Chai R. Feldblum, a Georgetown University law professor who is openly lesbian, is set to become the first openly LGBT commissioner on the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.  The White House announced her appointment late Monday afternoon.

Feldblum, who has long been active in LGBT legal issues, is one of the drafters of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, a bill pending in Congress that would make employment discrimination against LGBT Americans illegal under federal law.  Her nomination to the EEOC requires Senate confirmation.  Commissioners are appointed for five-year terms.