Biden Announces First LGBTQ+ Pick for His Administration

Carlos Elizondo has been designated the White House social secretary, making him the first openly LGBTQ staff member of Biden’s administration. The Texas native had previously served as special assistant to President Barack Obama and social secretary to Biden and his wife, Jill. During that time, he was responsible for planning and overseeing all events hosted by the Biden family, including those involving members of Congress, foreign dignitaries, business leaders, and celebrities.

Beyond that, Elizondo has also worked for the Clinton-Gore administration when he served in both the White House and in the Office of the U.S. Chief of Protocol, managing numerous state visits, papal visits, the Centennial Olympic Games, the NATO 50th Anniversary Summit, and other international events.

Elizondo has held several positions outside of government including senior director of presidential events at Georgetown University, manager of special activities and protocol at Walt Disney World, and estate manager overseeing operations for a private family estate. Elizondo is a graduate of the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio. He and his partner currently live in Washington D.C.

However, he’s not the first openly gay man to hold the title. That honor goes to Jeremy Bernard of the Obama administration. But, Elizondo is the first Hispanic-American to hold this position, according to an announcement from the Biden transition team. In a media statement, Biden highlighted the diversity of his senior staff members, Elizondo included.

“Their dedication to overcoming the challenges facing our country today are rooted in their diverse backgrounds and experiences,” said the president-elect. “They will serve the American people and help build back better, creating a more just, equitable, and united nation.”

Biden is expected to announce several more LGBTQ staffers, as there were many involved in his campaign as well as his transition team. This includes Karine Jean-Pierre, who was chief of staff to vice-presidential nominee Kamala Harris; Jamal Brown, national press secretary; and Reggie Greer, who led outreach to LGBTQ voters. Biden’s Agency Review Team was also highly diversified with members such as Shawn Skelly, Chai Feldblum, Pamela Karlan, and Dave Noble.

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.