In a significant moment for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility, two prominent lesbian activists, Chantale Wong and Selisse Berry, recently met in Manila, Philippines, to discuss the advancement of LGBTQ+ rights in Asia and globally. This meeting marked an important conversation between two influential figures in the LGBTQ+ community, each bringing their own unique experiences and insights to the table.
Chantale Wong is notably recognized for her groundbreaking appointment as the first openly lesbian U.S. ambassador, specifically to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila. Her career spans various significant roles, including positions within the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Office of Management and Budget. Wong also has strong ties to San Francisco, having lived and worked there and continues to visit family there often.
Berry told the San Francisco Bay Times, “Ambassador Wong’s appointment is a landmark achievement, not only for her personal career but also for the representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in high-level international positions.”
Berry is the founder of Out & Equal Workplace Advocates, an organization dedicated to achieving global LGBTQ+ workplace equality based in San Francisco. She is currently involved in LesbianGlobal, working on behalf of lesbian visibility and viability globally. Berry’s advocacy efforts have contributed significantly to the progress of LGBTQ+ rights, particularly in the context of professional and corporate environments in the U.S. and worldwide.
The meeting in Manila was a convergence of two trailblazing activists along with LGBTQ leaders at the Asian Development Bank and was a symbol of the increasing visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in various spheres, including politics, business, and international development. The discussions centered on the importance of LGBTQ+ representation in leadership roles, strategies for combating discrimination, and ways to support LGBTQ+ communities in Asia.
Berry shared, “One of the key outcomes of this meeting was the emphasis on the need for global solidarity and collaboration in advancing LGBTQ+ rights.”
She and Wong highlighted the importance of sharing knowledge, resources, and strategies across borders to support LGBTQ+ individuals facing discrimination and marginalization. They also discussed the role of international organizations, such as the Asian Development Bank, in promoting inclusivity and diversity within their operations.
The collaboration between Wong and Berry, with their combined expertise and passion for LGBTQ+ rights, sends a powerful message of hope and solidarity. It reminds us that, through unity and perseverance, significant strides can be made toward a more inclusive and equitable world for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Ambassador Chantale Wong
Earlier this year, Ambassador Chantale Wong welcomed Grammy Award-winning artist Allan Pineda Lindo (apl. de.ap) from the Black Eyed Peas to the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Filipino American rapper apl.de.ap visited ADB as a guest of Ambassador Wong. The Manila Standard reported that the rapper’s Foundation signed a memorandum of understanding with ADB to develop a skill development curriculum to train Filipino youth.
Selisse Berry
For 23 years, Selisse Berry, as founder and architect of Out & Equal Workplace Advocates, worked to engage global business leaders on issues of LGBTQ+ workplace nondiscrimination. Her leadership and advocacy has touched tens of thousands of lives, and she continues her activism today by working globally with LGBTQ+ people and allies. Listen to “In Conversation with Selisse Berry”: https://outandequal.org/in-conversation-with-selisse-berry/
Published on March 21, 2024
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