Chantale Wong: US Senate confirms first lesbian to rank of Ambassador

Ambassador Cchantale Wong will lead the Asian Development Bank.

The first lesbian US ambassador was confirmed by the Senate eaerlier this week, Feb. 8.

As director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Chantale Wong will hold the rank of Ambassador. The Senate confirmed Wong to the position by a vote of 66-31.

Right after the Senate confirmed her, Wong posted on Facebook: “22 years ago, Pres. Clinton appointed me to the Board of the ADB as the Alternate Executive Director. I was young and impressionable and had so much to learn. Tonight the US Senate confirmed me to return to the ADB as Pres. Biden’s appointee. It is with great pride and humility I will serve once again at the ADB and knowing the challenges ahead will be great. I am ready!”

With the announcement of her appointment, the White House stated that Wong is “a leading authority in international development policy with over 30 years of experience in the multi-disciplinary field that includes finance, technology, and the environment.”

In Asian American and Pacific Islander community, Wong is known for establishing the Conference on APA Leadership, where she has guided young AAPIs for 32 years to seek careers in public service. She holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, and a Master’s in Environmental Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley.

Wong's appointment was hailed by leaders in the LGBTQ community.

Wong has been recognized throughout her career for transforming critical processes affecting the whole of government. She was appointed by President Obama to serve as Vice President for Administration and Finance and Chief Financial Officer at the Millennium Challenge Corporation where she led change in financial, human capital, and information technology management.

Wong was appointed by President Bill Clinton to the Board of Directors at the Asian Development Bank, representing the United States as the Alternate Executive Director, and overseeing policies and operations. She has held senior career appointments in the Office of Management and Budget, Treasury, NASA, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

“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,” said Victory Institute President and CEO Annise Parker.

“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.”

Human Rights Campaign (HRC) interim President Joni Madison congratulated Wong on her historic appointment.

“For too long, the ranks of ambassadors have failed to reflect the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community,” Madison said. “Ambassador Wong’s confirmation is one step closer to achieving a future where all members of the LGBTQ+ community can see themselves reflected at the highest levels of government.”

Ambassador Wong has successfully combined her scientific background with a strong commitment to public policy, noted Rep. Judy Chu, chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. 

"I’m proud to see such an excellent leader confirmed by the Senate and am grateful to President Biden for his ongoing commitment to selecting qualified candidates who reflect the true diversity of our country,” said Chu.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news and views from an AAPI perspective, follow me on Twitter @DioknoEd.