Lesbian U.S. Attorney Starts Work in Wash.

The Associated Press interviews Jenny Durkan, the first openly gay person to serve as a U.S. attorney. Durkan, who serves in Seattle and was confirmed by the Senate last month, spoke about her historic appointment.

"In this region I don't think it's very remarkable that you have someone who is gay in a position of authority, because it's woven throughout our culture and has been," Durkan, 51, told the AP. "In other parts of the country it might be, but I think a generation from now it will be a footnote."

Durkan acknowledged the enormity of her appointment, however.

"I don't think I can fully appreciate how important it is to many people to have someone in a role like this who is gay," she said. "The more people are able to see people in situations where pretty soon that's an invisible characteristic, the better it is for the entire community."

Read the full interview, including Durkan's plan for the office, here.