US: Barack Obama appoints new LGBT Liaison
Barack Obama has appointed a Democratic activist to the role of LGBT Liaison within the White House.
Indian-American Aditi Hardikar – who helped run voter outreach and finance for Obama’s presidential campaign in 2012 – will take up a liaison role for LGBT, Asian-American, and Pacific Islander communities.
She replaces Gautam Raghavan, who left to take up a position at the Gill Foundation, which funds equal rights work for LGBT people.
David Stacy of Human Rights Campaign said: “[She] has already been a tremendous advocate for our community in her work with the Democratic National Committee.
“We are thrilled she will be joining the White House team and look forward to working with her on important issues in our ongoing fight for full equality.”
Mr Raghavan told the Washington Blade: “Aditi has served President Obama for many years – including on his 2012 campaign and at the DNC – with distinction, integrity, and grace.
“She will bring fresh energy and perspective to the position and its portfolio.
“I also think it’s worth noting that she will be the first woman of colour to serve as the White House LGBT Liaison – reflecting the talent and diversity of the LGBT movement as well as this President’s Administration.”
