Local Woman Chosen to Become First Openly Transgender President of LBGLCC

PRESS RELEASE

JANUARY 29, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LONG BEACH, CA — The Long Beach LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce (LBGLCC), an organization dedicated towards the inclusion and empowerment of LGBTQ+ business owners and their allies throughout Southern California, has just named Eleanor (Ellie) Dote, a 45 year old queer transgender woman, as the first openly trans president to lead the Long Beach affiliate chapter of the National LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC).

At a time when 118 anti-transgender bills have been introduced in 23 states this year alone, the appointment of a transgender leader within the community has never been more important.  The reality of this is not lost on Ellie, who utilizes her time as owner of the marketing agency EllieGirl as well as a Christian activist to bring awareness to LGBTQ+ issues, visibility to the queer and transgender community, and conversation to areas where LGBTQ+ people have historically been denied access.

Drawing on Mayor Rex Richardson’s 100 day plan for Long Beach, as well as from the city’s Blueprint for Economic Development, Ellie hopes that the relationship between the chamber and community leaders within Long Beach and the surrounding areas can help to combat the fear-driven politics and misinformation that harms marginalized communities as we work together to lift up the communities that play such a vital role in our economy. 

“This is the role I foresee the LBGLCC taking,” says Ellie.  “Building upon our 30 year history in Long Beach and the national connections we have through the NGLCC, I dream of seeing our organization becoming a catalyst for economic growth and a beacon of hope for marginalized communities in the world along with some of the amazing organizations that are doing some important work in our communities.”

Ellie and the rest of the newly elected Board of Directors will be formally installed at an upcoming event currently being planned for February 22, with details to be announced shortly on lbglcc.org.

Media inquiries may be directed to Ellie Dote, LBGLCC President, at (562) 248-6107 or president@lbglcc.org. 

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