WASHINGTON: The White House said on Tuesday it had hired its first openly transgender official, a move which supporters said underscored the administration’s drive against inequality. Officials said former activist Raffi Freedman-Gurspan began work on Tuesday in a team that recruits personnel to serve the president. “Raffi Freedman-Gurspan demonstrates the kind of leadership this administration champions,” said Valerie Jarrett, a senior advisor to President Barack Obama. “Her commitment to bettering […]

Simran Mahant’s excitement is palpable ahead of heading to the nearby polling booth in a small village in northern India. This is the first time that the 23-year-old transgender dancer will vote in the country’s parliamentary election. With an official identity stamp, Simran will also be able to get a passport and travel abroad. The first destination? “Singapore,” says the dancer. “Seeing everyone vote made me feel there is something […]