White House announced former Md. governor's nomination on Wednesday
Equality Caucus counts more than 40 in all FY24 appropriations bills
Advocacy groups reiterate opposition, renew protest calls
He tells the Blade CA-41 deserves better representation in Congress
2024 hopeful claims 'wokeness' harms recruitment efforts
Openly gay Mass. native was US ambassador to Denmark from 2013-2017
Gloria 'deeply honored' by the nomination
Proposed regulation change published Tuesday
Activists say disparaging views from gays and straights are lessening, but bias continues
Secretary said 'Supporting the LGBTQI+ community is a top priority'