Doug Emhoff, the first U.S. second gentleman, is hoping to build on the “legacy of progress” of former second ladies.
“I am honored to be the first male spouse of an American President or Vice President,” Emhoff tweeted on Thursday.
He continued, “But I’ll always remember generations of women have served in this role before me — often without much accolade or acknowledgment. It’s their legacy of progress I will build on as Second Gentleman.”
I am honored to be the first male spouse of an American President or Vice President. But I'll always remember generations of women have served in this role before me—often without much accolade or acknowledgment. It’s their legacy of progress I will build on as Second Gentleman.
— Douglas Emhoff (@SecondGentleman) January 21, 2021
Emhoff’s wife, Vice President Kamala Harris, also made history when she was sworn in on Wednesday — becoming the first woman vice president. She also became the first Black vice president and Asian American vice president.
Harris previously shared that her husband was “very excited” to become the nation’s first second gentleman, as IJR reported.
“We still have so much work to do to remind our children of every gender that they should not be confined by the limited perception that some might have of who they are and what they can be,” Harris told ABC’s Robin Roberts in December.
As The White House website reads about Emhoff, “As Second Gentleman, Doug will devote his time to the causes of justice, equality, and human rights.”