Image Credit: screenshot/CBS Sacramento 
California has appointed its first openly ‘transgender’ judge, announced Governor Gavin Newsom (D) on Friday.
Judge Andi Mudryk, 58, who “transitioned” four years ago, is one of eight new appointees to serve on the Sacramento County Superior Court.
“I’m humbled, honored, and I’m thrilled,” Mudryk told the L.A. Times. “I’m grateful to Gov. Newsom for creating a vision of California for all.”
Social justice advocates throughout the state lauded the move as a victory for “diversity and equity.”
“The values of diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to the State Bar’s mission, and I thank our Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation for their important work, and I applaud Gov. Newsom on his commitment to a diverse judiciary,” Leah Wilson, executive director of the State Bar of California, wrote in a statement.
“Superior Court Judge Andi Mudryk’s appointment is a touchstone moment in California history that will lead to more opportunities for transgender people throughout the legal profession.”
Vicky Kolakowski, California’s first-ever transgender judge elected in 2010, congratulated Mudryk’s appointment on Friday, saying she’s glad to have a “trans colleague” on the bench.
I'm the elected one (the first one). Andi Mudryk is a great appointment and will be a wonderful judge. I'm glad to finally have a trans colleague on the bench in California. https://t.co/cvOJaiIGAv
— Vicky Kolakowski (@vkolakowski) March 25, 2022
Equity California called Mudryk’s appointment a “milestone” for the “LGBTQ+ community.”
We are thrilled to be celebrating another milestone for CA's LGBTQ+ community in @GavinNewsom historic appointment of Andi Mudryk to the Sacramento County Superior Court. LGBTQ+ voices are essential to achieve full equality!
https://t.co/SknXNqLlwV
— Equality California (@eqca) March 26, 2022
One hardly needs to wonder how Mudryk would rule in cases related to transgender individuals competing in women’s sports, which has become a hot-button issue in recent months, culminating with transgender swimmer Lia Thomas claiming victories in numerous female competitions.