James Hormel, who became the first openly gay U.S. ambassador in 1999 following a contentious confirmation battle, died Aug. 13 at a San Francisco Hospital. Hormel served as ambassador from June 1999 to December 2000. “Jim Hormel made history as the first openly gay U.S. As the first openly gay Ambassador, he had the courage to be a pioneer and had the patriotism to accept the challenge. It is fitting that Jim’s name is etched in history as the first openly gay U.S.

Source: MetroXpress August 16, 2021 15:00 UTC