Ebony Honors NCLR Policy Director Maya Rupert

Ebony magazine named Maya Rupert, the federal policy director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights, to its list of the most powerful black leaders in America.

Rupert was praised by the magazine as for her work in housing, family policy, health, and employment for LGBT people. The article also cites Rupert's work lobbying against the Defense of Marriage Act and helping to influence President Obama's opposition to the law. In addition to her work as an attorney, Rupert has written several opinion pieces on race, sex, class, and gay rights for outlets such as the Los Angeles Times, The Huffington Post, and the San Francisco Chronicle.

Other honorees include President Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and U.S. attorney general Eric Holder, according to NCLR.