The Transadvocate reports that Rep. Barney Frank will hire Diego Sanchez as his senior policy advisor. Sanchez, who is a transgender, currently serves as the director of public relations and external affairs for AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts.

Previously, he made history by becoming the first transgender person appointed by the DNC to the Platform Committee.

Transadvocate writes:

Breaking with most transgender activists, Sanchez has also continued to work with the HRC (even though they are one of the few organizations that do not oppose a gay only ENDA).

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Sanchez may be a buffer for Frank to the GLBT community, but his background will also help in some important policy arenas.  A look at his LinkedIn profile shows extensive experience in health issues and public relations.  Sanchez is certainly qualified for the position. But a glaring question is whether or not Sanchez can bridge the gap between Frank/HRC’s position of not opposing a gay only ENDA, and much of the GLBT community supporting a  fully inclusive bill. That tightrope will be an interesting one to watch.