Contact: Carissa Villacorta
Executive Director
info@naffaa.org / 202-262-0772

For Immediate Release

Openly Gay Filipina American Appointed by President Joe Biden

28 April 2021 (WASHINGTON, DC) - The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) formally congratulates Gina Ortiz Jones on President Biden’s intent to nominate her to serve as Under Secretary of the Air Force. She is an Air Force veteran who served during the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” era when gay and lesbian individuals were at risk for being discharged if they came out. 

Jones would be the second openly gay Under Secretary of the Air Force and the first Filipino-American to hold the position. In the last two congressional elections, she was the Democratic nominee in West Texas’ 23rd District. She is the daughter of a Filipina immigrant, and she attended Boston University on an Air Force ROTC scholarship. From 2003 to 2006, she was an intelligence officer and rose to Captain while on active duty. Among other accomplishments, Jones worked as an intelligence analyst for the U.S. Africa Command in Germany and the Defence Intelligence Agency. 

Jones is a huge advocate for issues such as greater access to healthcare, veterans rights, background checks for gun legislation, minority rights, and LGBTQ+ rights. 

Upon U.S. Senate confirmation, she would be the highest ranking gay Filipina woman in government. NaFFAA is eagerly looking forward to seeing the impact she will leave on behalf of our community.