Op-ed: 14 Reasons That Made 2011 Great for Trans People

5. First Sitting Cabinet Secretary Addresses a Trans Event 

As another symbol of the growing power of trans people, U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan became the first sitting Cabinet secretary to attend and keynote a transgender function. His remarks emphasized the need for protections for trans people and their families in housing programs. In an interview later that evening, Secretary Donovan became the highest ranking U.S. government official to express support for marriage equality.