Transgender person publicly opens up to Obama

  • 24/04/2016
Transgender person publicly opens up to Obama

A transgender person came out to United States President Barack Obama during an informal question-and-answer session.

Mr Obama had been in the UK urging the next generation of leaders to help change the world, telling them the future was in their hands.

The Q&A became highly emotional when Maria Muni, 20, opened up to Mr Obama.

"I'm about to do something terrifying, I'm coming out to you as a non-binary person, which means I don't fit within [traditional male and female gender roles]. I'm getting emotional; I'm so sorry," said Mx Muni.

"I really wish yourself and Cameron would take us seriously as transgender people."

Mx Munir said they had not come out to their parents.

"I didn't want to burden them knowing the community will never accept me.

"If anyone in the whole wide world has the power to make sure I feel safe coming out and have the ability to change the world, it would be the leader of the free world, President Barack Obama."

Mr Obama's response was warm and welcoming.

"I'm incredibly proud of the steps it sounds like you've already taken, to speak out about your own experience, create a social movement and change laws," said Mr Obama.

"We're moving in the right direction in part because of courageous people like you."

The occasion marked a human moment in Mr Obama's otherwise carefully pre-planned and choreographed schedule.

There was no mention during the Q&A of the political bombshell he dropped yesterday when he intervened in the EU referendum.

His comments in favour of Britain remaining in the EU are still infuriating campaigners who want the country to leave.

ITV News / Newshub.