By: Sarah Toce/Editor-in-Chief/The Seattle Lesbian—
The White House has a new liaison to the LGBT community following the departure of Gautam Raghavan, and she’s already making history on her first day. Aditi Hardikar is the first woman of color to serve in the role.
In a statement released Monday Hardikar said: “I’m thrilled to introduce myself as the new LGBT Liaison in the White House Office of Public Engagement. I most recently worked at the Democratic National Committee as Director of the LGBT and AAPI Leadership Councils. I’m honored to continue to serve the Administration, President Obama, and the LGBT community.[pullquote]”… I also think it’s worth noting that she will be the first woman of color to serve as the White House LGBT Liaison — reflecting the talent and diversity of the LGBT movement as well as this President’s Administration.” —Gautam Raghavan[/pullquote]
Before working alongside the American people, Hardikar obtained her undergraduate degree in 2011 from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she was Communications Chair. She also earned her B.A. in Economics and Political Science, with a minor in Music.
Hardikar once listed Keeping Up with the Kardashians as her “guilty pleasure.” She also added that the “Theme Song to Her Life” was “‘Bad’ by Michael Jackson.”
Former Seattle Pride Grand Marshal Raghavan recently vacated the role Hardikar is now embarking upon.
Raghavan said Monday: “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 color to serve as the White House LGBT Liaison — reflecting the talent and diversity of the LGBT movement as well as this President’s Administration.”
Raghavan is now the vice president of policy at the Gill Foundation.
The Office of Public Engagement creates and coordinates opportunities for direct dialogue between the Obama Administration and the American public, while bringing new voices to the table and ensuring that everyone can participate and inform the work of the President. As part of making the Government accessible to its citizens, the Office of Public Engagement acts as a point of coordination for public speaking engagement for the Administration and the various departments of the Executive Offices of the President. The Office of Public Engagement removes obstacles and barriers for engagement and works to improve public awareness and involvement in the work of the Administration.
Learn more about the Obama Administration’s Record for the LGBT Community.
