Trans Trial Judge Makes History 

Victoria Kolakowski made history Tuesday taking the oath of office and becoming the first openly transgender trial judge in the country at a special session of the Superior Court of California.

"It's been very hard as a transgender person," Kolakowski told Dot429.com before taking the oath of office. "We're a community that's chronically under- and unemployed and I've encountered that sort of discrimination in the past, but we're making so much more progress now. In terms of my career, I think part of it is hard work and perseverance, and part of it is good luck."

Kolakowski's parents and wife attended the ceremony. Read more of the interview with Kolakowski here.