Wife of California governor goes by 'first partner' instead of 'first lady'
She wants to pave the way for a future female governor
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Your support makes all the difference.The new governing family of California is taking a progressive stance when it comes to gender equality - as Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the wife of the new California governor, will go by the title “first partner” instead of “first lady.”
Siebel Newsom, whose husband Gavin Newsom was sworn in on January 7, announced her intention in October to Politico before her husband won the race.
According to the award-winning filmmaker, she decided on the title because “we’re going to have a female governor someday soon” and it “opens up the opportunity for any couple to really step in, and that’s exciting for me.”
After her husband officially became governor, Siebel Newsom updated her Twitter bio to reflect her new title, the first partner of a politician to choose the gender-neutral name. The official governor’s website also refers to her as the first partner.
This isn’t Siebel Newsom’s first time taking a stance when it comes to gender equality, however.
In addition to “First Partner of California,” Siebel Newsom’s bio also mentions that she is the founder of the non-profit organisation The Representation Project, a “movement that uses film and media content to expose injustices created by gender stereotypes.”
Siebel Newsom’s documentaries focus on the topic of gender equality and women’s rights as well, with her 2011 film Miss Representation portraying the sexism that many women of power face in the media, and her 2015 film The Mask You Live In focusing on the harmful effects of stereotypical masculinity on men and boys.
Following the swearing in of her husband on Monday, Siebel Newsom tweeted: “Today was joyous beyond measure, and it is the honour of a lifetime to serve the people of California.
“Gavin - I love you, I’m so grateful for this journey with you, and I’m already so proud of the way you are using your courageous heart and brilliant mind to lead this great state.”
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