James "Wally" Brewster, released a video Nov. 26 introducing himself to the citizens of the Dominican Republic, the nation to which he is now U.S. Ambassador.
Brewster is the seventh openly gay ambassador, and the fifth appointed by President Obama. He and his longtime partner, Bob Satawake, were married in Washington, D.C., Nov. 22, shortly after Brewster was sworn into his envoy position by Vice President Joe Biden. Satawake is featured prominently in the video.
"My spouse Bob and I have travelled the world, from the far reaches of Asia to the stunning coastlines of Southern Europe," says Brewster in the video.
"But we always return to the beauty of the Dominican Republic," adds Satawake.
"Over the past 30 years, I've built retail communities in cities across the U.S. and Latin America," Brewster said. "I see many opportunities for the United States and Latin America to increase trade and economic opportunity, improve rule of law and increase academic and cultural exchanges."
Brewster also professes to his love of baseball, which is a popular sport in the Dominican Republic.
"My parents taught me that all people deserve respect, dignity, love and opportunity," adds Brewster. "They also instilled in me a belief in God, and the value of love and tolerance. Bob and I bring those beliefs with us as we come to the Dominican Republic."
Brewster's appointment initially stirred heated opposition from right wing religious elements in the Dominican Republic, but that nation's government did not oppose it.
Brewster was a key fundraiser for President Obama and sits on the Board of Human Rights Campaign.
Video at www.youtube.com/watch .