Federal LGBTQ Liaison Here to Help

While a majority of the country is happy with the job that Obama is doing, the gay and lesbian community is not a part of that majority. Many feel the Obama administration is not effective and timely in handling issues that are important to their community. To quell this dissatisfaction, the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division has hired veteran Senate staffer Matt Nosanchuk as a senior counselor and liaison to the gay and lesbian community.

The Civil Rights Divison released a statement explaining what Nosanchuk's primary duties will be including

"managing the Division's Criminal Section and pursuing key policy priorities, representing the Division in many capacities, including work with Congress and the LGBTQ community."

This event is another attempt by the Obama administration to mend their relationship with the LGBTQ community. Monday, Obama's lawyers stated that Obama thinks the Defense of Marriage Act discriminates against gays and should be repealed. Along similar lines, Obama extended some benefits to federal employees with same-sex partners earlier this summer. And two weeks ago, the Census Bureau announced that for the first time, it will publicly release data on the number of same-sex marriages reported.

What do I think this will accomplish? Not sure, but it does show that the Obama administration does see the need and importance of focusing on the LGBTQ community and their issues after years of being left behind. Hopefully with this new position in place, instead of saying what is best for the members of this community, the Obama administration will listen to what these people are saying and really make some positive change for them.

Photo courtesy of JUSO Schweiz on flikr.com