California Supreme Court’s 1st gay justice left the NFL to pursue a law career

Upon being unanimously confirmed as a California Supreme Court justice in November, Martin J. Jenkins made history as the first openly gay justice and third Black man to serve on the state’s highest court.

In an interview with the LGBTQ magazine Advocate, Jenkins called the distinction “an interesting notion.”

“There were others before me who were qualified and who weren’t out or weren’t selected. So being the first, and being an African American man, too, is a big responsibility,” he said. “I know how being in the minority feels, and so my plan is to do the job as well as I can. Hopefully, I’ll have the ability to shine a light on the possibilities for people who look like me or have the same orientation as I do. I think it’s also important to make sure you conduct yourself with honor and integrity with the way you do your work.”