Chantale Wong Makes History As First Out LGBTQ+ Person of Color Appointed to an Ambassador- Level Position

WASHINGTON - February 8, 2022 - The United States Senate confirmed President Biden's nominee Chantale Wong to serve as the United States Director to the Asian Development Bank. When she is sworn in, Wong will make history as the first out lesbian and first out LGBTQ+ person of color to serve in an ambassador-level position in U.S. history.

Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, released the following statement from National Policy Director Valerie Ploumpis:

"Chantale Wong's historic confirmation today is a momentous occasion for the LGBTQ+ community and for our country. It is also a testament to the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to increasing representation of diverse LGBTQ+ voices in our federal government. She joins over 200 out LGBTQ+ appointees serving in the most diverse Administration in history, and we are confident that she will serve with distinction, honesty and integrity. Her qualifications, experience and unique voice will highlight the importance of accepting and including LGBTQ+ people in halls of power here in the United States and around the world."

Wong was formerly CFO of the Millennium Challenge Corporation, Budget Director at NASA and Acting Budget Director of the U.S. Treasury Department. She was also a U.S. representative to the Asian Development Bank. Wong is a UC Berkeley alumna and worked in San Francisco before joining the public sector. California's U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla strongly supported her appointment.

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