reach out to evangelicals through Rick Warren, he added, “but I don’t think [the Obama team] has sent any signals to the gay and lesbian community -- who voted for him overwhelmingly -- that they want to include them.”

The inaugural committee is touting the participation of the Lesbian and Gay Band Association in the inaugural parade as a symbol of inclusion. But the news of Rick Warren's high-profile slot hit especially hard with some of Barack Obama’s most avid LGBT supporters during the campaign.

Story continues on next page...

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Eleveld is political editor of The Advocate.

Reader Comments

These comments are reproduced as written by visitors to this Web site. They have not been edited for content, grammar, or spelling. The viewpoints appearing here are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or views of advocate.com, The Advocate, or its affiliates.

Name: Ian Jehle
Date posted: 2008-12-24 10:54 AM
Hometown: Washington, DC

Comment:

Sadly, it seems that the Obama team anticipated the strong reaction of the GLBT community to the selection of Rev. Warren It appears more and more likely that Obama may have intentionally slighted gay people to demonstrate to conservatives that he is willing to face criticism from a group that is perceived to be one of his constituancies. A likely part of this political calculus is the belief that other Obama constituancies were unlikely to support GLBT people in their criticism of the Warren selection. Considering that the announcement this week by the Ebinezer Baptist Church in Atlanta that Rev. Warren would be speaking to the congregation as part of it's MLK Day celebration - Obama may have calculated correctly.

Name: tonyinstpete
Date posted: 2008-12-24 8:38 AM
Hometown: St. Petersburg, FL

Comment:

It is easy to understand the frustration with so many gay leaders. Do note, however, that Barney Frank among all elected Democratic national leaders iwas the only one to publically criticize Obama's choice of Warren. Where is Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco on all? She has the largest gay constituency of any House district. Moreover, Pelosi is technically right now the senior elected Democrat in the country, and will remain third in line to the presidency. Why aren't San Francisco gays--Pelosi's constituents-- insisting that she speak out? The least this new administration can do is push for immediate passage of federal ENDA so that gays in states like Florida and Texas also areprotected against employment discrimination. And, announce now that as soon as the new Adminsitration takes over, we will sign that UN declaraction that the evil Bush regime refused to sign.

Name: mike
Date posted: 2008-12-23 8:36 AM
Hometown: cincinnati

Comment:

You have to be gay to understand how offensive the choice of Rick Warren is to the gay community. I read articles written by people who aren't gay trying to explain Obama's logic. This issue does not resonate with them as it does with a gay person. Most seem to be like seventh graders writing an analysis of a poem. It is all very sad. When I read about the cabinet selections, I notice that they write the number of African Americans and women. I haven't seen the number of Jews. Of course, gays need to stay in their place. There weren't any chosen even though I think most studies show that gays are above average in intelligence. What we are settling for makes me wonder if this is accurate.

Name: Gerold R.
Date posted: 2008-12-23 6:42 AM
Hometown: Houston

Comment:

Anyone who has followed the Chosen One's career would have noted that he has a real talent for discarding people or groups no longer useful to him. I'm not surprised that he has now betrayed GLBT supporters. This election really should have been about character, not image. McCain, for all his flaws, has character and is an honorable man, that's why I voted for him. We will only make progress by letting our friends and neighbors get to know us. Once they do they see we are really pretty much like them. We do not make progress by electing the saviour of the week to public office in order to "save"us. It didn't work with Bill Clinton and it's not working now.

Name: Conservative
Date posted: 2008-12-23 2:41 AM
Hometown: The Bayou

Comment:

I was never was fooled by Obama. I'm not fooled by any Democrat or liberal in general. I'll never vote for a politician just because he pretends to support ONE of my causes or ideals, only to throw me aside later or even toss me an occasional peanut. When will others realize that? Who knows. The Democratic Party is a party of special interests. That's not to say the Republican Party is not guilty of the same. I agree that a third party is needed, one that recognizes individual freedom and responsibility, respect for the Constitution, and intelligent economic policies. We need something more substantive than "Change" and "Hope." Hard work and determination, of course, are the only things that can bring this about. We can't continue to look to "leaders" who only promise handouts.

Name: Jim
Date posted: 2008-12-22 5:57 PM
Hometown: Wichita, KS

Comment:

In my 66 years, I have never missed voting in any election. It has taken me this many years to finally recognize politicians for what they really are. Homosexuals were only a means to an end for Obama. When a "wrong wing" homophobic evangelical can stand front and center at the inauguration, and the cabinet is filled without any homosexuals, it's time to realize that Obama is truly a political manipulator. I have suddenly realized that my past political involvement or calling, canvassing, and contributing to what I thought would be gay friendly candidates was a fraud. I have deceived myself? How could I be so gullible? I say now "Never Again!". Politicians and political parties can go to hell. Frankly, I don't care anymore which direction this country goes. It's all crap. I will live now only for myself and my partner. No contributions of time or money to any causes. We will live only for ourselves.

Name: Flossy Powell
Date posted: 2008-12-20 10:06 PM
Hometown: Brushton, NY

Comment:

We should ask Obama what is it about LGBT folks that makes us less worthy of the civil right to marry? How could gay marriage taint straight marriage? There's no connection. And don't trot out the "sanctity" line. Marriage is a legal contract, sanctity a religious term. Sanctity has nothing to do with it. All LGBT need to write, protest, phone, talk, do everything to make it impossible for the new administration and news media to ignore us and our protests. And it's time for us to not let the bigoted religious "experts" get away with accusing us LGBT folks of the sin of "choosing" to be gay, anti-Christian, etc. Here's what it says about homosexuality in the New Testament----nothing. . We are worthy of equality and we are tired of politely waiting. We're mad as hell and we're not going to take it anymore--aren't we? Can we win our rights? Yes, we can!

Name: lee
Date posted: 2008-12-20 6:04 PM
Hometown: los angeles

Comment:

so "the gays" get a prominent spot in the inauguration - entertaining people! maybe they can play their instruments in black face, too? wouldn't that be funny! i appreciate that obama is a politician and he can't fix everything for everybody all at once...if i actually believed he'd lift a finger for gay people anytime during his first term, i'd might be willing to give him a pass on rick warren. unfortunately, when all you have is "talk" (from obama), symbols mean a lot. and the symbolism of his choice of rick warren is like a slap in the face to his gay supporters. for what?! rick warren isn't going to change his mind on gays, nor are his followers. somewhere along the campaign trail obama started to believe the rainbows and butterflies and fairytales that he was peddling. his "hope" is a load of crap.

Name: Dan
Date posted: 2008-12-20 3:52 AM
Hometown: Rochester

Comment:

Whatever few rights we have, we owe none of them to Obama. By choosing someone as terrible as Rick Warren to speak at his inauguration, Obama is telling us that we have served our purpose of helping him get elected, and now we'll have to be discarded. But before this happens he graciously allows some of our musicians to entertain the people at the inauguration! I hope that the LGBT musicians will have enough courage not to become part of this farce. In the name of our survival, we have to fight back and at least have absolutely nothing to do with the upcoming inauguration, and later on if need be with the Democratic Party. Why waste time, money, and health?

Name: Dollylama
Date posted: 2008-12-19 4:46 PM
Hometown: Menifee, CA

Comment:

We have been duped and we all deserrve it. It is time in this country to get rid of the two main parties in this country. Let us get a new party. They did this in the old days, why not now. Not a LGBT party but a party that represents all the best in all categories. That party could then run against the two corrupt parties and beat them. We should begin a campaign now for the formation of such a party. Maybe Barney Frank could give us some help on how to go about this. Maybe some of you with political savy could help us too. I am sick of empty promises. Stop voting for guys you think are "cute". I am sure Hitler was "cute" to some people too. Face it, we have been short changed because many of us would not vote for a woman. If Hillary were President elect we would not be facing this crap.

Name: Scott Phelps
Date posted: 2008-12-19 3:58 PM
Hometown: Chicago

Comment:

It is about power and influence. Until the GLBT community can effectively demonstrate its ability to impact decisions, elections, and/or fundraising then we are not going to be afforded more than courtesy consideration of our opinion. As a whole we lack the political clout that the Christian right, Latinos, and women wield. Our power is further eroded when those in the community who can be influential remain silent. Why is Barney Frank not making the news/ talk show rounds? Where are the celebrities that were so vocal a month ago issuing statements of disbelief at the inclusion of Warren. Already the story is out of the news cycle. If only the GLBT community is talking about this, it’s a done deal. Send your congressman and senator an e-mail, ask the local media why they aren't pushing Obama to respond to the GLBT outrage. Demand Obama state openly his support or his disdain. If we allow it to slid then we are saying don't worry we'll take whatever scraps might fall our way.

Name: Daniel S
Date posted: 2008-12-19 2:00 PM
Hometown: New Hope, PA

Comment:

Dan, that is such an idealistic, yet unrealistic, point of view it isn't funny. Political appointments are almost never truly meritocratic. Especially for Cabinet posts because how can you prove someone is the best person for a job they've never done before? Obama has made a bunch of reasonably-qualified choices that were selected to fulfill certain political criteria. He needed more than one Republican so he gave Transportation to one, even though he doesn't appear to have been the most qualified candidate. He also gave three posts to Latinos purely because that community demanded it. Otherwise he's leaned heavily towards Illinois pols and Harvard alumni. It's favoritism for everyone except us.

Name: Chris
Date posted: 2008-12-19 10:28 AM
Hometown: Albuquerque, NM

Comment:

President-elect Obama may not be in office, but he is a leader, maybe the leader in some ways, of the country now. Civic responsibility in a republic requires that we hold leaders accountable for their actions. President-elect Obama's actions in not nominating a gay person to the cabinet, in not speaking out against Prop. 8, and in inviting Warren to open his inaugural ceremonies are deplorable and we are right to cry out. I don't think it's wise to say "just wait, he'll do good things later." These are the things he's doing now, and speaking out against them is very important to making sure the policy matters we're hoping for don't also get kicked to the siide. One place to speak out is with our national gay organizations like HRC. We can call on them to withraw their sponsorship of inaugural events. A quick clarification: Nancy Sutley's is not a cabinet position.

Name: Daniel S
Date posted: 2008-12-19 10:14 AM
Hometown: New Hope, PA

Comment:

The apparent attitude is that the LGBT community will be okay with lesser, non-Cabinet appointments in the Obama Administration. Roles that do not report directly to, nor have direct access to, President Obama himself. Nancy Sutley's post in not a Cabinet-level one. The talk about a gay Secretary of the Navy is sweet, but that post reports to the Secretary of Defense, not to the President. The clear message is that LGBT people are worthy only of subordinate roles in the administration, whereas more powerful groups like Latinos, and even Republicans, needed to be acknowledged with multiple Cabinet-level jobs. It sucks to be this disenfranchised!

Name: Michael
Date posted: 2008-12-19 6:48 AM
Hometown: Sacramento

Comment:

People here are acting like this is a surprise. Obama has been selling us down the river since the beginning of his campaign. It's time to stop making excuses for him and stop waiting for that change we can believe in. It's not coming. What we should be asking ourselves is why we support the Advocate who shoved Obama down our throats? Why we supported queer elected officials who told us Obama was going to feel our pain? Why did we give money and power to queer organizations who are so desperate to get a taste of Obama fever that they pushed us into pissing away all of our political capital for the next decade. It is time to abandon our queer leadership and media. They are collaborators.

Name: Kevin
Date posted: 2008-12-19 5:10 AM
Hometown: Tampa, FL

Comment:

What about Nancy Sutley? And I'm a little confused here. In the Advocate article, Chuck Wolfe, president of the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund is quoted saying "It’s now clear that President Obama’s top appointees will gather in a cabinet room that does not reflect the living rooms, board rooms, or rooms of worship across this country." Yet when Nancy Sutley was appointed as chairwoman of the Council on Environmental Quality, Chuck Wolfe called her nomination "another step toward full equality for gay Americans...It sends a signal to young people that they can participate in their government at its highest levels, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender or ethnicity."

Name: Daniel S
Date posted: 2008-12-18 10:37 PM
Hometown: New Hope, PA

Comment:

I think the LGBT marching band should withdraw and all LGBT folks should boycott the Inauguration in protest. It is pretty clear that we're not really a part of the "big tent". We're just allowed to hang around on the edges helping out. Rather like black servants and slaves in the old days in fact. I reject any claims that merit is an issue here. Obama has named three Latinos mostly just to appease that voting block and the Illinois Republican to whom he's given Transportation was one of the less qualified candidates. So many of these appointments have been political statements that it sends a bad message that no statement was made on our behalf.

Name: Marianne
Date posted: 2008-12-18 7:33 PM
Hometown: Evanston

Comment:

Obama still has numerous high level appointments to make. One critical one is head (Chair) of the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. He should appoint an openly GLBT civil rights attorney to that post, especially since he promised passage of ENDA. There are a numnber of openly gay civil rights agency heads around the country he could recruit from. The man who heads the Department of Human Rights in Illinois is openly gay as is the agency head for the New Jersey Civil Rights Department. What about people like that for such a high profile gig? The EEOC should be led by an open gay, lesbian or transgender lawyer. Do it now, Mr. President-Elect.

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