But where would an openly gay or lesbian, bisexual or transgender appointee or elected official make the most difference during the next administration?

We asked policy analysts and political advisors, politicians and celebrities, business leaders and theologians, bloggers and law professors, writers and LGBT organization leaders this question:

Aside from the presidency, to what government leadership position would you most like to see an openly LGBT person elected or appointed and why?

We received 28 responses from people gay and straight. Elizabeth Birch responded. And so did Rue McClanahan, Danny Roberts (from Real World New Orleans), Joe Solmonese, Kevin Jennings, and so many more.

Of those, five said we need an openly queer person on the US Supreme Court; three suggested Secretary of State. But then there was Richard Kim, who crowed, “Rachel Maddow for White House Press Secretary” and Joan Garry, who, with a wink, threw in Tim Gunn for Chief of Staff.

You can find answers to our question by clicking on individual names, which are in alphabetical order below. The answers are thoughtful, silly, poignant, surprising. Rev. Irene Monroe reminds us of our forgotten history in the military. Robert Rabin explains why a lesbian Supreme Court Justice will change more than you think. And GoodAsYou’s Jeremy Hooper says what we need most of all is a new cabinet position: Secretary of Cutting Through the B.S.

Take a look at what people said by clicking on their names. Some of the responses are very short- some are very long- but all are satisfying. Add your own suggestions either here or after individual answers.

Andrew Belonsky: Restoring our moral authority

Wayne Besen: A voice at the table of justice

Elizabeth Birch: Making LGBT issues human

Bevan Dufty: Righting the wrongs

Robert Gant: Demonstrating the ability to govern

Joan Garry: Barack needs a Gunn

Neal Giuliano: Expanding common ground

Mitchell Gold: Decorating the Oval Office

Michael Guest: A symbol of America’s re-commitment to equality

Jeremy Hooper: The Secretary of Cutting Through the B.S.

Jody Huckaby: Making a bigger difference

Lane Hudson: We need to be in the Senate

Kevin Jennings: LGBTs are naturals at diplomacy

Richard Kim: Rachel Maddow for Press Secretary

James Kirchick: How a gay appointee could strengthen democracy

Ross LaJeunesse: We need a GLBT Calif. Governor

Rue McClanahan: My Chairman would know Alexander the Great

Jon Mallow: Why a gay official won’t matter

Irene Monroe: A history lesson

Robert Rabin: We need a gay Supreme Court Justice – and we need her now

Danny Roberts: Young gays need an openly-serving military offical to look up to

Charlie Rounds: This country needs a good, old-fashioned house cleaning

Dana Rudolph: Preparation for citizenship

Aubrey Sarvis: A Frank voice in the military

Joe Solmonese: Beyond the obvious

Geoffrey Stone: Providing a distinct perspective

Sarah Warn: Give Lesbos back to the lesbians

Bob Witeck: Vital access to the President’s ear

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