First Lady Marks John Berry's Start at OPM

First Lady Michelle Obama was onhand for an event recognizing John Berry as the new Director of the Office of Personnel Management.  Berry, the highest-ranking openly gay member of the Administration, took his oath of office before a crowd of 300 people this week.

In his remarks, Berry acknowledged Dr. Frank Kameny, who was in the audience.  Kameny was dismissed from the federal civil service in 1957 solely based on his sexual orientation.  With his dismissal, Kameny became an early organizer in the pro-equality movement.  His actions ultimately led to the overturning of the federal civil service ban on gay employees.

The First Lady and Dr. Kameny (Photo by M.V. Jantzen using a Creative Commons license): Michelle Obama reaching out to greet gay activist Frank Kameny. The First Lady had given a speech at John Berry's swearing-in ceremony. Theodore Roosevelt Building, Office of Personnel Management (OPM). 1900 E St NW, Washington, DC. Full-size photo.

Paving the Way (Photo by M.V. Jantzen using a Creative Commons license): Frank Kameny posing with newly sworn-in OPM director John Berry. Theodore Roosevelt Building, Office of Personnel Management 1900 E St NW, Washington, DC. Full-size photo.

Press Conference (Photo by M.V. Jantzen using a Creative Commons license): New OPM director John Berry talking two reporters, as his press secretary Edmund looks on. Theodore Roosevelt Building, Office of Personnel Management. 1900 E St NW, Washington, DC. Full-size photo.

You Look Familiar (Photo by M.V. Jantzen using a Creative Commons license): Michelle Obama greeting John's two nieces after her speech. John looks on in the background. Theodore Roosevelt Building, Office of Personnel Management (OPM). 1900 E St NW, Washington, DC. Full-size photo.

The First Lady Saying Hello (Photo by M.V. Jantzen using a Creative Commons license): Michelle Obama reaching out to greet gay activist Frank Kameny. The First Lady had given a speech at John Berry's swearing-in ceremony. Theodore Roosevelt Building, Office of Personnel Management (OPM). 1900 E St NW, Washington, DC. Full-size photo.

Reporting from OPM (Photo by M.V. Jantzen using a Creative Commons license): New OPM director John Berry talking to a reporter after his swearing-in ceremony. Theodore Roosevelt Building, Office of Personnel Management. 1900 E St NW, Washington, DC.  Full-size photo.