This week read about White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressing the press on behalf of the Oval Office, and a new anti-trans law going into effect in Tennessee.

First Openly Gay White House Spokeswoman Takes the Stand

Last week, White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre made history as the first Haitian, openly gay, and second Black spokeswoman to address the press on behalf of the Oval Office.

Jean-Pierre served as Vice President Kamala Harris’ chief of staff during the 2020 election campaigns, and served in the Obama administration as the White House liaison to the Labor Department and Regional Director of the White House Office of Political Affairs. She is currently being seen as a possible replacement for current White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, who has previously announced her upcoming departure from the role next year.

Jean-Pierre told reporters, “It’s a real honor to be standing here today. I appreciate the historic nature, I really do, but I believe that being behind this podium, being in this room, being in this building, is not about one person. It’s about what we do on behalf of the American people.”

Tennessee Authorities Push Back Against Anti-Trans Legislation

Credit: The Gender Spectrum Collection by Broadly, VICE.

District attorneys across the state are raising questions about a new law requiring businesses to post signs saying they allow transgender individuals to use their restrooms, one of the first anti-trans bathroom bills to be enacted anywhere in the United States since 2016.

The Human Rights Campaign has called the effects of House Bill 1182 (SB 1224) “degrading and dehumanizing,” and has promised to fight the law, signed by Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee in May.

Nashville District Attorney General Glenn Funk told the Associated Press, “I believe every person is welcome and valued in Nashville. Enforcement of transphobic or homophobic laws is contrary to those values. My office will not promote hate.”

Others are unsure where, how, and by whom the law would be enforced. Shelby County District Attorney Amy Weirich told the AP, “The way it’s written, I don’t see anything that allows or provides me the responsibility or right to go to civil court and ask a judge to enforce it.”

The law goes into effect July 1.