May 27, 2021
White House Makes History With First First Openly Gay Spokeswoman
Emell Adolphus READ TIME: 1 MIN.
Karine Jean-Pierre is the first openly gay spokewoman and the second Black woman to brief the press in the White House's history.
As reported by NBC News, Jean-Pierre briefed the White House press room for the first time on May 26, making a bunch of firsts in the process.
"Jean-Pierre, 43, follows Judy Smith, who served as deputy press secretary to President George H.W. Bush in 1991," NBC reports. "Smith was the inspiration for the Olivia Pope character on the hit TV show 'Scandal.'"
"It's a real honor to be standing here today," Jean-Pierre said during the press briefing, NBC reports. "Clearly the president believes that representation matters and I appreciate him giving me this opportunity."
Khanya Brann, special assistant to the communications director, tweeted a photo of Jean-Pierre and Smith at together at the White House on Wednesday.
Congratulations Jean-Pierre!
