Image - Wally Brewster and Bob Satawake
Past Event

Breaking Protocol With Diplomats Bob Satawake and James "Wally" Brewster

In 2013, Bob Satawake accompanied his husband, Ambassador James "Wally" Brewster, to the Dominican Republic for what would be a historic and controversial tour of duty representing the United States in the island nation. As the first gay diplomatic spouse in the Western Hemisphere, Satawake received little if any guidance from the U.S. State Department on navigating his new role. As a result, he had little choice but to break the sometimes rigid protocols of diplomatic life.

Come hear Satawake and Brewster talk about their experience making a new path as openly gay diplomats in a conservative and religious country, overcoming obstacles with kindness and sensitivity.

Notes

Photo courtesy Bob Satawake

October 31, 2019

The Commonwealth Club
110 The Embarcadero
Toni Rembe Rock Auditorium
San Francisco, 94105
United States

Speakers
Image - Bob Satawake

Bob Satawake

Author, Breaking Protocol: Forging a Path Beyond Diplomacy; Senior Advisor to the Ambassador, U.S. Embassy Santo Domingo; Twitter @bsatawake

Image - Wally Brewster

James "Wally" Brewster

Former U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic; CEO, Insignias Global; Twitter @wallybrewster

Image - Michelle Meow

Michelle Meow

Producer and Host, "The Michelle Meow Show" (Online and KBCW/KPIX TV)—Co-Host

Image - John Zipperer

John Zipperer

Host, Week to Week Political Roundtable; Vice President of Editorial & Media, The Commonwealth Club—Co-Host