Openly gay man, Jeremy Bernard, named White House Social Secretary
Fri. February 25, 2011 5:53 PM by GoPride.com News Staff
Washington, D.C. -
Jeremy Bernard is making history by becoming the first man and first openly gay person to be named White House Social Secretary.
Bernard is currently the Senior Advisor to the Ambassador to France.
"Jeremy shares our vision for the White House as the People's House, one that celebrates our history and culture in dynamic and inclusive ways. We look forward to Jeremy continuing to showcase America's arts and culture to our nation and the world through the many events at the White House," the President said in a statement.
Bernard is not just a guy who happens to be gay; he's an active supporter of gay rights, and has served as a board member of A.N.G.L.E. (Access Now for Gay & Lesbian Equality) and the National Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund. He was also a member of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's LGBT Advisory Committee, the Los Angeles Police LGBT Advisory Committee and the Los Angeles Mayor's LGBT Advisory Committee.
"I am deeply humbled to join the White House staff as Social Secretary and support President Obama and the First Lady in this role," Bernard said. "I have long admired the arts and education programs that have become hallmarks of the Obama White House and I am eager to continue these efforts in the years ahead."
Bernard's appointment follows the abrupt departure of Desiree Rogers (who fell out of favor after the Salahis crashed the State Dinner) and Julianna Smoot.
"Anyone who knows Jeremy Bernard knows he will be a great addition to the White House," said Barry Karas, a friend of Bernard and a member of the HRC Board of Directors from Los Angeles. "Jeremy is a true joy to be around and work with. His appreciation of the arts and culture will make for grand events and his understanding of the important history of the White House and the Presidency will serve the American people well."
Bernard raised millions of dollars for President Obama's campaign and in 2009, the Washington Post named Bernard and his partner,Rufus Gifford, one of Washington, D.C.'s power couples.
Bernard is a native of San Antonio, Texas, and has previously worked in television and investments.
Bernard is currently the Senior Advisor to the Ambassador to France.
"Jeremy shares our vision for the White House as the People's House, one that celebrates our history and culture in dynamic and inclusive ways. We look forward to Jeremy continuing to showcase America's arts and culture to our nation and the world through the many events at the White House," the President said in a statement.
Bernard is not just a guy who happens to be gay; he's an active supporter of gay rights, and has served as a board member of A.N.G.L.E. (Access Now for Gay & Lesbian Equality) and the National Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund. He was also a member of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's LGBT Advisory Committee, the Los Angeles Police LGBT Advisory Committee and the Los Angeles Mayor's LGBT Advisory Committee.
"I am deeply humbled to join the White House staff as Social Secretary and support President Obama and the First Lady in this role," Bernard said. "I have long admired the arts and education programs that have become hallmarks of the Obama White House and I am eager to continue these efforts in the years ahead."
Bernard's appointment follows the abrupt departure of Desiree Rogers (who fell out of favor after the Salahis crashed the State Dinner) and Julianna Smoot.
"Anyone who knows Jeremy Bernard knows he will be a great addition to the White House," said Barry Karas, a friend of Bernard and a member of the HRC Board of Directors from Los Angeles. "Jeremy is a true joy to be around and work with. His appreciation of the arts and culture will make for grand events and his understanding of the important history of the White House and the Presidency will serve the American people well."
Bernard raised millions of dollars for President Obama's campaign and in 2009, the Washington Post named Bernard and his partner,Rufus Gifford, one of Washington, D.C.'s power couples.
Bernard is a native of San Antonio, Texas, and has previously worked in television and investments.