Jamie Citron’s role in the Office of Public Engagement at the White House is to give everyday Americans an opportunity to participate in policymaking. “We turn the White House into a mirror, reflecting the diversity that is our nation’s greatest strength,” Citron says.
Citron was instrumental in reimagining the White House Pride Reception, which welcomes hundreds of LGBTQ+ families to the South Lawn in June to celebrate the diversity of queer families — both of origin and chosen. When there’s a national tragedy, Citron’s department is the first to deal with the survivors. He views his position as a sacred duty, to advise President Biden in his role as “consoler in chief.”
Citron sees the LGBTQ+ community as critical to public service. “Our differences from the mainstream, and the challenges we overcome, give us a perspective that is our superpower,” Citron says. “And we use that superpower to make the world a better, more creative, more beautiful place for everyone.” @whitehouseope46
