Middleton named to state transgender council

Palm Springs Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Middleton has been named to California’s transgender advisory council.

Formed by Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, the council will “create a dialogue” between state leaders and California’s transgender community, according to a statement.

The nine-member council, believed to be the first of its kind in the United States, has already met once. It’s made up of transgender officials from throughout the state who will speak to officials from the public and private sector about issues facing the transgender community.

“At a time when so many political leaders see transgender Americans as a political opportunity to exploit and target, Lt. Governor Kounalakis is reaching out to help, integrate and provide opportunity,” Middleton said in the statement.