Seth Marnin is the Nation’s First Out Trans Male Judge

Seth Marnin makes history as the nation’s first out transgender male judge. This comes from New York’s Governor Kathy Hochul, who appointed Seth not only as the state’s first transgender judge, but the nation’s first trans man to ever serve on a judicial branch.

Hochul appointed Marnin and 10 others to the New York State Court of Claims. Marnin and 18 others were confirmed by the New York Senate Judiciary Committee.

“I have full faith that this historic and outstanding group of appointees will serve New Yorkers with fairness and impartiality,” Hochul says in a statement. “With diverse perspectives and extensive expertise, I’m confident that each appointee will bring honor and integrity to New York State’s judiciary.”

Before appointed, Seth Marnin was a former employment discrimination attorney. He also served as the Vice President for Civil Rights at the Anti-Defamation League. Additionally, he was the founder and principal of Workplace Strategies, a legal consulting firm for nonprofits. Marnin is currently Columbia University’s Director of Training & Education, Equal Opportunity & Affirmative Action.

Marnin told Gay City News he is “honored by the Governor’s appointment. It was not so long ago that a trans person becoming a judge was unimaginable. I hope my nomination and service inspires young trans people and that I can serve as a role model.”

Victoria Kolakowski was the first out trans female judge in U.S. history. She was elected with 51 percent of the vote to a California judicial position in 2010.

Photo courtesy from Columbia University