President-elect Biden taps gay man as White House Social Secretary
Carlos Elizondo previously served as social secretary to the Bidens during the Obama administration
The Biden-Harris transition team has named the first openly LGBTQ person to a position in the new administration.
Carlos Elizondo, an openly gay event planner who resides in Washington with his partner, had been tapped as the soon-to-be White House social secretary for the incoming administration, according to The Hill.
A native Texan, Elizondo previously served as a special assistant to the president and as social secretary for then-Vice President Biden and Dr. Jill Biden during the Obama administration. He was the first Hispanic American to serve in such a role.
In his position as social secretary to the Bidens, Elizondo planned, managed, and carried out all events hosted by Biden and his family, including visits by world leaders, members of Congress, business leaders, and other high-ranking dignitaries and celebrities.
He also previously served in the White House and in the Office of the U.S. Chief of Protocol during the Clinton administration, as well as senior director of presidential events at Georgetown University, manager of special activities and protocol at Walt Disney World, and as an estate manager, overseeing operations for a private family estate.
Related: Catholic leaders tell Biden to “repent” for LGBTQ support
While Elizondo is the first openly LGBTQ person to be named to a prominent position within the Biden White House or cabinet, it is unlikely he will be the last.
Karine Jean-Pierre, the out lesbian chief of staff for Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, is reportedly on the shortlist to become the next White House Press Secretary.
Additionally, former Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg, who impressed in various media appearances as an advocate speaking on behalf of the Biden-Harris campaign — particularly on Fox News, where videos that later went viral captured him successfully shutting down right-wing talking points being advanced by the channel’s on-air personalities — is also expected to be named to a position within the administration.
Read more:
Only 14% of LGBTQ voters supported Trump, post-election poll finds
Black trans Southerners more likely to experience negative health interactions
Human Rights Campaign issues report on anti-trans violence as U.S. deaths reach record high
Support Metro Weekly’s Journalism
These are challenging times for news organizations. And yet it’s crucial we stay active and provide vital resources and information to both our local readers and the world. So won’t you please take a moment and consider supporting Metro Weekly with a membership? For as little as $5 a month, you can help ensure Metro Weekly magazine and MetroWeekly.com remain free, viable resources as we provide the best, most diverse, culturally-resonant LGBTQ coverage in both the D.C. region and around the world. Memberships come with exclusive perks and discounts, your own personal digital delivery of each week’s magazine (and an archive), access to our Member's Lounge when it launches this fall, and exclusive members-only items like Metro Weekly Membership Mugs and Tote Bags! Check out all our membership levels here and please join us today!
You must be logged in to post a comment.