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ALBANY – New York will have the first openly male transgender judge in the nation, it was announced on Wednesday.

Seth Marnin was one of eleven people named by Gov. Kathy Hochul to serve on the state Court of Claims, which oversees civil cases seeking damages from the state.

“I have full faith that this historic and outstanding group of appointees will serve New Yorkers with fairness and impartiality,” Hochul said in a statement.

“With diverse perspectives and extensive expertise, I’m confident that each appointee will bring honor and integrity to New York State’s judiciary.”

The appointment of Marnin to oversee Court of Claims cases in New York City adds to the historical firsts in the state court system by Gov. Kathy Hochul, who successfully nominated Rowan Wilson as New York’s first black chief judge earlier this year.

That came after a failed effort to get the state Senate to confirm Hector LaSalle as the first Latino chief judge, a position that oversees New York’s court system.

Marnin currently works at Columbia University as the director of training and education for equal opportunity and affirmative action after serving as a legal advisor for nonprofits.

He will need confirmation by the state Senate.


  Seth Marnin will become the first openly transgender male judge in American history. Columbia University Office of the Provost Seth Marnin will become the first openly transgender male judge in American history. Columbia University Office of the Provost

  NY Gov. Kathy Hochul also tapped the state’s first black chief judge. Paul Martinka NY Gov. Kathy Hochul also tapped the state’s first black chief judge. Paul Martinka

His resume also includes a stint at the Anti-Defamation League as the vice president of civil rights.

While no openly transgender men have ever appeared on the bench in the United States, some transgender women have, including Andi Mudyrk and Victoria Kolakowski in California.

The accomplishment for transgender people attracted praise from Emilia Decaudin, who became one of the first transgender Democratic district leaders in state history three years ago.

“We have a long ways to go until our judicial system truly serves the queer and transgender communities, but this historic appointment shows trans people across New York that there is a place for them, their leadership, and their judgment, in this state,” Decaudin told The Post.

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