Story at a glance
- The Senate confirmed the first out LGBTQ+ person of color to serve an ambassador-level position on Tuesday.
- Chantale Wong was confirmed as the U.S. director of the Asian Development Bank by a Senate vote of 66-31.
- President Biden nominated Wong for the position in July.
The Senate confirmed the first openly LGBTQ+ person of color to serve in an ambassador-level position on Tuesday.
Chantale Wong was confirmed as the U.S. director of the Asian Development Bank by a Senate vote of 66-31.
Her confirmation was celebrated by LGBTQ+ advocates.
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“As the first out LGBTQ person of color confirmed to an ambassador-level position, Ambassador Wong is also a symbol of hope and strength for LGBTQ leaders and community members fighting for LGBTQ rights across the globe,” Annise Parker, president and chief executive of the LGBTQ Victory Fund and LGBTQ Victory Institute, said in a statement.
“Millions of people still live in countries that criminalize LGBTQ people and deny them the right to marry, including many members states of the Asian Development Bank. Her appointment is a powerful statement to those nations.”
Wong, who is Asian American, was previously the acting budget director for the Treasury Department, as well as the budget director for NASA.
President Biden nominated her for the position in July.
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