The presence of LGBT equal rights and considerations placed within Obama's foreign policy was very evident during his 8 years of service to the United States. Many thought that tying in LGBT concerns with foreign policy was taking what they would call "Americanism" too far. Those that thought Obama should discard the rainbow when it came to international politics may not be too happy with Trump's latest move.
The Trump administration has decided to keep President Barack Obama’s top advocate for gay rights issues at the State Department in defiance of evangelical groups who called for his immediate expulsion.
Randy Berry, the Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTI Persons, is continuing “in his role under the current administration,” a State Department spokesperson said on Monday. The move marks the latest surprise decision by President Donald Trump on gay rights as he juggles the agenda of his staunchly conservative cabinet and top aides, and his cosmopolitan, New York-bred daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner.
Berry, an openly gay career Foreign Service officer whom conservative groups have derided as Obama’s “top gay activist,” became the first person to hold the position in February 2015.
The special envoy position was created during the Obama years to fight back against the discrimination of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people around the globe. Conservative groups have called the office an attempt to “entrench the LGBTI agenda” into the United States government, and accuse it of browbeating countries opposed to gay-friendly school textbooks and same-sex marriage.
Berry repeatedly stressed that his goal was to convince foreign governments to stop violence against gays and lesbians rather than pressure every nation to allow same-sex marriage. “He was mindful not to be heavy-handed or overly colonial,” said Murray, who mentioned his work in countries with less tolerance for LGBT people, such as Uganda and Nigeria.
On Jan. 20, in one of the Obama administration’s final acts, it also named Berry deputy assistant secretary to the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. Conservative groups blasted that decision as an 11th-hour move to place an LGBT-friendly diplomat in a position that has influence over U.S. policies at the United Nations. The State Department spokesperson said Berry maintains his duties in both roles in the Trump administration.- foreignpolicy.com
What is Trump doing with us? When it comes to LGBT concerns, he has been a little confusing. Trump Won't Overturn Protections, In Response To Pressure From LGBT Activists. That was shocking and to hear that Ivanka Trump & Jared Kushner Helped Stop LGBT Rights Rollback.
We wonder how Putin will respond when Berry shows up for a meeting.
Do you think Trump himself is personally supportive of LGBTers, but his picks for staff are a little off?