Equality California Congratulates Pete Buttigieg on Confirmation as Secretary of Transportation

"The confirmation of Pete Buttigieg signals to millions of LGBTQ+ kids across our country that anything is possible..."

LOS ANGELES - February 2, 2021 - Today, the U.S. Senate confirmed Pete Buttigieg as Secretary of Transportation by a vote of 86-13. Secretary Buttigieg became the first openly LGBTQ+ person to be confirmed by the Senate to a cabinet level position. Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization, had previously endorsed his candidacy for president in the 2020 primary election before becoming the first LGBTQ+ organization to endorse then Vice President Joe Biden in the general. Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, released the following statement from Executive Director Rick Chavez Zbur:

"Today is an historic day for our LGBTQ+ community and our nation. The confirmation of Pete Buttigieg signals to millions of LGBTQ+ kids across our country that anything is possible and that LGBTQ+ people belong in every seat of power.

"I'll never forget watching Pete Buttigieg during his trailblazing run for the White House help 9-year-old Zachary find the courage to come out as gay. It's this kind of bravery and strength that Pete inspires in our entire country, but especially our LGBTQ+ young people.

"Equality California applauds President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for this historic nomination and their commitment to creating a diverse administration. We also thank California Senators Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla for their votes to confirm Secretary Buttigieg today.

"We're ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work with Secretary Buttigieg and the Biden-Harris Administration to build back an America that is better and more inclusive for everyone."

Equality California is the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization. We bring the voices of LGBTQ+ people and allies to institutions of power in California and across the United States, striving to create a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ+ people. We advance civil rights and social justice by inspiring, advocating and mobilizing through an inclusive movement that works tirelessly on behalf of those we serve. www.eqca.org