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Read: Is the US Military About to Let Transgender Soldiers Serve?Back in 2011, President Barack Obama helped to repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell, a policy that—under a misguided attempt to prevent discrimination and harassment—forbade LGBT individuals from being "out" while enlisted in the military. The repeal was celebrated by many, and helped begin to solidify Obama's standing as the first president who truly was as an ally of the LGBT community.On Friday, Obama made another leap towards LGBT equality by nominating a gay man—Eric Fanning—to lead the Army, the Washington Post reports. If Fanning, who has worked as a defense and national security specialist for more than 25 years, is approved by the Senate for this position, he will be the first openly gay civilian secretary of one of the military services."Eric brings many years of proven experience and exceptional leadership to this new role," Obama said in a statement. "I look forward to working with Eric to keep our Army the best in the world."Follow Michael Cuby on Twitter.