Exclusive: First diplomat for LGBT rights speaks out

Becoming a father was a prime motivator for Randy Berry to accept what's sure to be a controversial new role at the State Department.

Berry, 50, is the U.S. special envoy for the human rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender persons, the first such post ever created by a nation, according to the State Department.

In that trailblazing role, he said he has an opportunity to help his two children grow up in a world more accepting than the one he was born into.

As someone who has "walked the personal journey of coming out," Berry said he knows how critical positive messages and support are to a U.S. and global LGBT community plagued by young suicides.

"Our children may be straight, they may be gay, I really couldn't care less, but I do want them to be happy," Berry said in an interview with USA TODAY. "They're likely to grow up in international environments, so I'm interested in working this in a broader space."

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http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2015/04/26/us-diplomat-champion-for-lgbt-people/26314885/