Tracy Thorne-Begland

This article is about the American judge. For the English vocalist, see Tracey Thorn.

Tracy Thorne-Begland
Born
Tracy William Thorne

(1966-10-03) October 3, 1966 (age 58)
NationalityAmerican
Alma materVanderbilt University (BA)
University of Richmond (JD)
Occupation(s)prosecutor, judge
Known forchallenge to Don't Ask Don't Tell, Virginia General District Court appointment
SpouseMichael Joseph Thorne-Begland

Tracy William Thorne-Begland (born October 3, 1966) is an American judge on the General District Court of Richmond, Virginia, appointed in 2012. He was the first openly gay jurist elected by the Virginia General Assembly.[1]

After graduation from university, Thorne-Begland served in a jet combat squadron of the United States Navy.[2] During the 1992 presidential campaign, he appeared on the television news program Nightline to criticize the Navy's policy of excluding homosexuals, identifying himself as gay, and was honorably discharged from the service. As a result of the appeal processes, Thorne-Begland became interested in the law and graduated from law school.

After serving twelve years as a prosecutor, Thorne-Begland was nominated for an open seat on the General District Court of Richmond in 2012, but the Virginia House of delegates rejected him for the position for his perceived advocacy on homosexual issues. The Richmond Circuit Court judges granted him a temporary appointment to the post on June 14, 2012. On January 15, 2013, he was confirmed in the position by both houses of the Virginia General Assembly.

  1. ^ Bob Lewis (January 14, 2013). "Va. House panel welcomes first openly gay judge". WJLA. Associated Press. Archived from the original on April 5, 2013. Retrieved January 16, 2013.
  2. ^ "University of Richmond News". news.richmond.edu. Archived from the original on September 4, 2019. Retrieved September 4, 2019.