Font Cover
The National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA)
Thriving Together: Queer APIs Building Community, Solidarity, & Movement
A National Conference of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Asian Americans, South
Asians, Southeast Asians, and Pacific Islanders to network, organize, agitate, educate, and build capacity
of the nation’s LGBTQ AAPI community.
August 6 - 9, 2015
Chicago, IL
Hosted by Invisible to Invincible: Asian Pacific Islander Pride of Chicago (i2i)and Trikone Chicago
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Inside Front Cover
Thank You!
Conference Sponsors
Diamond
Alphawood Foundation
Gold
Ford Foundation
Jade
The Lloyd A. Fry Foundation
Toyota Financial Services
Lotus
Discover Card
HealthLink at CenterLink
TransJustice Funding Project
Jasmine
Advocates for Youth
Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
Ignatius Bau
Lambda Legal
Liberty Hill Foundation
National LGBTQ Task Force
RockIt Ranch Productions
Supporters
A&PI Wellness Center
Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (national)
Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy Chicago Chapter
George Cheung
Ken Ohashi
Our Tomorrow
PepsiCo
Seattle Pride Foundation
NQAPIA Supporters
Anonymous
Arcus Foundation
David Bohnett Foundation
Four Freedoms Fund/ Public Interest Projects
Walter and Evelyn Haas, Jr. Fund
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Conference Planning Committee
Christina Adams
E Armea
Sungsub Billy Choo
Elise Griffin
Ramona Gupta
I Li Hsiao
Sam Hsieh
Ajay Jain
Sravan Kannan
Randy Kim
Anurag Lahiri
Kevin Lam
Glenn Magpantay
Arnab Majumdar
Joy Messinger
Jay Nair
Kim Nguyen
Zhen Ou
Jae Jin Pak
Vi Ray-Mazumder
Sal Salam
Melisa Stephen
Lakshmi Sundaresan
Ron Sy
Kristina Tendilla
Jennie Thai
Liz Thomson
Ro Truong
JJ Ueunten
Ryan Viloria
Dan Whittaker
JJ Williams
Lyk Le Yoeun
Graphic Designer: TransTechSocial
Photographer: Corky Lee and ADD NAME
The National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA) is a federation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and
transgender (LGBTQ) Asian American, South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Pacific Islander (AAPI)
organizations. We seek to build the organizational capacity of local LGBTQ AAPI groups, develop
leadership, promote visibility, educate our community, enhance grassroots organizing, expand
collaborations, and challenge homophobia, transphobia, and racism.
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Welcome Letter
INSERT ORG LOGOS for i2i and Trikone
August 6-9, 2015
Welcome!
It’s a pleasure to have you all join us in Chicago for the National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance
(NQAPIA) National Conference. We’re in an especially great mood, collectively.
As co-hosts of this year’s conference, we have had the pleasure of organizing a packed program that
celebrates, supports, and affirms many different aspects of the LGBTQ APIA experience. The NQAPIA
National Conference provides a forum to highlight the intersecting identities within our growing
communities, a mission each of our organizations constantly strives to uphold.
Created in 2005, Invisible to Invincible: Asian Pacific Islander Pride of Chicago (i2i) serves as a vital group
dedicated to celebrating and affirming Asian and Pacific Islander Americans who identify as LGBTQ in the
Chicagoland area. Strongly advocating for a variety of different social justice issues, i2i has also created a
unique space for adoptees and multiracial/multiethnic individuals.
In 2008, Trikone Chicago began as a South Asian LGBTQ organization that continues to support the
friends, family, and allies of its members. Trikone has made special contributions in the performing arts,
as many of its founding members use artistic performance as a form of cultural commentary and
critique. Together, i2i and Trikone Chicago are engaging in conversations and actions centered on
inclusivity and positive change.
Our communities have already experienced many challenges this year, both in the U.S. and abroad.
Earthquakes in Nepal claimed the lives of an estimated 8,583 individuals and affected thousands more.
We have continued to witness acts of state violence against Black Americans, and our communities have
marched in solidarity as part of #Asians4BlackLives. Here in Chicago, the future of many programs
providing direct services to Asian and Pacific Islander communities is unclear, as a result of the recent
state gubernatorial budget cuts. Through these difficulties, we continue to support one another, resist
and speak out against injustice, and demonstrate solidarity within and outside of our communities.
We hope to press a progressive agenda that will bring all LGBTQ racial and ethnic minority groups into
the full fold of society, the LGBTQ movement, and the API community.
We are honored to share this experience with you all and extend a special thank you to all of the
volunteers, presenters, sponsors, and coordinating committee members in making this event a reality.
We look forward to sharing a great conference with all of you.
Sincerely,
i2i and Trikone Chicago
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About the Hosts
INSERT ORG LOGOS
About NQAPIA
The National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA) is a federation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and
transgender (LGBTQ) Asian American, South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Pacific Islander (AAPI)
organizations. We seek to build the organizational capacity of local LGBTQ AAPI groups, develop
leadership, promote visibility, educate our community, enhance grassroots organizing, expand
collaborations, and challenge homophobia, transphobia, and racism.
INSERT ORG LOGOS
About i2i
Invisible to Invincible: Asian Pacific Islander Pride of Chicago (i2i) is a community-based organization that
celebrates and affirms Asians & Pacific Islanders who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender,
Questioning, and Queer in the Chicago area. i2i is a member organization of the National Queer Asian
Pacific Islander Alliance.
i2i was founded in 2005 as a multi-gender, multi-ethnic group where people of all sexual orientations
and gender identities would be welcome. We strive to be a safe and inclusive space for adoptees and
multiracial/multiethnic individuals.
INSERT ORG LOGOS
About Trikone Chicago
Trikone Chicago is an organization for queer South Asians and their family, friends, allies, and
community. The broadly defined term "queer" is inclusive of (but not limited to) those individuals who
identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual, transgender, queer, hijra, kothi, meti, MSM, WSW, and
questioning. By "South Asian" we refer to those who trace their ethnic and cultural heritage to the areas
currently known as Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, and the Maldives.
Trikone Chicago strives to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment, where LGBTQ South
Asians can meet, make connections and proudly promote awareness and acceptance of their sexuality in
society. Trikone Chicago works towards the following goals: bring people of South Asian heritage
together; promote awareness, visibility and cultural and legal acceptance of people with alternative
sexual orientations and gender identities; help people proudly affirm both their South Asian identity and
their sexual orientation.
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Conference Schedule at a Glance
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. – Pre-Conference Strategy Meetings
● Queer South Asian National Network (QSANN)
● Southeast Asian Freedom Network (SEAFN)
● Parents of LGBTQ AAPIs
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. – Pre-Conference Strategy Meetings
● Network for Religion and Justice (NRJ)
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – Welcoming Reception
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – Breakfast Plenary – Racial Justice
10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Session 1: Workshops
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Lunch on your own
1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Session 2: Workshops
2:50 p.m. to 4:05 p.m. – Session 3: Workshops
4:25 p.m. to 5:40 p.m. – Session 4: Caucuses
7:00 p.m. to 12 a.m. - Community Catalyst Awards Banquet Dinner Dance
Off-site at Cai Restaurant in Chinatown, 2100 South Archer Avenue, Chicago, IL
SATURDAY, AUGUST 8
9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – Breakfast Plenary – Trans Justice
10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Session 5: Workshops
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Lunch on your own
1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Session 6: Workshops
2:50 p.m. to 4:05 p.m. – Session 7: Workshops
4:25 p.m. to 5:40 p.m. – Session 8: Caucuses
6:00 p.m. – Dinner on your own / NQAPIA Coalition Membership Meeting
8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. – Arts and Cultural Community Performance
Off-site at UIC Latino Cultural Center, 803 South Morgan Street, Chicago, IL
SUNDAY, AUGUST 9
9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. – Session 9: Workshops and Caucuses
10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Brunch Plenary - Building a Queer Asian Movement
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Session 10: Regional Caucuses
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. – Closing Plenary: Report Backs, Next Steps, Evaluation, Thank Yous
Registration open all day Thursday, Friday, and Saturday morning
Exhibitors all day Friday, Saturday, and Sunday morning
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Special Conference Statements
Caucuses
NQAPIA sees caucuses as a space where individuals can connect and build community with one another
around self-identified ethnic, regional, and affinity based identities, experiences, and issues. An open
call for caucus proposals went out, along with a call for session and performer proposals, through the
planning process of this conference. The caucuses listed in the program reflect the proposals that came
in, as well as those that were well attended in the previous conference. We acknowledge that in many
cases, identities and experiences cannot be categorized or grouped together with all of their
complexities. With that, we also recognize the extremely limited coverage that these listed caucuses
have. We invite all participants to utilize the communications board, located at the conference site, as a
space to call for caucuses they would like to be a part of that have not been represented.
Language
In order to maintain this open and welcoming environment, we encourage “safer space” rules: no racist,
sexist, ableist, ageist, homophobic, or other anti-group language is allowed at the NQAPIA conference.
The comfort and safety of attendees and presenters comes first and foremost.
Disability Justice
We affirm that our approach to disability is informed by the social model and minority model. This
means that we see the environment and social structures as the barriers to people with disabilities.
Thus, it is the responsibility for the environment/social to change, not the person with the disability.
Additionally, we see people with disabilities as a minority group. When we use the term disability; this
encompasses those with physical, mental, learning, and cognitive disabilities. Lastly, we all have multiple
and intersecting identities and having a disability is one of those identities.
Some ways to be inclusive of those with disabilities:
● For presenters, use the accessible and Universal Design presentation guidelines we have
offered;
● For conference participants, please acknowledge your privilege;
● Use "people first" language (“people with disabilities” or “person with a disability”) ;
● Know the word “disability” is not a bad or negative word; it is preferred to be used versus
“ability;”
● Understand there is a disability identity, disability community, and disability culture;
● Understand some people who are d/Deaf do not identify as having a disability;
● Do not make assumptions; often, people have “invisible” disabilities;
● Is larger plenary rooms, a scent-free space will be designated; and
● Support people’s own self-care as they participate in the conference.
If you have any issues, complaints, or concerns around disability and/or accommodations, please
contact any NQAPIA staff member or Planning Committee Member.
Transgender/Gender Non-Conforming Etiquette and Inclusion
Adapted from the National LGBTQ Task Force Creating Change Conference
To ensure that transgender and gender non-conforming (transgender, transsexual, gender nonconforming, genderqueer and more) members of our community and movement feel included by all
who attend this conference, and to work against harmful systems that validate non-trans bodies over
trans bodies, please read and act upon the following:
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Pay attention to a person’s purposeful gender expression but remember that your interpretation of that
person’s external appearance may not match their gender identity. You cannot know the gender or sex
of someone by their physical body, voice, or mannerisms. We consider it polite to ask, “What pronoun
do you prefer?” before using pronouns or gendered words for anyone. When you are unsure of a
person’s gender identity and you don’t have an opportunity to ask someone what words they prefer, try
using that person’s name or gender-neutral phrases like “the person in the red shirt,” instead of “that
woman or man.” If you have met a person before, and their gender expression is now different, be open
to the fact that they may now be identifying as a different gender and feel good about asking for their
preferred gender pronouns.
One way of acknowledging transgender people’s needs is to designate restrooms gender neutral, which
we have done here at this NQAPIA conference with educational signs. In bathrooms, many transgender
people face harassment that can lead to anything from deep discomfort to arrest or death. Regardless of
what bathroom you are in, please let everyone pee in peace. Each of us can decide for ourselves in
which bathroom we belong.
Please listen to transgender people’s needs and stories when they are volunteered, yet please respect
people’s privacy and boundaries. Do not ask questions that you wouldn’t ask of anyone else. Do not
make assumptions about other people’s gender identity or expression. Do respect and call people what
they ask you to call them.
If you make a mistake about someone’s pronouns, simply make a correction, and move on. Do not
justify the misstep, over-apologize, or beat yourself up.
For non-trans conference participants, please educate yourself through books, web sites, and
transgender-related workshops. Then, please join the many allies who are working to respond
appropriately to transphobic situations. Respectful allies, who learn from and with transgender people
and then educate others, are important for successful transgender liberation.
Thank you for your help, and have a great conference!
Quiet Space / Decompression Room - Room 15 in the Student Residence/ Commons
We know that that’s a lot going on and conferences can be intense. For anyone who needs some quite
time, please go to Room 15 in the Student Residence/ Commons. For everyone else, please respect this
special space.
Child Care Room - Rathskellar in the Student Residence/ Commons
NQAPIA strives to make the conference as accessible to everyone as much as possible, including parents
who children. Free child care services are provided during the day on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Child care and children's play space will be in the Rathskellar in the Student Residence/ Commons.
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EXHIBITORS
Please visit our exhibitors all day Friday, Saturday, and Sunday morning
U.S. Census Bureau
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service
U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
National LGBTQ Task Force
Dari Project
Chamchi Chamcha Design
Asian Pride Project
Moving Truth(s): Queer and Transgender Desi Writings on Family
Financial Literacy for Youth (FLY)
DeQH, the Desi lgbtQ Helpline
And others
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Welcoming Reception
Thursday, August 6 at 6:30 p.m.
SCE East Terrace
Opening Oli by Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, a Kanaka maoli teacher and cultural practitioner
Emcee Kit Yan
Greetings by Bex Ahuja, NQAPIA Board Chair; Joy Messinger, i2i; and Jay Nair, Trikone Chicago
Special Video Presentation: NQAPIA conference 2009
Welcoming Remarks by Geneva Musgrave, Lambda Legal
Comedy by Fawzia Mirza, actor, comedian, playwright, from NBC’s Chicago Fire
Closing and Weekend Review of logistics by Ryan Viloria, NQAPIA Conference Coordinator
Reception generously sponsored by Lambda Legal
INSERT PHOTO OF HINA WONG-KALU
INSERT PHOTO OF KIT YAN
INSERT PHOTO OF FAWZIA MIRZA
INSERT PHOTO OF RYAN VILORIA
INSERT LOGO OF LAMBDA “EVENT SPONSOR”
Place at bottom of page
Afterwards, continue the partying at the Kit Kat Club, 3700 North Halsted St, Chicago. Discounted food
and drinks for all conference attendees. See ad.
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Breakfast Plenary
Friday, August 7 at 9:00 a.m.
Illinois A & B
Introductory Remarks
Glenn D. Magpantay, NQAPIA Executive Director
INSERT Headshot of Glenn
Racial Justice Panel
This plenary will explore the positionality of Asian Americans, South Asians, Southeast Asians, and Pacific
Islanders as people of color, uncover the truth and myth of being a model minority, address anti-Black
racism amongst AAPI communities, and discuss how we can all support #BlackLivesMatter.
Panelists:
Soya Jung, Model Minority Mutiny, Seattle, WA
Sasha W., NQAPIA Organizing Director, Founding Member, Queer South Asian National Network,
Madison, WI
Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Kanaka maoli teacher and cultural practitioner, Honolulu, HI
Joo-Hyun, Director Communities United for Police Reform, New York, NY
Moderator
Mathilda de Dios, The Free Write Jail Arts & Literacy Program, Chicago, IL
INSERT PHOTOS OF SPEAKERS – Soya, Sasha Hina, Joo-Hyun
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Evening Social Events – Off Site
Community Catalyst Awards Banquet Dinner and Dance
Friday, August 7 at 7:00 p.m.
Cai Restaurant in Chinatown
2100 South Archer Avenue, Chicago, IL 60616
Every year, NQAPIA honors groups and leaders who have improved the lives of LGBTQ AAPIs. Join us for
cocktails, a ten (10) course banquet dinner, and dancing afterwards. All proceeds benefit i2i, Trikone
Chicago, and NQAPIA.
Celebrity Emcee
Maulik Pancholy from NBC's 30 Rock
Awardees:
Marsha and Tad Aizumi, proud parents of a transgender son, Los Angeles, CA
Freedom Inc., working to end violence against people of color, Madison, WI
I Li Hsiao, longtime activist and trailblazer for LGBTQ & AAPI gender & sexual liberation, Chicago, IL
Liz Thomson, educator, organizer, and photographer at the intersections of race, gender, disability,
adoption, and sexuality, Chicago, IL
Special Remarks
Phillip Ozaki, Board Member, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, New York, NY
Music by
DJ Voxbox
INSERT PHOTOS OF Maulik Pancholy, Marsha & Tad Aizumi, I Li Hsiao, Liz Thomson.
INSERT Freedom Inc. LOGO
Arts and Cultural Community Performance
Saturday, August 8 at 8:00 p.m.
UIC Latino Cultural Center
803 South Morgan Street, Chicago, IL
Join us for an evening of laughter, music, cultural dance, spoken word, and song to celebrate our
cultures and to recharge.
Performers to be announced.
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Breakfast Plenary
Saturday, August 8 at 9:00 a.m.
Illinois A & B
Video Presentation of AAPI Parents Who Love their LGBTQ Kids
Elena Chang, Co-Director, Asian Pride Project, New York, NY
INSERT FOUR (4) IMAGES of Asian Pride Project Postcards
Trans Justice Panel
This plenary will explore the intersections of racial and trans justice; survey trans advocacy and
substantive rights and policy issues; address violence against trans people; promote family and
community acceptance; and celebrate the accomplishments of trans people.
Panelists
Maya Jafer, a South Asian immigrant, doctor, actor, dancer, Los Angeles, CA
Andy Marra, Arcus Foundation Communications Coordinator, Queens, NY
Willy Wilkinson, Author of Born on the Edge of Race and Gender, Oakland, CA
Eli Chi, Chinese-Cuban American born, queer and trans organizer, St. Louis, MO
Moderator
Sam Hsieh, Core Member, Invisible to Invincible: Asian Pacific Islander Pride of Chicago, IL
INSERT PHOTOS OF Maya Jafer, Andy Marra, Willy Wilkinson, Eli Chi
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Brunch Plenary
Sunday, August 9 at 10:30 a.m.
Inner Circle
Building a Queer AAPI Movement
Let’s discuss the work for our LGBTQ AAPI movement. NQAPIA will report back from our membership
meeting and present our program priorities, including campaigns around immigrant rights, racial justice,
and more. We’ll think about how to bring the conference home, review next steps, and hear report
backs. Join us to continue building a stronger LGBTQ AAPI movement!
Facilitators:
Sasha W., Organizing Director, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, Madison, WI
TDB, NQAPIA Board Member
Thank You’s from Sal Salem, Trikone Chicago and JJ Ueunten, i2i.
INSERT Photo of Sasha
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. – Pre-Conference Strategy Meetings
Queer South Asian National Network (QSANN)
This session is a one day working pre-conference to allow for the Queer South Asian National Network
(QSANN) to network, organize, and plan for the upcoming year.
Presenters
Sasha W., Queer South Asian National Network and Organizing Director, National Queer Asian Pacific
Islander Alliance, Madison, WI
Mala Nagarajan, Queer South Asian National Network, Washington, DC
Radha Modi, Queer South Asian National Network, New York, NY
Anurag Lahiri, Queer South Asian National Network, Chicago, IL
V Chaudhry, Queer South Asian National Network, Chicago, IL
Monica Elise Davis, Queer South Asian National Network, San Francisco, CA
SCE Cardinal
Southeast Asian Freedom Network (SEAFN)
This session is a one day working pre-conference meeting to allow for members of the Southeast Asian
Freedom Network (SEAFN) to network, organize, and plan for the upcoming year.
Presenters
Sarath Suong, Executive Director, Providence Youth Student Movement, Providence, RI
SCE Fort Dearborn
AAPI Parents of LGBTQs
This session will be a convening of parents who can describe what work is being done by them and
others in their cities. It will be a day where parents can discuss beneficial tools and resources to help
parents of LGBTQ individuals become more accepting of their children. The ideas that parents feel will
be of greatest need will be submitted to NQAPIA, as potential collaborations between parents and
NQAPIA.
Presenters
Marsha Aizumi, National Board of Directors, PFLAG, Pasadena, CA
Laurin Mayeno, Founder, Out Proud Families, Berkeley, CA
Clara Yoon, API Project Founder, PFLAG, New York, NY
Generously sponsored by Toyota Financial Services
SCE Illinois C
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. – Pre-Conference Strategy Meetings
API Queer Christians and Allies
This special convening aims to gather API LGBTQ folks (and allies) to connect and share our stories
related to our backgrounds, experiences, and choices pertaining to our connections to the Christian
faith. This is a place to experience support, redemption, and empowerment. We will spend time hearing
our stories and reframing our experiences to nourish our current journey and to mobilize possibilities for
change in our families, churches, and faith communities. The focus of this time will be experiences in the
Christian (evangelical, Protestant, Pentecostal, Catholic, parachurch, etc.) context.
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Presenters
Jess Delegencia, Asian & Pacific Islander Roundtable Coordinator, Network for Religion and Justice &
Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies, Berkeley, CA
Susannah Hong, Talking Circles Coordinator & Trainer, Network on Religion and Justice for API LGBTQ
People, San Francisco, CA
Rev. Jeanelle Nicolas Ablola, Pastor, Pine United Methodist Church, San Francisco, CA
SCE White Oak A & B
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. - Welcome Reception
Opening Oli by Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, a Kanaka maoli teacher and cultural practitioner
Emcee Kit Yan
Greetings by Bex Ahuja, NQAPIA Board Chair; Joy Messinger, i2i; and Jay Nair, Trikone Chicago
Special Video Presentation: NQAPIA conference 2009
Welcoming Remarks by Geneva Musgrave, Lambda Legal
Comedy by Fawzia Mirza, actor, comedian, playwright, from NBC’s Chicago Fire
Closing and Weekend Review of logistics by Ryan Viloria, NQAPIA Conference Coordinator
Reception generously sponsored by Lambda Legal
SCE East Terrace
Afterwards, continue the partying at the Kit Kat Club, 3700 North Halsted St, Chicago. Discounted food
and drinks for all conference attendees. See ad.
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FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
8:30 a.m. – Breakfast served
9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. - Opening Breakfast Plenary - SCE Illinois A & B
Introductory Remarks by
Glenn D. Magpantay, Executive Director, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance
Racial Justice Panel
This panel seeks to explore the positionality of AAPIs as people of color, uncover the truth and myth of
being a model minority, address anti-Black racism amongst AAPIs communities, and discuss how we can
all support #BlackLivesMatter.
Presenters
Soya Jung, Model Minority Mutiny, Seattle, WA
Sasha W., Organizing Director, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, Madison, WI
Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Honolulu, HI
Joo-Hyun, Director, Communities United for Police Reform, New York, NY
Moderated by Mathilda de Dios, The Free Write Jail Arts & Literacy Program, Chicago, IL
10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Session 1: Workshops
How Can We Support #BlackLivesMatter
This session aims to engage LGBTQ Asian and Pacific Islander activists and organizers in a process to
unpack and lay out a framework to begin to undo the anti-Black racism that often pervades our
communities. We will examine the historical and current allegiances between our communities and
Black communities while investigating our own biases. These exercises will serve as the basis for moving
towards actionable solidarity.
Presenters
Dennis Chin, Membership Chair, Gay Asian Pacific Islander Men of New York, New York, NY
Sasha W., Organizing Director, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, Founding Member, Queer
South Asian National Network, Madison, WI
V Chaudhry, Member, Queer South Asian National Network, Chicago, IL
Andrew Phan, 3PL+, Brooklyn, NY
SCE Illinois A
Staking Our Claim: How We Can Take Advantage of Executive Action on Immigration
President Obama’s executive actions on immigration will help up to 5 million undocumented immigrants
gain legal status, many of whom are LGBTQ and/or AAPI. With at least 1.5 million AAPI individuals in the
United States who stand to benefit (nearly one-third of whom are South Asian), we must mobilize our
communities nationwide to enroll in these programs. Come find out how to engage outreach efforts
that include in-language materials, discuss how to establish trust in an immigration system that has not
always supported or protected members of our community based on national origin and sexual
orientation, and explore how we do this work with an intersectional analysis and strategy.
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Presenters
Lakshmi Sridaran, Director of National Policy and Advocacy, South Asian Americans Leading Together,
Takoma Park, MD
Suman Raghunathan, Executive Director, South Asian Americans Leading Together, Takoma Park, MD
Justin Ruaysamran, Vice President, Prudential Financial, Newark, NJ
SCE Illinois B
A Part, Yet Apart: LGBTQ South Asians
South Asians are the second largest Asian American group in most parts of the country. They are a part
of, yet still apart from the larger LGBTQ and AAPI communities. Desis live at the intersections of
nationality and ethnicity (Indians, Bangladeshis, Pakistanis, Sri Lankans, Indo-Caribbeans, etc.),
immigration status, religious identity (Christian, Hindu, Muslim), and income. Though the events after
9/11 created a broad sense of political awareness, most South Asian progressive organizing reached
much further back then. In this workshop, representatives from South Asian queer organizations will talk
about past and ongoing organizing campaigns, share challenges, and reflect on the most pressing issues
facing queer South Asians today.
Presenters:
Almas Haider, Member, Khush-DC and Board Member, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance,
Washington, DC
Radha Modi, Steering Committee, SALGA-NYC, Philadelphia, PA
Monica Elise Davis, Chairperson, Trikone, San Francisco, CA
Anurag Lahiri, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Member of Trikone Chicago, Chicago, IL
SCE Illinois C
The Personal, Political, Parties, and Peers: Resource Exchange on LGBTQ AAPI Organizational
Development
Leaders of LGBTQ AAPI organizations will share resources and showcase how they build community
through social, educational, peer-support, and political activities. Learn how they negotiate among these
sometimes competing missions. See how parties and potlucks fit into a political agenda. Explore how
they struggle with being inclusive of all LGBTQ AAPIs, how they retain members and build new leaders.
In an effort to network between groups, this workshop will explore the challenges that LGBTQ AAPI
groups face, share strategies for how groups merge social and political activities, illustrate how primarily
East Asian groups have successfully worked with South Asian groups and women with men’s groups, and
explore the balance between being both queer and AAPI.
Presenters
Ryan Shen, Co-Chair, Gay Asian Pacific Islander Men of New York, New York, NY
Binh Le, Steering Committee Member, Queer Asian Pacific Alliance, Boston, MA
Aleksa Manila, Founder, Pride ASIA, Seattle, WA
Sal Salam, Trikone Chicago, Chicago, IL
Manuel Falcon Padua, Emeritus Director of Advocacy, Barangay LA, Los Angeles, CA
SCE Fort Dearborn
How to Get that Foundation Grant: Grant Writing Basics
Come learn how to write and pitch a competitive grant proposal. Using the Office of Minority Health
Resource Center’s Vision, Design, Capacity (VDC) method to grant writing you can get more support for
your work. Learn how to develop a fundable vision and project that you want to do, along with a
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compelling statement of need. Learn how to best present your capacity to achieve that project, and
measure metrics for the evaluation. A funder will also be on hand to give reactions and their
perspectives on what makes a successful grant proposal.
Presenters
Henry Ocampo, MPH, Senior Program Analyst, Office of Minority Health Resource Center, Newark, CA
Agnes Meneses, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Chicago Foundation for Women, Chicago, IL
SCE Cardinal
Funding our Collective Liberation
Do you feel like running the other way when someone brings up “fundraising?” Do you feel more
comfortable giving than asking? In this workshop, we will explore grassroots fundraising as an organizing
strategy and gain tools to increase our comfort with asking for money. We will deepen our
understanding of resource mobilization for social justice movements with questions such as, “What are
the resources and relationships needed to create and sustain the change we seek within our
communities?”
Presenters
Crystal Middlestadt, Resource Development Director, Grassroots Institute for Fundraising Training,
Denver, CO
Tower 713
Getting Covered by the Media
Did you ever wonder how to get your work covered by the media? The best stories, activists, and events
don’t always get picked up; there’s a science and a strategy behind how the media works. In order to
achieve media interest in their work, activists must now employ an integrated communications
campaign strategy that combines your own website and social media channels with “earned media” like
print, digital and broadcast media coverage. Come to this workshop to learn from experts on drafting
media releases; pitching stories and projects; developing relationships with news reporters, bloggers,
and journalists; framing our issues; writing quotable quotes; and learn about spins, hooks, and graphs.
Presenters will also review the difference in working with hard news, magazines, television, radio, blogs,
and social media.
Presenters
Margaret Holt, Standards Editor, Chicago Tribune, IL
Alan Klein, co-founder, Public Impact Media Consultants, New York, NY
SCE Monarch
Bi Caucus
This is a closed, safe space for Bisexual, Omnisexual, Polysexual and Pansexual people and/or their
partners. This is a space for us to talk about being visible and active in our community spaces and
encouraging bi inclusivity within NQAPIA space.
Facilitators
Apphia K, Board Member, SALGA-NYC, New York, NY
Joy Messinger, Core Member, Invisible to Invincible: Asian Pacific Islander Pride of Chicago, Chicago, IL
SCE East Terrace
Making LGBTQ AAPI Organizations and Your Group Trans Inclusive
Many of our groups are great resources for lesbian and gay members but are still struggling to be truly
19
inclusive of trans* folks. Inappropriate questions get asked, trans* community members feel tokenized,
we plan parties without taking into consideration whether gender neutral bathrooms will be available,
etc. The urge to be an ally is there, but it takes some effort, and these efforts have to be prioritized by
the entire organization, not just by the lone trans* volunteer. This workshop is a rundown of steps taken
and pitfalls encountered when we were doing this work at SALGA-NYC, and a discussion of what it takes
to be not only an ally, but a true welcoming community for trans* leaders and community members.
Presenters
Mashuq Deen, SALGA-NYC, New York, NY
Aneesa Sen, SALGA-NYC, New York, NY
Tower 603
Working While LGBTQ
Millions of LGBTQ people go to work every day fearing they could lose their jobs because of who they
are. No current federal law adequately protects LGBTQ workers from employment discrimination.
During this workshop, participants will examine and share their experiences with LGBTQ workplace
issues; learn about federal, state, and local workplace protections; and explore ways they can advance
LGBTQ acceptance in their own communities.
Presenters
Edwin Tablada, EPA & Community Education Assistant, Lambda Legal, New York, NY
Geneva Musgrave, Diversity and Inclusion Program Educator, Lambda Legal, New York, NY
Tower 605
Peer Listening for Liberation
This interactive workshop will teach peer listening skills designed to help heal the hurts of oppression so
that we can prevent burnout, be more effective in changing the world, know that we are good, and have
the big lives we deserve.
Presenters
JeeYeun Lee, Invisible to Invincible: Asian Pacific Islander Pride of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Tower 610
Navigating Higher Education as Queer AAPIs
Join this informal conversation about what it means to navigate higher education as queer AAPI staff,
faculty, and administrators. What are some challenges to and strategies for thriving personally and
professionally? How do we link our experiences in higher education to broader activist movements
toward social justice? This session will begin with a brief panel discussion and then evolve into smallgroup discussions.
Presenters
Kevin Kumashiro, Dean of the School of Education, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
Karen Su, Project Director, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions
Initiative, Chicago, IL
Erin Kahunawaika ‘ala Wright, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI
Anna Guevarra, Director of Asian American Studies Program, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
Mark Martell, Director of Asian American Resource and Cultural Center, University of Illinois at Chicago,
Chicago, IL
Lester Manzano, Assistant Dean for Student Academic Affairs, Loyola University, Chicago, IL
Laura Fugikawa, Co-Founder, Chicago Queer Asian American Archives, Chicago, IL
20
Tower 611
Clueless Parents/Allies - What to Tell Them about Gender Identity?
This workshop engages transgender/gender non-conforming individuals to reflect upon their own
coming out process and share ideas for best practices with other supportive parents/allies. Due to
cultural and language barriers, AAPI parents often face the challenge of grasping the idea of
transgender, gender non-conforming, or genderqueer identity. Share your experiences to help PFLAG
and NQAPIA create a multilingual, introductory factsheet for API parents of transgender children.
Presenters
Clara Yoon, API Project Founder, PFLAG, New York, NY
Marsha Aizumi, National Board of Directors, PFLAG, Pasadena, CA
Tower 613
A New HIV Prevention Strategy with PrEP; But Where are Gay AAPI Men in the Conversation?
PrEP or Pre-exposure Prophylaxis for HIV, is currently the hottest and one of most controversial issues in
the gay community. Millions of dollars are being poured into the media and clinics all over the country
to promote the “wonder drug” PrEP. Yet, the AAPI community has not been fully included in the
national conversation. This workshop will seek to inform participants about PrEP and HIV prevention
through open dialogue about our bodies, sexual behaviors, and cultural expectations. We want to
engage more APIs in the new national movement in HIV prevention.
Presenters
Dr. Thai Lee, Physician, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA
Denmark Diaz, Health Promotions Specialist, Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center, San Francisco, CA
Jonathan Cheung, Co-Chair, Gay Asian Pacific Alliance, San Francisco, CA
SCE White Oak B
TPOC - A New Narrative
A healing workshop for transgender/gender non-conforming folks of color to do work around
internalized oppression, coping, and resilience. We will come together to discover and uncover our
individual narratives and compare them to the false narrative that has been sold to us about who we are
or should be. Then, we will dismantle the harmful elements of the false narrative, and build a new
narrative that celebrates our truth, while supporting one another in the ongoing development and
application of the self-care skills we need to thrive.
Presenters
Amanda Niven, Director, Trans* Leadership Project, Kalamazoo, MI
SCE White Oak A
AiJo
AiJo (meaning love in Japanese) is an experimental documentary film, directed by Jonas Ginsburg and
Dave Schmudde, that explores the meaning of love through footage from the urban streets of Japan to
Chicago, providing a thought-provoking platform for participants concerning the meaning of love and
sub-theme of suicide. This session aims to develop how we perceive love in our relationships with others
and ourselves through an interactive media experience.
Presenters
Jonas Ginsburg, Clinical Therapist, Asian Human Services, Chicago, IL
Tower 302
21
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Lunch on your own
1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Session 2: Workshops
What is at Stake for LGBTQ AAPIs in the 2016 Elections
In November 2016, it’s not just an open Presidency but the entire United States Congress is up for reelection. Everything is at stake from civil rights laws to environmental protections to policies on racial
profiling to immigration. The right-wing groups are sure to mobilize to turn out their base. In the past,
LGBTQ AAPI groups and individuals have conducted voter registration drives, voter education, poll site
interpretation, and election protection/poll monitoring. Presenters will survey the issues, explore ways
to be engage the elections, and review new findings on the Asian American electorate.
Presenters:
Glenn D. Magpantay, Executive Director, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, New York, NY
Kham Moua, Policy Associate, OCA National - APA Advocates, Board Member, National Queer Asian
Pacific Islander Alliance, Washington, DC
Christine Chen, Executive Director, Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote, Washington, DC
Victoria Kirby York, National Campaigns Director of Religious Exemptions and Welcoming Communities,
National LGBTQ Task Force
SCE Cardinal
Raising LGBTQ AAPI Voices: The Power of Storytelling
When we tell our stories, public opinion about our rights, dignity, and lives changes. Yet all too often,
the main LGBTQ voices have been predominantly white and male. LGBTQ Asians, South Asians,
Southeast Asians, Pacific Islanders, women, and gender-variant people, among others, have been
overlooked. Come learn about the cutting edge work being done to lift LGBTQ AAPI voices and how you
can do the same with your voice.
Presenters:
Sammie Ablaza Wills, Program Assistant, API Equality-Northern California, Bay Area, CA
Elena Chang and Leslie Kuo, Co-Directors, Asian Pride Project, New York, NY
Janani Balasubramanian, artist/activist, and Communications Coordinator, National Queer Asian Pacific
Islander Alliance, New York, NY
Mia Nakano, Founder and Director, Visibility Project, Oakland, CA
SCE Illinois C
International Solidarity
In some countries in Asia and the Pacific, it can be dangerous to be LGBTQ. In other countries, laws and
cultural norms are more progressive and inclusive. Come learn about sexual orientation and genderidentity discrimination and protections around the world; appropriate strategies for domestic LGBTQ
activists to support efforts for liberation that respect local cultural traditions; and ways that activists
here can learn from LGBTQ activists abroad to inform our work here and back home.
Presenters
Urooj Arshad, Associate Director, International Youth Health and Rights at Advocates for Youth,
Washington, DC
Nick Sakurai, Director of Leadership Initiatives at the LGBTQ Equity Center, University of Maryland,
College Park, MD
22
Tower 605
From the Edges to the Center: Building Community Power
This workshop will help participants explore how to create an inclusive space for queer AAPI folks whose
identities also intersect with other marginalized identities—women, trans folks, working class folks,
people with disabilities, recent immigrants, etc. We will also talk about the importance of doing this
work in the context of building community power, solidarity, and collaboration across multiple issues.
Presenters
Nico Amador, Co-Director, Training for Change, Oakland, CA
Shreya Shah, Program Coordinator, Training for Change, Oakland, CA
NOTE: This is a 3-hour workshop covering two time slots. All participants are asked to stay for the entire
time.
SCE White Oak A
Being an Ally to the AAPI BOPP Community
This workshop is for AAPI communities that want to create a safe, inclusive space for their bisexual,
omnisexual, polysexual, and pansexual members. Get the basic tools to inclusive language and to create
safe spaces for the non-monosexual, bisexual, pansexual, omnisexual, and polysexual members of our
communities.
Presenters
Apphia K, Board Member, SALGA-NYC, New York, NY
Joy Messinger, Core Member, Invisible to Invincible: Asian Pacific Islander Pride of Chicago, , IL
SCE White Oak B
Rage Against the Dying of the Light: Aging from AAPI and LGBTQ Perspectives
What are the unique needs that AAPI and LGBTQ people face as they get older? Are programs, services,
policies, and laws meeting those needs? This discussion will identify some of the resources that are out
there for AAPI and LGBTQ elders and will allow participants to think about whether they are appropriate
for those of us who are both.
Presenters
Ben de Guzman, National Managing Coordinator, Diverse Elders Coalition, Washington, DC
Serena Worthington, Director of National Field Initiatives, Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders,
Chicago, IL
Kim Hunt, Executive Director, Affinity, Inc., Chicago, IL
SCE Monarch
Protected and Served?: Addressing Systemic Neglect and Misconduct by the Criminal Justice System
This workshop will review key LGBTQ AAPI findings from a national survey of LGBTQ/HIV community
experiences with police, prisons, courts and school. Presenters will examine policy recommendations
and strategies to address discrimination, violence, and misconduct and to make schools, police, courts,
and prisons more culturally competent and accountable to LGBTQ community members.
Presenters
Edwin Tablada, EPA & Community Education Assistant, Lambda Legal, New York, NY
Geneva Musgrave, Diversity and Inclusion Program Educator, Lambda Legal, New York, NY
SCE Illinois A
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For Such a Time as This: Empowering Our Stories as AAPI LGBTQ Christians
This workshop will create a safe/sacred space for AAPI LGBTQ Christians and allies and share resources
for API LGBTQ advocacy in faith-based organizations, churches, and families. Learn about change-making
frameworks such as transformative storytelling and graceful engagement, and watch exciting resources,
like the documentary “In God’s House: Asian American Lesbian and Gay Families in the Church,”
produced and in the works for API LGBTQ faith contexts.
Presenters
Jess Delegencia, Asian & Pacific Islander Roundtable Coordinator, Network for Religion and Justice &
Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies, Berkeley, CA
Susannah Hong, Talking Circles Coordinator & Trainer, Network on Religion and Justice for API LGBTQ
People, San Francisco, CA
Rev. Jeanelle Nicolas Ablola, Pastor, Pine United Methodist Church, San Francisco, CA
SCE Illinois B
Self-Healing Workshop
This guided workshop will provide attendees with techniques to reduce and relieve stress. In this
session, you will explore how these techniques contribute to your self-healing through stress relief,
anger-management, and trauma. This workshop is originally part of an extensive, 2-day seminar focusing
on healing from trauma.
Presenters
Karen Naimool, Board Member, SALGA-NYC, New York, NY
SCE Fort Dearborn
Trans and Gender Nonconforming Caucus
This caucus is a get-to-know-each-other space and an open discussion on ideas, concerns and projects
that people want to share.
Facilitator
Sam Hsieh, Core Member, Invisible to Invincible: Asian Pacific Islander Pride of Chicago, IL
SCE East Terrace
Building Movements for LGBTQ Economic Security
LGBTQ people of color face increased economic insecurity because of discrimination, lack of family
recognition, and unsafe schools. Central to improving the economic security for LGBTQ people of color is
linking work for LGBTQ equality & for racial and economic justice. This session will discuss what we know
about LGBTQ economic insecurity and allow advocates to discuss work on LGBTQ economic security,
including paid leave campaigns, minimal wage campaigns, and economic empowerment initiatives.
Presenters
Naomi Goldberg, Policy Specialist, Movement Advancement Project, Chicago, IL
Vi Ray-Mazumder, Youth Worker, Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago, IL
Joy Messinger, Core Member, Invisible to Invincible: Asian Pacific Islander Pride of Chicago, IL
Tower 603
The Foundations of Developing Leadership, Recruiting New Members, and Building Movement
through One-on-One Conversations
Movements flourish or die by the relationships that exist between their leaders. One-on-one
conversations are proven tools for organizers and activists to begin building deep relationships with
24
fellow movement builders in order to keep our work connected, sustained, and powerful. These
conversations are used to develop new leaders, so that the same 3 people aren’t always doing all the
work, or to recruit new members into your organization. In this session, participants will develop and
practice skills necessary to having effective one-on-one conversations.
Presenters
Nick Kor, Leadership Circle, Shades of Yellow, St. Paul, MN
Monna Wong, Executive Director, API Equality-Northern California, San Francisco, CA
NOTE: This is a 3-hour workshop covering two time slots. All participants are asked to stay for the entire
time.
Tower 610
Trans Legal Spotlight: ID & Immigration
This session provides an overview and key insights into two key issue areas affecting transgender people
in the US. Participants will leave with a solid foundation in legal issues affecting transgender and gender
non-conforming people in the areas of identity documents and immigration (including immigration
detention). The session will include both analysis of the problems as well as known remedies and
solutions.
Presenters
Anand Kalra, Health Program Manager, Transgender Law Center, San Francisco, CA
Ilona Turner, Legal Director, Transgender Law Center, CA
Tower 713
We are Family
This 3-hour session will be broken down into 3 segments. First, a parent panel will discuss some of the
feelings and processes that parents have or are going through to get to a place of acceptance and love.
The second segment will divide the room into facilitated discussion groups for parents, LGBTQ people,
and allies. The final segment will bring the whole group back together for Q&A, open discussion, and
optional sharing on action items participants can implement to create closer connections with their
families.
Presenters
Marsha Aizumi, National Board of Directors, PFLAG, Pasadena, CA
Clara Yoon, API Project Founder, PFLAG, New York, NY
Glenn Murakami, father of two gay sons, CA
Sita Benjamin, mother of a lesbian daughter, WI
NOTE: This is a 3-hour workshop covering two time slots. All participants are asked to stay for the entire
time.
Tower 613
Visibility Project Shoot
The Visibility Project is a national oral history and photography archive dedicated to Queer Asian
American Women and Trans community. The Visibility Project prioritizes elders, Pacific Islanders, South
Asians, and Southeast Asians. Register a spot in the schedule to share your story.
Presenters
Mia Nakano, Executive Director, Visibility Project, San Francisco, CA
NOTE: This is a 3-hour shoot covering two time slots.
Tower 611
25
Movie: Freedom Summer
This film looks back at the summer of 1964, when more than 700 student activists took segregated
Mississippi by storm, registering voters, creating freedom schools and establishing the Mississippi
Freedom Democratic Party. 113 mins
Presenter
???
NOTE: This is a 2 hour film screening covering two time slots.
Tower 302
2:50 p.m. to 4:05 p.m. – Session 3: Workshops
The State of the LGBTQ Movement: Where We’ve Been & Where We’re Going
This year over 100 anti-LGBTQ bills were introduced in state legislatures across the country; including
over-reaching Indiana-style religious exemption bills. This session will be an overview of what the
movement has been addressing in 2015 and what to look out for in the 2016 legislative calendar. We
will also discuss upcoming ballot initiatives and state and local proposed laws that will add sexual
orientation and gender identity/expression as a protected class, how the backlash from marriage
equality is impacting state and local laws, we’ll share the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center’s most up-todate ballot measure map for 2015 and 2016 detailing definite and potential regressive and progressive
ballot measures on issues that impact us all, and what you can specifically do to make a difference in
your communities and within your organizations.
Presenters
Victoria Kirby York, National Campaigns Director of Religious Exemptions and Welcoming Communities,
National LGBTQ Task Force
Malcolm Shanks, Organizer in the Academy for Leadership & Action, National LGBTQ Task Force
SCE Fort Dearborn
Perspectives: How Local and State Government can Address the Needs of LGBTQ AAPIs
This workshop will present innovative ideas from a city-/state-wide perspective of how municipal
governments can improve the quality of life of AAPI LGBTQ residents in their local areas. We will
showcase the AAPI LGBTQ Community Task Force of Washington DC where local AAPI LGBTQ groups are
able to connect with the local police, government officials, and LGBTQ organizations to share their
concerns so that proper fixes can be made. We are also working with partner organizations to make sure
that we run PSAs to support our LGBTQ community.
Presenters
David Do, Executive Director, Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs, Washington, DC
Kingston Kodan, President, KhushDC, Washington, DC
Lance Toma, Executive Director, Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center, San Francisco, CA
Marsha Aizumi, National Board of Directors, PFLAG, Pasadena, CA
SCE Cardinal
Do You Speak English? Organizing across Language to Educate AAPIs about Being LGBTQ
Four out of five (81%) of the nation’s Asian Americans speak a language other than English in their
homes. Yet, LGBTQ organizing is almost exclusively done in English. Very few LGBTQ publications in the
US are written in any Asian language. At the same time, right-wing groups have made inroads into
26
limited-English proficient AAPI communities attacking LGBTQs. Because such an enormous part of the
Asian American community does not speak English, LGBTQ AAPI groups must contemplate multilingual
activities, such as translating promotional materials and outreaching to limited-English proficient APAs
to build allies and make the community more aware. This workshop will explore some of the limitations,
challenges, and benefits of organizing across language.
Presenters:
Mark Ro Beyersdorf, Coordinating Committee, Dari Project, New York, NY
Aries Liao and Suma Reddy, Co-Founders and Co-Directors, Asian Pride Project, New York, NY
Dennis Mallillin, Psychotherapist/Senior Medical Case Manager, API Wellness Center, San Francisco, CA
Ryan S. Dolan, Data Dissemination Specialist, United States Census Bureau, Minneapolis, MN
SCE Illinois A
Fighting the School to Prison to Deportation Pipeline: Southeast Asians Organizing Against Police
For many of us queer AAPIs, our daily lived experiences necessitate organizing against police terror. In
this workshop, PrYSM (Providence Youth Student Movement) will go into the history of the police in
order to connect lived experiences with how racism became systematic and institutionalized throughout
time. We will discuss how police are a designed system that keeps communities marginalized, not just
on a local crime level, but also in decisions around borders and nations. Finally, we will talk about ways
that we organize against police on the city, state, and national levels through legislation, international
forums, and community patrols.
Presenters
Providence Youth and Student Movement (PrYSM), Providence, RI
SCE White Oak B
AAPI Policy, Advocacy, and Movement Building in Illinois
This session will weave the issues of the Trust Act (stopping deportations), Revenue Not Cuts (fighting to
protect essential services to immigrants, youth, seniors, and communities of color), and Domestic
Worker Bill of Rights and their connection to structural racism, sexism, xenophobia, and corporate
greed. In the end, we will provide a vision and tangible opportunities to be part of building a movement
that addresses systemic issues and develops leaders through building a sustainable and inclusive
movement.
Presenters
Kristina Tendilla, Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago, IL
SCE Monarch
Thriving as a Queer Asian Student Leader on your College Campus
It can be challenging to thrive on a college campus as a queer Asian student leader. Through an
interactive workshop, led by Purdue student leaders, participants will strengthen leadership skills to
create change on their college campuses, identify ways to build alliances within or outside of the PanAsian community on their campuses, and learn how to be inclusive and supportive allies to students
with diverse intersecting identities, including international identities.
Presenters
Shijie (Eric) Zhang, Undergraduate Student, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Chaoqun (Crystal) Ding, Undergraduate Student, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Christina Adams, Administrative Assistant, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, Chicago, IL
SCE Illinois B
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On or Off?: Asian American Lesbians, Queer Women, and the Camera
As Asian American lesbians and queer women, we battle with the social and political spectrum of
(in)visibility. We negotiate spaces of our safety through our abilities to draw upon the aspects of our
identities that are both visible and invisible. This workshop highlights our nuanced experiences in, of,
and against the discourses of oppression, to create a resistant visibility and to reconsider identity and
the spectrums of queerness through a deeper understanding of race and gender. A presentation of
documentary footage filmed by Pinay lesbians and queer Pinays shall be showcased.
Presenters
Karen Marie M. Villa, Candidate for Master of Arts in Sociological Practice, California State University,
San Marcos, CA
SCE Illinois C
Polyamorous/Non-Monogamous
This open caucus gives a whole new meaning to the word “networking.” Be prepared to meet up, hook
up, and provide mutual support to those who identify as polyamorous and non-monogamous. Join us
even if you just want to find out more … how to love more and play more.
Facilitator
To Be Announced
SCE East Terrace
How to be an Effective Board Member
One of the key components of having a successful organization is to have an effective board. This
workshop will discuss the basic components of how to be an effective board member. We will explore
the roles and functions of a board, identify major responsibilities of individual board members, discuss
the relationship between the board and staff, and identify useful tools and resources to enhance the
board’s effectiveness.
Presenters
Henry Ocampo, MPH, Senior Program Analyst, Office of Minority Health Resource Center, Newark, CA
Stan Fong, Board Member, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, Atlanta, GA
Tower 603
Racial Profiling: How the Policies Do Not Match our Realities
The U.S. Department of Justice issued long-anticipated reforms on racial profiling last year, but the
guidance falls short of protecting marginalized communities. While they now include important and
inclusive protections barring profiling based on national origin and sexual orientation, gaping
exemptions remain. Much of the national discourse is around immigrations and national security. We
must discuss all these and how they impacts our communities.
Presenters
Lakshmi Sridaran, Director of National Policy and Advocacy, South Asian Americans Leading Together,
Takoma Park, MD
Suman Raghunathan, Executive Director, South Asian Americans Leading Together, Takoma Park, MD
Tower 605
What Makes You a “Male?”
This workshop will discuss masculinity from a feminist perspective and spark a discussion about what
28
“being male” entails. We will begin with finding a shared notion of masculinity as defined by society, and
then challenge ourselves with uneasy and uncomfortable questions to expand and challenge the idea of
maleness and patriarchal hierarchy. These questions will include topics such as homosexuality,
bisexuality, trans* identities, and gender non-conforming identities.
Presenters
Sungsub Billy Choo, IMPACT Program, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
Christina Adams, Administrative Assistant, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, Chicago, IL
Tower 713
From the Edges to the Center: Building Community Power – continued
NOTE: This is a 3-hour workshop covering two time slots. All participants are asked to stay for the entire
time.
SCE White Oak A
The Foundations of Developing Leadership, Recruiting New Members, and Building Movement
through One-on-One Conversations
Movements flourish or die by the relationships that exist between their leaders. One-on-one
conversations are proven tools for organizers and activists to begin building deep relationships with
fellow movement builders in order to keep our work connected, sustained, and powerful. These
conversations are used to develop new leaders, so that the same 3 people aren’t always doing all the
work, or to recruit new members into your organization. In this session, participants will develop and
practice skills necessary to having effective one-on-one conversations.
Presenters
Nick Kor, Leadership Circle, Shades of Yellow, St. Paul, MN
Monna Wong, Executive Director, API Equality-Northern California, San Francisco, CA
NOTE: This is a 3-hour workshop covering two time slots. All participants are asked to stay for the entire
time.
Tower 610
Visibility Project Shoot - continued
The Visibility Project is a national oral history and photography archive dedicated to Queer Asian
American Women and Trans community. The Visibility Project prioritizes elders, Pacific Islanders, South
Asians, and Southeast Asians. Register a spot in the schedule to share your story.
Presenters
Mia Nakano, Executive Director, Visibility Project, San Francisco, CA
Tower 611
We are Family
This 3-hour session will be broken down into 3 segments. First, a parent panel will discuss some of the
feelings and processes that parents have or are going through to get to a place of acceptance and love.
The second segment will divide the room into facilitated discussion groups for parents, LGBTQ people,
and allies. The final segment will bring the whole group back together for Q&A, open discussion, and
optional sharing on action items participants can implement to create closer connections with their
families.
Presenters
Marsha Aizumi, National Board of Directors, PFLAG, Pasadena, CA
29
Clara Yoon, API Project Founder, PFLAG, New York, NY
Glenn Murakami, father of two gay sons, CA
Sita Benjamin, mother of a lesbian daughter, WI
NOTE: This is a 3-hour workshop covering two time slots. All participants are asked to stay for the entire
time.
Tower 613
Movie: Freedom Summer - continued
This film looks back at the summer of 1964, when more than 700 student activists took segregated
Mississippi by storm, registering voters, creating freedom schools and establishing the Mississippi
Freedom Democratic Party. 113 mins
Presenter
Glenn D. Magpantay, Executive Director, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, New York, NY
NOTE: This is a 2 hour film screening covering two time slots.
Tower 302
4:25 p.m. to 5:25 p.m. – Session 4: Caucuses
Desi/South Asian
This caucus is a get-to-know-each-other space for Desis/South Asians and an open discussion on ideas,
concerns, and projects that people want to share.
Facilitators
Anurag Lahiri, Trikone Chicago and Queer South Asian National Network, Chicago, IL
V Chaudhry, PhD student, Northwestern University, and Queer South Asian National Network
Shaan Dasani, Board Member, Satrang, Los Angeles, CA
SCE Cardinal
Southeast Asians
This caucus is a get-to-know-each-other space for Southeast Asians and an open discussion on ideas,
concerns, and projects that people want to share.
Facilitators
Tori Hong, Program Coordinator, Shades of Yellow, Minneapolis, MN
Kevin Lam, Board Member, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, Poughkeepsie, NY
Nicky Cao, VAYLA-NO, New Orleans, LA
SCE Fort Dearborn
Korean
This caucus is a get-to-know-each-other space for Koreans, Korean Americans, and Korean adoptees to
have an open discussion on ideas, concerns, and projects that people want to share.
Facilitators
Jasmin Hyowon Kim, member, Q-Wave, New York, NY
Mark Ro Beyersdorf, Coordinating Committee, Dari Project, New York, NY
Michelle Lee, Koreans United For Equality, Los Angeles, CA
SCE Illinois C
Pin@y Caucus
30
This caucus will provide a space for Pin@y participants to discuss shared experiences and values,
particularly in how they impact local and national organizing agendas.
Facilitators
Lolan Buhain Sevilla, Cultural Worker, Brooklyn, NY
Lance Dwyer, Member, Gay Asian Pacific-Islander Association, San Francisco, CA
SCE East Terrace
Japanese
This caucus is an open discussion on ideas, concerns, and projects for attendees of Japanese heritage.
Facilitators
JJ Ueunten, Core Member, Invisible to Invincible: Asian Pacific Islander Pride of Chicago, IL
Korinne Sugasawara, Civil Rights Fellow, Japanese American Citizens League, Washington, DC
SCE White Oak A
Chinese
This caucus is a get-to-know-each-other space for Chinese, Chinese Americans, Taiwanese, and ABCs to
have an open discussion on ideas, concerns, and projects that people want to share.
Facilitator
To Be Announced
SCE Illinois B
Open Caucus
SCE White Oak B
Open Caucus
SCE Monarch
Movie: The LuLu Sessions
The winner of 10 international awards including Best Documentary, Best Director, and Audience Award,
The LuLu Sessions premiered on PBS during Women's History Month. Shot during the last 15 months of
LuLu’s life, the film is a raw, intimate, yet surprisingly humorous story about the filmmaker showing up
for her best friend and ex-something, and together, testing the limits of their bond while taking on life’s
ultimate adventure.
Presenters
S. Casper Wong, Director/Producer, LuLu Sessions, New York, NY
Tower 302
7:00 p.m. to 12 Midnight - Community Catalyst Awards Banquet Dinner Dance
Cai Restaurant in Chinatown
2100 South Archer Avenue
Chicago, IL 60616
(off-site)
Cocktails, a ten (10) course banquet dinner, and dancing afterwards
Renowned actor Maulik Pancholy from NBC's 30 Rock is the guest celebrity emcee
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The Community Catalyst Awardees are:
Marsha and Tad Aizumi – proud parents of a transgender son from Los Angeles, CA
Freedom Inc. – in Madison, WI working to end violence against people of color
I Li Hsiao - longtime activist and trailblazer for LGBTQ & AAPI gender & sexual liberation
Liz Thomson - educator, organizer, and photographer at the intersections of race, gender, disability,
adoption, and sexuality
Special Remarks by Phillip Ozaki, Board Member, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, New
York, NY
All proceeds benefit i2i, Trikone Chicago, and NQAPIA
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 8
8:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. – Morning Yoga - Illinois C
Morning Yoga Practice: Finding Pause and Igniting your Fire
Join for this simple, hot, and peaceful morning yoga practice. When we find pause, we’re able to tap into
our own fire and power. Conferences are packed with knowledge, new connections and fun. During this
practice, we’ll find a pause, and ground in order to be ready and focused for the day ahead. This class is
designed for all bodies and levels to participate and will focus on grounding and tapping into our core
power. Please bring a towel, and if you brought one, a yoga mat.
Presenters
Alison Lin, Board Member, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, Oakland, CA
Illinois C
8:30 a.m. – Breakfast served
9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – Breakfast Plenary – SCE Illinois A & B
Video Presentation of AAPI Parents Who Love Their LGBTQ Kids
Introduction by Elena Chang, Co-Director, Asian Pride Project, New York, NY
Trans Justice Panel
This plenary seeks to explore the intersections of racial and trans justice; survey trans advocacy and
substantive rights and policy issues; address violence against trans people; promote family and
community acceptance; and celebrate the accomplishments of trans people.
Panelists
Maya Jafer, a South Asian immigrant, doctor, actor, dancer, Los Angeles, CA
Andy Marra, Arcus Foundation Communications Coordinator, Queens, NY
Willy Wilkinson, Author of Born on the Edge of Race and Gender, Oakland, CA
Eli Chi, Chinese-Cuban American born, queer and trans organizer, St. Louis, MO
Moderator
Sam Hsieh, Core Member, Invisible to Invincible: Asian Pacific Islander Pride of Chicago, IL
INSERT PHOTOS OF Maya Jafer, Andy Marra, Willy Wilkinson, Eli Chi
10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Session 5: Workshops
Being Out and Queer in AAPI Ethnic Events and Cultural Celebrations
So many LGBTQ Asian, Southeast Asian, South Asian, and Pacific Islander groups march in Pride Parades
but how about Lunar New Year, Diwali, Cherry Blossom Festivals, and nation-specific Independance Day
celebrations? We are both LGBTQ and Asian/South Asian/Southeast Asian, and we should take pride in
both and all of our identities. Come learn how to do this important outreach at AAPI ethnic events and
cultural celebrations to change hearts and minds and build greater support for the rights, dignity, and
acceptance of LGBTQ people.
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Presenters:
Almas Haider, Former President, Satrang Los Angeles and NQAPIA Board Member, Washington, DC
Peterson Pham, Public Relations Chair for Viet Rainbow of Orange County, CA
Patrick Lin, Steering Committee, Gay Asian Pacific Islander Men of New York, NY
Glenn D. Magpantay, Executive Director, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, New York, NY
SCE Cardinal
Immigration Enforcement - One Step Forward, Two Steps Back
Panelists will discuss the growing U.S. immigration detention and deportation regime as it pertains to
our communities, and efforts to fight back on various fronts: policy/advocacy, grassroots activism, and
litigation. Panelists will also engage the audience on how to build a more anti-racist and inclusive
immigrant rights movement.
Presenters
Prerna Lal, Staff Attorney, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Washington, DC
Tania Unzueta, Not One More Deportation Campaign, Chicago, IL
Stephanie Camba, Artist & Poet, Chicago, IL
Aneesha Gandhi, Staff Attorney, National Immigrant Justice Center, Chicago, IL
SCE Monarch
Giving Circles: Mobilizing Money for Our Communities
This panel will highlight the funding landscape for AAPI LGBTQ communities and the lack of funding from
foundations. Participants will learn about giving circles, an alternative to foundation funding and a
vehicle to bring individuals together to collectively raise resources. Panelists will share their inspiration
for creating giving circles, talk about the community organizations and projects they funded, and discuss
how giving circles provide critical funding for our communities. Panelists will share how giving circles
empower individuals to take action for collective good and help people see themselves as
philanthropists. Participants interested in grassroots fundraising should attend.
Presenters
Alice Y. Hom, Queer Justice Fund Director, Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy, Oakland,
CA
Poonam Kapoor, Member, Red Envelope Giving Circle, San Francisco, CA
Jae Jin Pak, Chair, Asian Giving Circle, Chicago, IL
SCE Illinois B
The Formation and Direction of Queer Asian Spaces
It is a repeated legacy that marginalized people seek social and local communities, finding others who
share in the same struggles. These spaces develop out of necessity and have, through time, become
social institutions themselves. This session will recap the formation of and need for queer Asian spaces
and discuss the direction of and need for such spaces in the future.
Presenters
Danny Pham, Co-Chair, Gay Asian Pacific Alliance, San Francisco, CA
Calvin Shin, Board Member, Gay Asian Pacific Alliance, San Francisco, CA
I Li Hsiao, Core Member, Invisible to Invincible: Asian Pacific Islander Pride of Chicago, IL
Frankie Eliptico, Co-Chair of PIJAAG and member of PRIDE Marianas, Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands
Sasha W., Founding Member, Queer South Asian National Network and Organizing Director, National
Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, Madison, WI
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SCE Fort Dearborn
Game Changers: AAPI Health and HIV/AIDS Prevention in 2015
This workshop will examine key changes in health care and their impact on HIV/AIDS services and Asian
American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. Particular emphasis will be
placed on the Affordable Care Act, The National HIV/AIDS Strategy, CDC's High Impact HIV Prevention
Initiative, and Treatment as Prevention. By the end of this workshop, participants will have increased
ability to discuss how these key factors impact (AANHPI) HIV/AIDS service providers and clients.
Presenters
Ben Cabangun, Capacity Building Manager, Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, San
Francisco, CA
Jacob Smith Yang, Senior Director of Capacity Building, Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum,
San Francisco, CA
SCE White Oak A
Cultivating and Growing Male-Identified GBT Groups
This workshop will focus discussions on male-identified GBT groups and address how to incorporate
both social activities and activism into regular programming. Topics include what projects groups are
working on, annual goals, structure of events, masculinity, sex, how to include female or genderqueer
individuals into activities (if at all), etc.
Presenters
Benjamin Chou, Co-Chair, AQUA DC, Washington, DC
Eugene Hwang, AQUA DC, Washington, DC
Kevin Lee, Member, AQUA DC, Washington, DC
SCE White Oak B
Effective Support for International LGBTQ Rights: Spotlight India 377and Beyond
What is the landscape for LGBTQ equality in Asia and the Pacific? Are there international causes you
want to support and bring more awareness to but don't know how? In this session, we will explore what
is being done around the world and spotlight one model to support LGBTQ rights internationally.
Presenters will examine the successful campaign “Funding377nogoingback” which raised money and
built awareness to help organizations in India working to decriminalize homosexual acts.
Presenters
Poonam Kapoor, Member, Funding377nogoingbackcampaign, San Francisco, CA
Monica Elise Davis, Chairperson, Trikone, San Francisco, CA
Vy Lam, DCHA/DRG/LGBTQ Specialist, IIE Democracy Fellow, United States Agency for International
Development (USAID), Washington, DC
Tower 603
Trans-National Adoption: Complexities in Ethnic, Gender, and Nation-Identities
Since the 1950s, more than 200,000 children have been adopted from East Asia, South Asia, and
Southeast Asia by families living in the United States, with some adoptees identifying as lesbian, gay,
bisexual, transgender, and queer as young people and adults. Why do most conversations about LGBTQ
identity focus on the rights of same-sex couples and not on LGBTQ adult adoptees themselves? Join two
queer Korean adoptees for a discussion at the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality on identity,
belonging, family, and the meanings of home within ourselves & our various communities. This
35
workshop is open to all and we welcome adult adoptees of all adoption experiences to attend, share,
listen, and connect with us.
Presenters
Dan J. Whittaker, Conference Planning Committee, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance,
Chicago, IL
Joy Messinger, Core Member, Invisible to Invincible: Asian Pacific Islander Pride of Chicago, Chicago, IL
SCE Prairie
Being Bi in the AAPI Community
This is an interactive session for members of the AAPI LGBTQ Community. This session will involve a
guided discussion around all aspects of being non-monosexual within AAPI spaces. This includes
everything from relationships, coming out, sex, friendships, biphobia, politics, and language through a
BOPP lens. We will experience an exercise – Beyond Binaries – created by and courtesy of Robyn Ochs.
Come prepared to see what our sexualities and identities look like on the Spectrum.
Presenters
Apphia K, Board Member, SALGA-NYC, New York, NY
SCE Illinois A
Building LGBT Allies: Bridging a Gap and Reaching Out to the AAPI Community
Gaining acceptance from parents, family, faith community and community has been the biggest
challenge to many AAPI LGBTQ individuals. Although some progress has been made for LGBTQ equality
in the US, what are the steps we can take to educate our broad AAPI community to make them our
allies? In this interactive workshop, parents/allies will share what has been accomplished with the
proven best practices and engage LGBTQ members/allies to devise their own goals and strategies.
Presenters
Clara Yoon, API Project Founder, PFLAG, New York, NY
Marsha Aizumi, National Board of Directors, PFLAG, Pasadena, CA
Rosetta Lai, API PFLAG, Washington, DC
Kingston Kodan, President, KhushDC, Washington, DC
SCE Illinois C
Caucus: API Queer Christians and Allies
This closed caucus is for API LGBTQ folks (and allies) in the Christian faith, including evangelical,
Protestant, Pentecostal, Catholic, parachurch, etc. context.
Facilitators
Jess Delegencia, Asian & Pacific Islander Roundtable Coordinator, Network for Religion and Justice &
Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies, Berkeley, CA
Susannah Hong, Talking Circles Coordinator & Trainer, Network on Religion and Justice for API LGBTQ
People, San Francisco, CA
Rev. Jeanelle Nicolas Ablola, Pastor, Pine United Methodist Church (first LGBTQ-inclusive Asian American
church), San Francisco, CA
NOTE: This session will continue into lunch. Lunch will be provided.
SCE East Terrace
Roses of War: The Effects of Militarization on Women and the LGBTQ Community
Military occupation in many war-stricken countries has produced hostile and violent conditions for
36
women and the LGBTQ community. The death of transgender woman Jennifer Laude near a U.S. naval
base in the Philippines underscores how U.S. militarization and unequal U.S.-led agreements contribute
to transphobic, transmisogynistic, and gendered violence. This workshop will examine U.S. militarization
history in the Philippines and other countries and its effect on women and the LGBTQ community.
Participants will learn strategies of educating, organizing, and mobilizing that GABRIELA chapters have
undertaken since the murder of Jennifer Laude in October.
Presenters
Irma Bajar, Vice Chair of International Relations, GABRIELA USA, Oakland, CA
Tina Shauf, Vice Chair of Mass Campaigns GABRIELA USA, San Francisco, CA
Jo Quiambao, Chairperson, GABRIELA USA, Washington, DC
Pia Rivera, Secretary General, GABRIELA USA, Washington, DC
Tower 605
Activists & Advocates: Up Your Social Media Game
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Whatsapp, YouTube. Most of us are familiar with the range of social
media tools out there, but does your organization know how to use them to meet its goals? What are its
goals? Let’s start by understanding your organization’s brand–and yes, it has one. We’ll show you how
to use these tools efficiently. Whether you want to connect your organization to media outlets or create
more engaging posts, we’ll show you how to up your social media game in this dynamic workshop.
Presenters
Shaan Dasani, Board Member, Satrang, Los Angeles, CA
Alina Bee, Board Member, Satrang, Los Angeles, CA
Tower 610
Trans* Allyship: Activating Ourselves & Our Communities
Join us for a workshop exploring ourselves as trans* PoC allies in our personal relationships and in our
communities. Especially as cis folks, being allies to our trans* loved ones may involve confronting the
unfamiliar, deconstructing dominant notions of gender, and being on a journey that can bring us
towards greater love and freedom. As trans* allies, we are called on to do often necessary inner work
and to be seeds of change in our communities.
Presenters
Jennifer Ly, Steering Committee Member, Queer Asian Pacific Alliance, Boston, MA
Liz Thomson, Member, Invisible to Invincible: Asian Pacific Islander Pride of Chicago, IL
Tower 611
Trans Legal Spotlight: Health
This session provides an overview and key insights into a key issue affecting transgender people in the
US. Participants will leave with a solid foundation in legal issues affecting transgender and gender nonconforming people in the area of access to health care. The session will include both analysis of the
problems as well as known remedies and solutions.
Presenters
Anand Kalra, Health Program Manager, Transgender Law Center, San Francisco, CA
Ilona Turner, Legal Director, Transgender Law Center, CA
Tower 613
Coming Out as a Techie
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In this session, we will explore what it means to be working in the social justice movement while also
studying and/or working full-time in the tech industry. Can the worlds be bridged together? What are
the challenges?
Presenters
Total Nguyen, Undergraduate Student, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA
Mioi Hanaoka, Steering Committee Member, API Equality-Northern California, San Francisco, CA
Tower 713
Movie: KUMU HINA: the true meaning of aloha
A powerful film about the struggle to maintain Pacific Islander culture and values within the
Westernized society of modern Hawai'i told through the lens of Hina Wong-Kalu, an extraordinary native
Hawaiian who is both a proud and confident māhū, or transgender woman, and an honored and
respected kumu, or teacher and community leader. Kumu Hina will present the film and talk about the
engagement campaign aimed at helping educators and advocates working to make schools and
communities more welcoming and inclusive for all.
Presenters
Kumu Hina Wong-Kalu, Honolulu, Hawai’i
Tower 302
12 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Lunch on your own
1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Session 6: Workshops
Why Start a Nonprofit?: What Every Community Group Should Know About Legal Liabilities,
Insurance, Becoming a 501(c)(3), and Getting that Foundation Grant
For many organized groups doing work in the community, the inevitable question of “should we
incorporate?” is a common one. In this workshop, we will discuss the various ways in which community
organizations can exist, on state and federal levels. We will describe the legal responsibilities of a nonprofit organization as well as the pros and cons of incorporating with the state, and applying for taxexempt 501(c)(3) status vs. having a fiscal sponsor. Participants will gain a greater understanding of the
current legal liabilities, reporting and administrative requirements, and fundraising capabilities based on
the organizational structure that best suits all-volunteer run organizations. Come learn what to do, how
to do it, and why!
Presenters
Henry Ocampo, MPH, Senior Program Analyst, Office of Minority Health Resource Center, Newark, CA
Glenn D. Magpantay, Executive Director, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, New York, NY
imi rashid, sole proprietor of imi rashid, CPA, and Co-Coordinator, Muslim Alliance for Sexual & Gender
Diversity, Chicago, IL
SCE Illinois C
Faith in Action: More Than Welcoming
The spiritual journey that LGBTQ people of faith go on can often be an isolating one, but it doesn’t have
to be. Healthy spiritual communities are those that encourage open-ended self-reflection and selfrealization, including those that lead us to new truths about our genders and sexualities. How can you
cultivate spiritual communities that are grounded in the commitment to support LGBTQ people in our
journeys? How can LGBTQ people be proud as people of faith when there is still pervasive anti-faith
38
sentiment in LGBTQ communities? Learn skills, attitude, and knowledge about what, how, and when to
bridge these gaps with intentional conversations and a vibrant visibility plan.
Presenters
Victoria Kirby York, National Campaigns Director of Religious Exemptions and Welcoming Communities,
National LGBTQ Task Force
Malcolm Shanks, Organizer in the Academy for Leadership & Action, National LGBTQ Task Force
Pi Fong, Organizing Fellow, National LGBTQ Task Force
SCE Fort Dearborn
Going Good While Doing Well: Planning a Career and Advancing in Your Career as LGBT AAPIs
There are several ways that activists can do well for themselves while also doing good for the
community. Come learn how to break into medicine, the law, business and finance and how to excel in
those respective fields. Presenters will review the pitfalls, challenges, and benefits of being out and AAPI
in professional settings. Participants will also learn the value of building and maintaining a strong
personal brand in their careers for advancement. Participants early in their careers will gain tools for
how to create an initial personal brand to get noticed, and participants further along in their careers will
take away tips for how to regularly gauge the strength and direction of their personal brand to advance
in their companies.
Presenters:
Jonas Ng, Managing Director of Discover Card Loyalty Strategies, eWallets, and Benefits & Services,
Discover Financial Services, Riverwoods,, IL
Dennis M. Quinio, Associate, Hogan Lovells US LLP, New York, NY
Shail Maingi, MD, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY
Vivian Fried-Chung, MBA, Board Member, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, Philadelphia,
PA
SCE East Terrace
Wannabe Moms & Dads: How to Start a Family / Being an LGBTQ Parent
This workshop will present how, why, and what to watch out for in starting a family. It will be led by
LGBTQ Asian Americans and South Asians who have children. Presenters will talk about how to become
parents and the different ways they became parents, through same-sex adoption or a sperm donor. The
presenters will talk frankly about their personal experiences, joys and struggles of parenting, family
acceptance, making mom and dad grandparents, negotiating who is “daddy,”“mommy,” or another
word entirely, issues of race, and broader community acceptance. At the end of the program, an
attorney will briefly go over the nuts, bolts, and legal options for individuals and couples who want to
start a family.
Presenters
Lance Toma, Executive Director, Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center, San Francisco, CA
Hye-John Chung, mother of Julian (7 years old) and Miles (4), Wilmington, DE
Sunu P. Chandy, General Counsel, DC Office of Human Rights, Washington DC
TBD, Family Equality Council
SCE Prairie
Organizing a Rapid-Response for National Policies
This session will discussion what is necessary to build a national network of committed activists who can
respond in real-time to policy developments critical to the LGBTQ AAPI community. Actions can include
39
circulating petitions, organizing protests, writing op-eds, appearing in the media, etc.
Presenters
Kham See Moua, Policy Associate, OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates and Member of AQUA DC,
Washington, DC
James Servino, Associate Director for Online Mobilization and Social Media, Human Rights Campaign,
and Member of AQUA DC, Washington, DC
Sasha W., Organizing Director, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, Madison, WI
SCE White Oak A
#Not1More LGBTQ Deportation: Trans and Queer Immigrant Rights Direct Action Organizing
This workshop will highlight the current momentum intersectional organizing between LGBTQ and
immigrants rights has gained across the country. Attendees will be trained on direct action organizing as
a tool/tactic to push for pro-LGBTQ and immigrant rights policies and legislation. The workshop will look
at a trans and queer civil disobedience action that took place in May 2014 in Santa Ana, CA as a case
study. Currently, the Santa Ana city jail includes an LGBTQ pod where LGBTQ undocumented immigrants
are held. Attendees will engage in skill-sharing and learn about the pre, during, and post process of
organizing an effective direct action in order to advance any action’s message and demands. Also, the
workshop will present attendees with a model to ensure that communities most affected by issues take
front center and are part of the strategy and organizing process from beginning to end.
Presenters
Yesenia Valdez, National Organizer, Familia: Trans Queer Liberation Movement, Los Angeles, CA
Jorge Gutierrez, National Coordinator and founder of Familia: Trans Queer Liberation Movement, Los
Angeles, CA
SCE White Oak B
S/M & Kink Basics
This workshop will be a discussion centered on basic information for entry into the world of Kink and
S/M, focusing on people new to the fetish world. Topics will include basic safety, how to meet people
and be safe about it, networking to learn the ins and outs of bondage and S/M. This session will also
touch on race in the kink community, including stereotypes and race play.
Presenters
Gene Mar, Member, Chicago Hellfire Club, Chicago, IL
Tower 613
Prioritizing Trans Work: ID Documents, Health Care, Incarceration, and Beyond
This session will cover the important items to put on your policy and legislative agendas, so trans
priorities don’t get lost in the LGBTQ shuffle. From getting rid of surgery rules for updating IDs, to
eliminating trans exclusions in health insurance, to addressing the harm trans people face in the criminal
legal system, join NCTE for an overview of the trans agenda, and learn what tools exist to help you
integrate these priorities into your work without reinventing the wheel.
Presenters
Harper Jean Tobin, Director of Policy, National Center for Transgender Equality, Washington, DC
Arli Christian, Policy Counsel, National Center for Transgender Equality, Washington, DC
Alexander Chen, Law Clerk, Judge Gonzalo P. Curiel, San Diego, CA
SCE Cardinal
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Korean Drumming to Raise Voices!
Poong-Mul, a traditional Korean art form using percussion instruments, historically has been performed
at harvesting rituals and gatherings of people for collective action, such as resisting colonialism. Today, it
is being performed by Koreans all over the world to affirm Korean identity, facilitate self-expression, and
develop self-determined leadership. This workshop will outline how the Korean American Resource and
Cultural Center utilizes Poong-Mul to build and mobilize its base to uplift immigrants, youth, seniors, and
other marginalized people! The workshop will include a Poong-Mul demonstration.
Presenters
Inhe Choi, Korean American Resource & Cultural Center, Chicago, IL
Nayoung Ha, Korean American Resource & Cultural Center, Chicago, IL
SCE Illinois A
Coming Out Muslim
Coming Out Muslim explores the multiple layers of holding both Muslim and LGBTQ identities. It also
explores how media influences perceptions of Muslims, at the intersections of Islamo-, xeno-, homoand transphobia, racism, and colonial histories. Through conversation and activities, participants will
examine language, images, and attitudes about what Islam is and what “Muslim” means in relation to
queer identities.
Presenters
Yas Ahmed, Co-Coordinator, Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity, Washington, DC
Terna Tilley-Gyado, Steering Committee Member, Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity,
Washington, DC
Urooj Arshad, Steering Committee Member, Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity,
Washington, DC
SCE Illinois B
Reaching the Hard-to-Reach: Holistic Engagement Solutions for Transgender Women Living with HIV
Transgender women are 49 times more likely to contract HIV but are often unable to access HIV services
due to overwhelming barriers. Aside from HIV, there is a wide spectrum of general health issues
transwomen face when taking care of their health. Some of these barriers are job and housing
discrimination, violence, trauma, and stigma. We must address these barriers in order to effectively
engage transgender women not only in HIV treatment and care but with general health care. This
workshop will explore ways and best practices on how to link transwomen to various health services
such as mental health, HIV prevention and care, and general health services.
Presenters
Nikki Calma, Program Manager, Behavioral and Community Programs, Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness
Center, San Francisco, CA
Talia de la Cruz, Peer Navigator/TRANS ACCESS, Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center, San Francisco,
CA
Tower 603
Hanau Ka Mauna: Utilizing Hawaiian Epistemologies to Inspire and (Re)connect Ourselves to Place Part I
Among indigenous peoples, place is a critical part of inspiring and informing our work for social justice.
In this workshop, we utilize Hawaiian epistemologies of place to help participants gain a deeper
understanding of their piko (center, place) and the connections to their social justice work. By sharing
41
our stories of place - places of birth, work, inspiration - through talking story and writing, our workshop
will help participants learn how to use Hawaiian epistemologies of place to gain unique insight into the
ways in which they can envision and implement their work.
Presenters
Erin Kahunawaika ‘ala Wright, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI
Una Aeon Kalani Narvaez Flux, First-Generation College Student, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa,
Honolulu, HI
NOTE: This is a two-part workshop covering two time slots.
Tower 605
Supporting Our Communities: Managing and Running Support Groups
This is a 3-hour introduction to support groups. This session will include many different aspects of
support group work such as proper introductions, establishing safe-space guidelines, and raising
awareness of the various issues facing LGBTQ API populations. There will be a mock-support group to
give participants an idea of the many facets of support groups. We will also discuss available resources
to individuals/groups interested in setting up their own support groups.
Presenters
Aneesa Sen, SALGA-NYC, New York, NY
Mashuq Deen, SALGA-NYC, New York, NY
NOTE: This is a 3-hour workshop covering two time slots. All participants are asked to stay for the entire
time.
SCE Monarch
LGBTQ AAPI Legacies: A Timeline of Resilience
What is the "LGBTQ AAPI movement"? Where have we been, and where are we going? This workshop
will discuss the Dragon Fruit Project, an intergenerational, oral history project that explores queer Asian
Pacific Islanders and their experiences with activism during the 60s through 90s. We'll actively engage in
the LGBTQ API narrative through a graphic timeline. By uplifting our community histories, we’re
breaking through the silence that is a byproduct of systematic and institutionalized oppression.
Participants will also learn how to upload our histories onto the free internet encyclopedia, Wikipedia,
LIVE!
Presenters
Tracy Nguyen, Program Coordinator, API Equality-Northern California, San Francisco, CA
Sammie Ablaza Wills, Program Assistant, API Equality-Northern California, Bay Area, CA
NOTE: This is a 3-hour workshop covering two time slots. All participants are asked to stay for the entire
time.
Tower 610
More $$$, More Power
Lead the way to fundraising success! Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned fundraiser, raising
money from community members, neighbors, family, and other stakeholders can be one of the most
rewarding strategies your organization or group uses for LGBTQ liberation.
Presenters
Saurabh Bajaj, Director of Individual Fundraising, National LGBTQ Task Force, San Francisco, CA
Phillip Ozaki, National Major Gifts Officer, Lambda Legal, New York, NY
NOTE: This is a 3-hour workshop covering two time slots. All participants are asked to stay for the entire
42
time.
Tower 611
Into the Light: The Realities of Sexual Abuse, Violence, and Trauma of QAPI Bodies
“Into the Light” presents some of the history and current realities of sexual trauma in the Q/AAPI
community, including definitions and statistical data. Attendees will have the chance to explore their
own history of sexual trauma and its impact in their personal lives, community, and the larger LGBTQ
movement. This workshop offers space for sharing, finding community and healing. We will discuss and
identify community needs and missing resources, build awareness, and discuss what healing could look
like for individuals and communities. *Additional resources, support, and debrief space will follow the
workshop for anyone who is interested.
Presenters
Chong Moua, Shades of Yellow, St. Paul, MN
Teng Yang, Leadership Circle, Shades of Yellow, St. Paul, MN
Joann Vue, Leadership Circle, Shades of Yellow, St. Paul, MN
NOTE: This is a 2-hour workshop covering two time slots. All participants are asked to stay for the entire
time.
South Asian Mental Health and Activism: Decolonizing and Reclaiming South Asian Healing Methods
Take a look at issues affecting Queer South Asians participating in various types of personal and political
activism—beyond seeing a mistrust for the health care system as a barrier to healing, beyond seeing the
choice or need to remain "in the closet" as a barrier. Question Queer South Asian activists' accessibility
to the same healing methods white and American queer activists have appropriated, as well as activist
culture that have us recreating unhealthy standards, limiting our self-care capacity. This workshop will
include a short presentation and equip participants with tools and resources to move forward.
Presenters
Anurag Lahiri, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Chicago, IL
Workshop generously sponsored by Trikone-Chicago
Tower 713
Pioneers Project
API Equality-LA will screen short films from its Pioneers Project Oral History Film series, profiling early
API LGBTQ movement leaders, followed by a facilitated discussion on the importance of these histories
for our community. Individuals profiled include Dean Goishi, founder of Asian Pacific AIDS Intervention
Team; Russell Leong, Editor of Amerasia Journal; June Lagmay, former LA City Clerk; and Tak Yamamoto,
a leader of Japanese American Citizens League.
Presenters
Kimler Gutierrez, Program Manager, API Equality-LA, Los Angeles, CA
Tower 302
2:50 p.m. to 4:05 p.m. – Session 7: Workshops
LGBTQ and AAPI Equality and Allies in the Workplace
This workshop will showcase how certain companies are meeting the needs of a diverse workforce and
diversifying their leadership in meeting the challenges that come with a diverse world. Presenters will
discuss how many companies and corporations are addressing some of the barriers that AAPI LGBTQs
43
face in the modern workplace, including Employee Resource Groups (ERG) for LGBTQs and AAPIs,
allyship training programs to educate co-workers about the experiences of LGBTQs, and workplace
protections and culture that affirms all employees so that their best talents can fully come to the fore.
Presenters:
Jonas Ng, Managing Director of Discover Card Loyalty Strategies, eWallets, and Benefits & Services,
Discover Financial Services, Riverwoods,, IL
Sharon Kidd-Fryer, Associate Director Billing Operations, AT&T, Oak Lawn, IL
Vivian Fried-Chung, MBA, Board Member, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, Philadelphia,
PA
TDB, ChicagoLand Out & Equal, Chicago, IL
SCE Prairie
Legalize Asians: Exploring Legal Organizations & Queer AAPI Communities
Come share the impact recent legal and policy changes like the ACA (Obamacare), DACA (administrative
relief for DREAMers), federal employment discrimination law protecting transgender workers, and
marriage equality have had in your community. Also, come to share what you see as the biggest
challenges ahead, and your ideas for what national and regional legal organizations can do to be most
useful and supportive to the work being done in Queer API communities. Panelists will share what they
have learned from participants within their organizations.
Presenters
Ming Wong, Supervising Helpline Attorney, National Center for Lesbian Rights, San Francisco, CA
Cathy Sakimura, Family Law Director, National Center for Lesbian Rights, San Francisco, CA
Anand Kalra, Health Program Manager, Transgender Law Center, San Francisco, CA
Carmina Ocampo, Staff Attorney and Immigrants’ Rights Strategist, Lambda Legal, Los Angeles, CA
SCE Fort Dearborn
All We Want are Fats, Fems, and Asians! Erotic Sex, Sticky Sex, Sexual Racism, Sexual Liberation, and
Gay Asian Men
This workshop is about sex … having sex, sexual politics, and organizing against the collusion of sexism
and racism. Asian cis and trans men have experienced desexualization, exoticization, and hypersexualization; media images have depicted Asian men as effeminate, submissive bottoms. But an
awakening of “sticky rice” and trans-affirming sex has emerged. Reclaiming sex and our bodies as Asian
men, queers, and trans folks is a central part of community empowerment. There will be two parts to
this workshop: first will be an open and sex-positive discussion about these issues; second, there will be
“hands-on” practice of ways to explore Asian male sexuality and sexualization.
Presenters
Willy Wilkinson, author of Born on the Edge of Race and Gender: A Voice for Cultural Competency,
Oakland, CA
Glenn D. Magpantay, Executive Director, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, New York, NY
SCE East Terrace
Harnessing the Media in the Digital Era
While LGBTQ issues are finally receiving mainstream media attention – and, for the most part, fairminded coverage – parts of our broad community are still being underreported, especially LGBTQ Asian
and Pacific Islander issues. Even if your grassroots organization has a modest budget allotted to
communications, there are effective ways to launch campaigns that further your agenda. Alan Klein, co44
founder of Public Impact Media Consultants, a New York City-based strategic communications firm
operating for 25 years, will explain the numerous campaign options for organizations seeking attention,
from traditional media releases to digital campaigns. In an interactive, converged media workshop, he
will identify the tactics that will best position your organization, its mission — and your community’s
most pressing issues — in the media spotlight. The projected results will be greater donor support,
stronger membership and social policy reform.
Presenters:
Alan Klein, Co-founder, Public Impact Media Consultants, New York, NY
SCE White Oak A
LGBTQ AAPIs and Cancer: Another Unspoken Taboo
Did you know that some cancers are more prevalent amongst LGBTQs, AAPIs, and people with AIDS?
Even today people are afraid to reveal their fears and concerns. Learn about the risks, signs, and
symptoms of sexually transmitted cancers. Review emerging best practices for cancer care across the
continuum (from prevention to treatment to end-of-life) for LGBTQ individuals and populations, and
share your input before these national guidelines are published. Voice your AAPI concerns.
Presenters
Shail Maingi, MD, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY
Sean O’Mahony, MB, Rush Medical Center, Chicago, IL
Samir Narang, MD, Project Director/Marketing Manager, EngageNYC, Brooklyn, NY
SCE Illinois C
Yes and...? Developing your Leadership Style through Techniques of Improv and Public Speaking
Join us for silly games with a serious purpose in a leadership workshop rooted in techniques of improv
and public speaking. Learn to balance the heady work of movement-building by being present in our
bodies and stretching our imaginations. Explore successful and stagnant collaborations, taking risks and
admitting our mistakes, creating shared stories and what it feels like to be ready to build community,
solidarity and movement. Say “yes and . . .,” breathe deep, set your partner up for success, and be ready
to pivot, laugh, and respond to the moment.
Presenters
Mandy Hu, Board Member, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, San Francisco, CA
Alison Lin, Board Member, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, Philadelphia, PA
SCE White Oak B
Foundations of HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B among Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander
(AANHPI) Communities
This workshop will provide foundational skills necessary to understand HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B in Asian
American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Workshop participants will leave with
increased skills to describe the Immune System and the Liver in its relationship with HIV/AIDS and Viral
Hepatitis. Participants will discuss scope of diseases, risk factors for transmission, screening methods,
and prevention efforts. Emphasis will be placed on current national and regional promising practices in
HIV and Hepatitis B prevention and education among AANHPI communities.
Presenters
Ben Cabangun, Capacity Building Manager, Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, San
Francisco, CA
Jacob Smith Yang, Senior Director of Capacity Building, Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum,
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San Francisco, CA
Matthew Johnson, Hepatitis Program Director, Asian Health Coalition, Chicago, IL
SCE Cardinal
The Ties that Bind: Coming Out, Family Acceptance, and Intergenerational Dialogue in Our Families of
Color
Studies have shown parents of color can become the strongest allies of their LGBTQ children; however,
some barriers to acceptance still remain strong in API communities. This workshop will initiate a
conversation by and for queer people of color to explore how the dynamics of family rejection and
acceptance play out in their communities, share and discuss strategies to deepen the understanding and
support for family acceptance within the queer movement, and advocate for LGBTQ people for color
and their families less exposed to LGBTQ advocacy.
Presenters
Geneva Musgrave, Diversity and Inclusion Program Educator, Lambda Legal, New York, NY
Edwin Tablada, EPA & Community Education Assistant, Lambda Legal, New York, NY
SCE Illinois A
Our Naked Stories: From 1750 to Now
Uncover yourself! This workshop will demonstrate how our own stories are part of the greater narrative
of the historical intersections of Asian American identity, queerness, and immigration. Learn how to use
your own stories for change and to win victories for our communities.
Presenters
Tony Choi
Nebula Li, Staff Attorney, Community Activism Law Alliance, Chicago, IL
SCE Illinois B
Youth Leadership and Organizing
API Equality-LA Youth Leadership Council will provide a workshop on youth organizing and leadership
development, based on its own model of organizing and training sessions, to provide tools and best
practices for youth and young-at-heart who are interested in building sustainable youth leadership in
their communities.
Presenters
Kimler Gutierrez, Program Manager, API Equality-LA, Los Angeles, CA
Tower 603
Into the Light: The Realities of Sexual Abuse, Violence, and Trauma of QAPI Bodies
“Into the Light” presents some of the history and current realities of sexual trauma in the Q/AAPI
community, including definitions and statistical data. Attendees will have the chance to explore their
own history of sexual trauma and its impact in their personal lives, community, and the larger LGBTQ
movement. This workshop offers space for sharing, finding community and healing. We will discuss and
identify community needs and missing resources, build awareness, and discuss what healing could look
like for individuals and communities. *Additional resources, support, and debrief space will follow the
workshop for anyone who is interested.
Presenters
Chong Moua, Shades of Yellow, St. Paul, MN
Teng Yang, Leadership Circle, Shades of Yellow, St. Paul, MN
46
Joann Vue, Leadership Circle, Shades of Yellow, St. Paul, MN
NOTE: This is a 2-hour workshop covering two time slots. All participants are asked to stay for the entire
time.
Tower 613
Making $$ Werq!: Financial Literacy
This workshop will provide attendees with information and strategies for financial literacy and
empowerment. Participants will learn empowering strategies to become (more) mindful about their
spending decisions with hands-on activities that will prompt critical thought. Attendees will leave with
practical advice and tools for their own financial situations.
Presenters
Molly Kiran Girton, Founder, FLY Project, and member, MASALA, Boston, MA
Tower 713
Hanau Ka Mauna: Utilizing Hawaiian Epistemologies to Inspire and (Re)connect Ourselves to Place Part II
Among indigenous peoples, place is a critical part of inspiring and informing our work for social justice.
In this workshop, we utilize Hawaiian epistemologies of place to help participants gain a deeper
understanding of their piko (center, place) and the connections to their social justice work. By sharing
our stories of place - places of birth, work, inspiration - through talking story and writing, our workshop
will help participants learn how to use Hawaiian epistemologies of place to gain unique insight into the
ways in which they can envision and implement their work.
Presenters
Erin Kahunawaika ‘ala Wright, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI
Una Aeon Kalani Narvaez Flux, First-Generation College Student, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa,
Honolulu, HI
NOTE: This is a two-part workshop covering two time slots.
Tower 605
Supporting Our Communities: Managing and Running Support Groups - continued
This is a 3-hour introduction to support groups. This session will include many different aspects of
support group work such as proper introductions, establishing safe-space guidelines, and raising
awareness of the various issues facing LGBTQ API populations. There will be a mock-support group to
give participants an idea of the many facets of support groups. We will also discuss available resources
for individuals/groups interested in setting up their own support groups.
Presenters
Aneesa Sen, SALGA-NYC, New York, NY
Mashuq Deen, SALGA-NYC, New York, NY
NOTE: This is a 3-hour workshop covering two time slots. All participants are asked to stay for the entire
time.
SCE Monarch
LGBTQ AAPI Legacies: A Timeline of Resilience - continued
What is the "LGBTQ AAPI movement"? Where have we been and where are we going? This workshop
will discuss the Dragon Fruit Project, an intergenerational, oral history project that explores queer Asian
Pacific Islanders and their experiences with activism during the 60s through 90s. We'll actively engage in
47
the LGBTQ API narrative through a graphic timeline. By uplifting our community histories, we’re
breaking through the silence that is a byproduct of systematic and institutionalized oppression.
Participants will also learn how to upload our histories onto the free internet encyclopedia, Wikipedia,
LIVE!
Presenters
Tracy Nguyen, Program Coordinator, API Equality-Northern California, San Francisco, CA
Sammie Ablaza Wills, Program Assistant, API Equality-Northern California, Bay Area, CA
NOTE: This is a 3-hour workshop covering two time slots. All participants are asked to stay for the entire
time.
Tower 610
More $$$, More Power - continued
Lead the way to fundraising success! Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned fundraiser, raising
money from community members, neighbors, family, and other stakeholders can be one of the most
rewarding strategies your organization or group uses for LGBTQ liberation.
Presenters
Saurabh Bajaj, Director of Individual Fundraising, National LGBTQ Task Force, San Francisco, CA
Phillip Ozaki, National Major Gifts Officer, Lambda Legal, New York, NY
NOTE: This is a 3-hour workshop covering two time slots. All participants are asked to stay for the entire
time.
Tower 611
Movie: Qahaaniyan
What defines your identity? The people you love? The country of your birth? Your ethnic background?
Your perceived religion? Intersections is the story of a queer, Muslim, South Asian American woman of
color navigating these intersectionalities. This short film is part of “Qahaaniyan,” an ongoing Seattlebased project to document Queer South Asian oral histories.
Presenters
Bish Paul, Molecular Cell Biology Doctoral Candidate, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Screening generously sponsored by Trikone-Chicago
Tower 302
4:25 p.m. to 5:25 p.m. – Session 8: Caucuses
Youth/Student Caucus
Whether you have a local community to depend on or not, this closed-caucus is for students and those
25 and under. Vent your frustrations, find ways to ease issues, and engage in a validating space. This
caucus will split into small groups based on the needs of the attendees, but this space is open and
available regardless if you have an APIA organization, LGBTQ organization, or a Queer & Asian
organization near you.
Facilitators
Christina Adams, Administrative Assistant, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, Chicago, IL
Eric Khiev, Administrative Assistant, Providence Youth Student Movement, Providence, RI
Angie Shen, QT Member, Providence Youth Student Movement, Providence, RI
Jimmy Bui, Vietnamese American Young Leaders Association (VAYLA) of New Orleans, LA
SCE Monarch
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Cancer Survivors, People with AIDS, Chronically Ill People, and their Supporters
“We are not dying; we are living!” It’s okay. We are here to support each other. This closed caucus is for
people who have a health diagnosis which some perceive to be terminal, are surviving cancer, living with
AIDS/HIV, or are chronically ill. We also invite people who are our support system, family members, or
partners to join us for peer support.
Facilitator
Glenn D. Magpantay, Executive Director, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, New York, NY
SCE White Oak A
Adoptee Caucus
Are you a queer adopted AAPI?! Come meet, network, and share space with other adopted folks in this
closed caucus.
Facilitator
Molly Kiran Girton, Founder, FLY Project and MASALA Member,, Boston, MA
SCE White Oak B
Open Caucus.
SCE Cardinal
Men and Trans-Masculine Caucus
This caucus is intended for anyone who identifies as male. The space will be open for suggested topics of
shared interest with the objectives of building community and solidarity within the affinity group while
strategizing about how to be a supportive ally. The structure of the caucus will include activities as well
as small-group and large-group discussion.
Facilitators
Lance Dwyer, Member, Gay Asian Pacific-Islander Association, San Francisco, CA
Larry Tantay, Member, Gay Asian Pacific-Islander Men of NY, New City, NJ
SCE Illinois C
Women and Trans-Feminine Caucus
This closed caucus is for women and trans-feminine identified attendees to have an open discussion and
network.
Facilitators
Mioi Hanaoka, Steering Committee Member, API Equality-Northern California and APIQWTC, San
Francisco, CA
Jenni Wong, Robina Public Interest Fellow at the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington
Foundation, WA
SCE Fort Dearborn
Into the Light: The Realities of Sexual Abuse, Violence, and Trauma of QAPI Bodies - continued
“Into the Light” presents some of the history and current realities of sexual trauma in the Q/AAPI
community, including definitions and statistical data. Attendees will have the chance to explore their
own history of sexual trauma and its impact in their personal lives, community, and the larger LGBTQ
movement. This workshop offers space for sharing, finding community and healing. We will discuss and
identify community needs and missing resources, build awareness, and discuss what healing could look
49
like for individuals and communities. *Additional resources, support, and debrief space will follow the
workshop for anyone who is interested.
Presenters
Chong Moua, Shades of Yellow, St. Paul, MN
Teng Yang, Leadership Circle, Shades of Yellow, St. Paul, MN
Joann Vue, Leadership Circle, Shades of Yellow, St. Paul, MN
NOTE: This is a 2-hour workshop covering two time slots. All participants are asked to stay for the entire
time.
Tower 613
Excursion: Team Building Excursion for Parents and Allies
Join us for fun excursion/tour of Chicago to get to know each other and create a special memory
together! For many parents and allies, this conference is your first time meeting each other in-person
and your first visit to Chicago. We’ll be visiting interesting and educational sites and participating in
outdoor, group activities to connect with each other in a relaxed setting.
Presenters
Clara Yoon, API Project Founder, PFLAG, New York, NY
NOTE: This is a 2-3 hour off-site sightseeing excursion. Transportation will be provided for 12.
SCE East Terrace
Excursion: CAHM Killing Fields Museum and Memorial Tour
Join us for a museum tour and discussion of the Cambodian refugee experience. Since the establishment
of the Museum and Memorial in 2004, we have installed four major exhibitions, collected more than 50
life histories of local survivors, established the museum tours and dialogues program, and strengthened
our arts and culture programs that provide Khmer dance, music, and language instruction to students of
all ages. In 2011 we opened the fourth exhibition, Remembering the Killing Fields, that tells the stories
of survivors during the Cambodian Genocide between 1975 and 1979.
Presenters
Tola Ros, Volunteer Management Coordinator, National Cambodian American Heritage Museum &
Killing Fields Memorial, Chicago, IL
NOTE: This is a 2-3 hour off-site sightseeing excursion. Transportation will be provided for 12.
SCE East Terrace
5:45 p.m. – Dinner on your own
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – NQAPIA National Coalition Meeting of LGBTQ AAPI Organizations
This meeting is for NQAPIA member groups, staff, and Board members to vision and plan next steps for
LGBTQ AAPI campaigns around immigrant rights, racial justice, and more. Two (2) representatives from
each of the nation’s LGBTQ AAPI organizations are invited to discuss NQAPIA campaign priorities,
activities throughout the year, and collaborative projects. Dinner will be provided. Advance registration
required.
Facilitators:
Sasha W., Organizing Director, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, Madison, WI
TBD, NQAPIA Board Member
Inner Circle
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8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. – Arts and Cultural Community Performance
UIC Latino Cultural Center
803 South Morgan Street, Chicago, IL
Join us for an evening of laughter, music, cultural dance, spoken word, and song to celebrate our
cultures and recharge.
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SUNDAY, AUGUST 9
9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. – Session 9: Workshops and Caucuses
Our Community is Our Campaign
In this workshop presented by Freedom Inc., participants will gain insight on how to build and maintain
cross-racial and intergenerational organizing. Presenters will share lessons learned, best practices on
how to create culturally-specific spaces, and strategies for making sure that those who are most
impacted have positions of leadership. We will be discussing the importance of queer and trans Asians
for Black lives and why this is a queer issue.
Presenters
Zon Moua, Southeast Asian Girls & LGBTQ Program Director, Freedom Inc., Madison, WI
SCE Fort Dearborn
Reproductive Justice 101
Sick of all the attacks on reproductive health you've been hearing about? Interested in learning what
they mean for those of us who sit at the margins and at the intersections? This workshop will offer
participants an introduction to the Reproductive Justice framework, created by people of color, and
open up space for reflections on what it means for our own lives.
Presenters
Shivana Jorawar, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, and Board Member, National Queer
Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, Washington, DC
Joy Messinger, Core Member, Invisible to Invincible: Asian Pacific Islander Pride of Chicago, Chicago, IL
SCE Cardinal
Want to become a helpline operator for DeQH, Desi lgbtQ Helpline?
DeQH, the Desi lgbtQ Helpline, is the only national helpline run by and for queer South Asians/Desis in
the U.S. Are you interested in volunteering with us, for a couple of hours a month? In this workshop, we
will run a shortened version of our helpline operator training, which runs from 7-9pm cst. Once you're
trained, you can volunteer from anywhere! Some follow-up online will be required. Please note: DeQH is
run by and for LGBTQ South Asian / Desi people, so you must self-identify as LGBTQ and South
Asian/Desi in order to attend this workshop.
Presente
Sangeeta Swamy, co-founder and core committee member, DeQH
SCE Illinois A
Older AAPI Queers: Age Ain’t Nothin' But a Number
A venue for conference participants who are "older" to reflect on the past, recharge their batteries,
reconnect with friends old and new, remember the good times, and re-commit to the future. We're
flexible about the "older" part. 35? 40? It's all good, but be prepared to talk about what it's like to feel
like you've been at it for a while. We'll figure out what "it" is together!
Facilitators
Ben de Guzman, National Managing Coordinator, Diverse Elders Coalition, Washington, DC
I Li Hsiao, Core Member, Invisible to Invincible, Chicago, IL
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SCE Illinois B
How to Stand Out, While Blending In
Utilize your point of view and lifestyle to grab an audience (on and offstage) without losing trust. This is
a condensed workshop teaching and portraying the learned skills and concepts of Julia Cameron’s “The
Artist’s Way.” Through her teachings, she uses exercises and guidelines to help aspiring artists of all
forms unblock themselves and pursue a career within the arts. The workshop will expand on how gay
and racial cultures are othered in the media and how to use Cameron’s techniques to break past
limitations, empowering artists of all kinds.
Presenters
Edward Vera, Edward Vera Productions, Chicago, IL
Luke Meierdiercks, Edward Vera Productions, Chicago, IL
SCE White Oak A
Parents and Allies Caucus
This caucus is an opportunity for parents and allies to be debriefed on the Parents Convening and devise
an effective and concrete plan to support API LGBTQ community and other parents/family members
locally, nationally, and internationally. Those who were not part of the Parents Convening are welcome
to join. This is a time to reflect on your experiences at the conference and find ways to support each
other.
Facilitators
Clara Yoon, API Project Founder, PFLAG, New York, NY
Rosetta Lai, API PFLAG, Washington, DC
Laurin Mayeno, Founder, Out Proud Families, Berkeley, CA
SCE White Oak B
WHY I(dentities) MATTER: A Simple Way to Talk about the Complex Matrix of AAPI Gender & Culture
Discuss and share how our own experiences are unique across Asian, Asian American, Pacific Islander,
East Asian, South Asian, and Southeast Asian cultures and why this matters in comparison to other
races. Explore our complex identities by working through a variety of questions, identifying the
foundations and keepers of our social and cultural systems, and “connecting the dots.” Be prepared to
engage, get real, and unpack some of our own internalized garbage.
Presenters
Chong Moua, Shades of Yellow, St. Paul, MN
SCE Illinois C
Mixed Race AAPI's Affinity Group Workshop
This caucus session is for self-identifying LGBTQ+ mixed race people with Pacific Islander, South Asian,
Southeast Asian, and/or Asian heritage. In addition to some large group facilitated discussion, this
session will take a workshop format and will engage small group activities specifically around telling our
stories, empowering and grounding ourselves, and how we harness our sense of self and story into our
community work and/or our politics.
Facilitators
Nick Sakurai, Director of Leadership Initiatives at the LGBTQ Equity Center, University of Maryland,
College Park, MD
SCE East Terrace
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API & South Asian Queer Hair Stories
This session will explore issues around hair, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation.
How does your hair connect with your gender identity and sexual orientation? How is this a marker of
identity or identities? The presenters will talk about their current "Hair Stories" project, which includes
stories from API and South Asian women of different ages, ethnicities, and sexual orientations. They
hope to turn the stories into monologues and ultimately to have a staged reading for the community.
Presenters
Liz Thomson, Member, Invisible to Invincible: Asian Pacific Islander Pride of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Naomi Leilani Salcedo, Student Researcher, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
Tower 603
Advancing Equal Access for Trans Folks
Conducted by the author of Born on the Edge of Race and Gender: A Voice for Cultural Competency, this
interactive workshop will explore how to provide equal access for trans and gender non-conforming
people in a variety of service settings, and how to advocate for ourselves so that we can get the care we
need. Participants will explore the breadth of identities and experiences associated with transgender
communities, culturally appropriate language and behavior, and service issues at the intersections of
multiple oppressions and challenges. We will discuss strategies and tools that trans folks can use in
health care and other settings. Everyone welcome.
Presenter
Willy Wilkinson, author of Born on the Edge of Race and Gender: A Voice for Cultural Competency,
Oakland, CA
Tower 605
Cultural Appropriation
This workshop is an exploration of cultural appropriation between AAPI nations and other countries
[specifically the US]. In QTPOC arts/activism, the words "cultural appropriation" are damning
accusations of violence and theft, but are often overly simplistic and fail to acknowledge the intricacies
of geopolitical power. In this survey of cultural appropriation and AAPI communities, we will discuss
topics such as Hindu nationalism and yoga, Orientalism in American Hip Hop, and Japanese
appropriation of other cultures.
Presenters
Andrew Phan, 3PL+, Brooklyn, NY
Sharmin Hossain, Communications Coordinator and Youth Program Facilitator, YA-YA Network, New
York, NY
Tower 610
Desire: Preference and Social Physics
This presentation aims to account for the ways that sexuality is inflected by privilege, as identified in the
phrase “no fats, fems, Asians.” Though the phenomenon is itself problematic, its conditions and contexts
are worth exploring and unpacking.. Making use of diverse theoretical perspectives, this workshop aims
to rethink individual prejudice through its social determinations.
Presenters
Reid Uratani, Graduate Student, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Tower 611
54
Resexualizing the Model Minority: Examining the Impact of HIV in America's AAPI and LGBTQ
Communities
Beginning with an overview of previous research examining the prevalence of and attitudes toward
HIV/AIDS in the AAPI and AAPI/LGBTQ communities, this session aims to open discussion about internal
and external cultural expectations regarding gender and sexuality and how these views influence a
reluctance to get tested for HIV/AIDS. Through this conversation, we hope to talk about the ways in
which our community can overcome some of the common barriers to healthcare and identify what it
means to seek and provide "sensitive" care.
Presenters
Lakshmi Sundaresan, Americorps Member, Asian Human Services, Chicago, IL
Jeremy Carter, HIV Prevention Specialist, Asian Human Services, Chicago, IL
Workshop generously sponsored by Trikone-Chicago
Tower 613
LBGTQ2-S Youth Culture
This session focuses on personal self-acceptance and internalized trans/homophobia. We will discuss
the human rights exiled for youth of color, especially the intersections for APIA youth in need of
services. We will explore intersections with the homeless LGBTQ2-S population, race, and cisgender
privilege.
Presenters
Bridie Johnson, Licensed Master Social Worker, MI
Junella Maurice Tuason Casia-Johnson
SCE Monarch
Beyond Single-Issue Struggles: Solidarity with Palestine
This workshop is meant to provide some context for engaging in solidarity with Palestine as well as a
framework for critically engaging in solidarity in general. We will provide an overview of issues around
gender/sexuality, the prison-industrial complex, im/migration, and (settler) colonialism in relation to
Palestinian struggles for liberation to remind us that our multiple struggles are often interconnected.
We will also address how oppressive conditions force communities to foreground certain struggles over
others and what it means to be in solidarity with a struggle that is not overtly related to you or your
organization.
Presenters:
Dalia Fuleihan, Students for Justice in Palestine, NU Divest, Chicago, IL
Cinthya Rodríguez, MEChA de NU, NU Divest, Chicago, IL
Melisa Stephen, SWOP-Chicago, NU Divest, Chicago, IL
Tower 713
10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Brunch Plenary - Inner Circle
Building a Queer Asian Movement
Let’s discuss next steps for our LGBTQ AAPI movement. NQAPIA will report back from our membership
meeting and present our program priorities, including campaigns around immigrant rights, racial justice,
and more. We’ll think about how to bring the conference home, review next steps, and hear report
backs. Join us to continue building a stronger LGBTQ AAPI movement!
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Facilitators:
Sasha W., Organizing Director, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, Madison, WI
TDB, NQAPIA Board Member
Inner Circle
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Session 10: Regional Caucuses
Pacific Islands
Facilitator:
Frankie Eliptico, Co-Chair of PIJAAG and member of PRIDE Marianas, Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands
SCE Fort Dearborn
The South
Facilitator:
Stan Fong, Board Member, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, Atlanta, GA
SCE White Oak A
Pacific Northwest
Facilitator:
Aparajeeta "Sasha" Duttchoudhury, Trikone NW, Seattle, WA
Angeli Bhatt, API Chaya, Seattle, WA
SCE White Oak B
New England
Facilitator:
Binh Le, Steering Committee Member, Queer Asian Pacific Alliance, Boston, MA
Molly Kiran Girton, Founder, FLY Project, and MASALA Member, Boston, MA
SCE Monarch
DC Metro Area
Facilitator:
Kingston Kodan, President, KhushDC, Washington, DC
SCE Cardinal
New York/New Jersey/Pennsylvania
Facilitators:
Rej Joo, Co-Coordinator, Dari Project, New York, NY
Radha Modi, Steering Committee, SALGA-NYC, Philadelphia, PA
Patrick Lin, Steering Committee, Gay Asian Pacific Islander Men of New York, NY
Ryan Shen, Co-Chair, Gay Asian Pacific Islander Men of New York, New York, NY
SCE Illinois B
California
Facilitators:
Monna Wong, Executive Director, API Equality-Northern California, San Francisco, CA
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Shaan Dasani, Board Member, Satrang, Los Angeles, CA
SCE Illinois C
Midwest
Facilitators:
Nick Kor, Leadership Circle, Shades of Yellow, eriSt. Paul, MN
I Li Hsiao, Core Member, Invisible to Invincible: Asian Pacific Islander Pride of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Sal Salam, Trikone Chicago, Chicago, IL
SCE Illinois A
We’re Here, Too!
Regional isolation is real, and regional distinctions don’t always fit the complications of our lives. If you
don’t identify with the other regional caucuses but want to say that “you’re here too!” come join us
here.
Facilitators:
Alison Lin, Board Member, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, Oakland, CA
Eri Oura, Board Member, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, Oakland, CA /Honolulu, HI
SCE East Terrace
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. – Closing Plenary
Report Backs, Next Steps, Evaluation, Thank Yous
What’s next? How’d we do? And thanks so much.
Facilitator:
Glenn D. Magpantay, Executive Director, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, New York, NY
Christina Adams, Administrative Assistant, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, Chicago, IL
Thank Yous:
JJ Ueunten, Invisible to Invincible: Asian Pacific Islander Pride of Chicago
Sal Salam, Trikone Chicago
Final Remarks by
Michele Lee? Kevin Lee, NQAPIA Board of Director
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Speaker Biographies
Agnes Meneses joined the Chicago Foundation for women earlier this year as the Director of Strategic
Initiatives, a newly created role to help build awareness, cross-sector collaborations and
multidisciplinary approaches to addressing domestic violence and the generational cycle of violence
impacting children and community. She has spent twelve years at the Alphawood Foundation, gaining
wide experience in supporting the Foundation’s grantees ranging from arts, arts education, and
environmental organizations to those focused on addressing community needs and pressing social
justice issues. Prior to joining Alphawood, Agnes served as a Manager of Annual Funds for the American
Red Cross of Greater Chicago and in business and market development for PwC’s Chicago office.
Alan Klein is the co-founder of Public Impact Media Consultants. Established in 1990 in New York City,
Public Impact was a pioneer in raising the profile of key LGBT and HIV/AIDS organizations. Their
campaigns have helped inaugurate social change and policy reforms thereby making positive changes to
the political landscape. Public Impact has also represented organizations championing the homeless,
animal rights, women’s reproductive rights, as well as authors, filmmakers and musicians. This year Klein
and business partner Jay Blotcher (a comrade of Klein from the founding chapters of ACT UP and Queer
Nation) celebrate the 25th anniversary of Public Impact. http://publicimpactpr.com/
Aleksa Manila is the founder of Pride ASIA in Seattle, WA.
Alex Lee is a loving aunt who loves and supports a transgender nephew unconditionally.
Alexander Chen is currently a law clerk for Judge Gonzalo P. Curiel of the United States District Court for
the District of Southern California. Alex received a J.D. from Harvard Law School in 2015, an M.A. in
English Literature from Columbia University in 2012, and a B.A. from Oxford University in 2009. During
law school, he worked on LGBT issues at the Department of Justice, the ACLU, and the National Center
for Transgender Equality. He has also written on trans issues for the Harvard Law Review.
Alice Y. Hom has worked at Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP) for 7 years and
helped create the Queer Justice Fund to address the disparity of funding to AAPI LGBTQ communities.
Alice serves on the board of Cal Humanities and is a member of the LA API Giving Circle. For fun, Alice
enjoys food and exploring new restaurants with friends, finding funky socks to wear, and practicing
dance moves for a Queer Asian boy band, AZN8.
Alina Bee serves on the board of Satrang. Bee has been working as a social media marketer for several
years, managing several small- to medium-sized businesses at a time, customizing strategies for each
one.
Alison Lin, MPH. You can find Alison teaching queer and trans yoga, hiking, and eating vegetables from
her and others' gardens along with other pursuits of love. With over a decade of leadership experience,
Alison brings expertise in grassroots organizing, coalition building and research to all her endeavors.
Consuming less and building community connections take up time in her heart and her schedule. She is
a proud founding member of hotpot! and a board member of the National Queer Asian and Pacific
Islander Alliance. She is queer and mixed race.
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Almas Haider is the child of working class Pakistani immigrants and a queer Muslim. Almas was
impacted at a young age by post-9/11 islamophobia and brownphobia. Channeling those experiences
through writing and activism, she seeks to build an intersectional lens for communities of color to build
in solidarity as well as advocate for the rights of immigrants, workers, prisoners and those affected by
criminal justice systems. Formerly the Civil Rights Advocate at the South Asian Network and President of
Satrang, Los Angeles's queer and trans* organization for South Asians, she currently works with the
Fulbright Program in Washington, D.C.
Amanda Niven is the Director of the Trans* Leadership Project in Michigan and part of the Trans
Leadership Exchange of the National LGBTQ Task Force. Niven has extensive experience in working with
and training trans and gender non-conforming organizers, leaders, and activists on values-based
leadership, messaging, lobbying, storytelling, and more.
Anand Kalra is the Health Programs Manager at the Transgender Law Center, where he coordinates
policy projects related to transition-related and HIV care for trans and gender non-conforming people.
Anand applies systems analysis to identify breakdowns in the administration of health care in the private
and public sectors and uses this knowledge to create understandable educational materials and
trainings for transgender community members and service providers. He holds a Master’s degree in
Information Science from the University of Michigan.
Andrew Phan is an independent artist/activist/sex worker living and working in Brooklyn NY. They have
worked to create cultural spaces for Queer and Trans People of Color in New York City. They also
participate in community organizing with groups such as the Audre Lorde Project and were active in the
recent demonstrations against police brutality like the Stop Mass Incarceration network and the
People’s Power Assembly. They are primarily an artist and are currently creating media that aims to
provide alternative narratives for the experiences of sex workers. Also, they be hustlin’ that coin.
Andy Marra is the Communications Manager at the Arcus Foundation. Andy possesses over a decade of
communications experience working with LGBTQ organizations worldwide. Andy’s work and
commentary have been found on programs ranging from NPR’s “Tell Me More,” The Rachel Maddow
Show, and Access Hollywood, and outlets including Jezebel, the New York Times, and the Wall Street
Journal. She was recognized by the White House, The Advocate’s “Forty under 40,” and as one of The
Huffington Post’s “Most Compelling LGBT People.” Andy also received the GLSEN Pathfinder Award,
National LGBTQ Task Force Creating Change Award, and NQAPIA Community Catalyst Award.
Aneesa Sen is a former SALGA NYC board member. Along with Mashuq Deen, she has trained support
group facilitators and helpline operators for the past five years. Sen has also trained volunteers for
DeQH: Desi LGBTQ Helpline for South Asians at NQAPIA. Sen has presented with NQAPIA and at Creating
Change (2012, 2015). Sen is a youth mentor, an educator, an activist, and a poet.
Aneesha Gandhi is a staff attorney for the National Immigrant Justice Center’s LGBTQ Immigrant Rights
Initiative, where she represents both detained and non-detained LGBTQ immigrants. Additionally,
Gandhi is a co-chair of the LGBTQ Immigrant Rights Coalition of Chicago, a collaboration of LGBTQ and
Immigrant rights organizations and individuals who work together on outreach and legislative efforts.
She is also a board member of the Chicago Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild and a member of The
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United People of Color Caucus (TUPOCC) of the Guild. Gandhi received a BA from Smith College and a JD
from Northeastern University School of Law.
Angeli Bhatt is a queer South Asian Community Organizer with API Chaya. She received her MSW from
the University of Washington in 2012. She enjoys reading, playing drums, and building things.
Angie Shen Gemini b. 1993: loves libraries, thunder, hi-tec-c pens, coconut, and her pet fish; dislikes
bigots, celery and dry skin; plays ultra-beginner drums in her band 'mystii'; works in art education and
food service; dreams in ceramic, paper and print. Angie Shen is the QT Member of the Providence Youth
Student Movement (PrYSM).
Anna Guevarra is the Director and an Associate Professor within the Asian American Studies Program at
University of Illinois at Chicago.
Anurag Lahiri is a Queer Bengali social worker and activist based in Chicago. Much of her hands-on
organizing and work experience has been through Trikone Chicago, Apna Ghar, and Chicago Desi Youth
Rising. She is now becoming more involved with DeQH (Desi LGBTQ Helpline) and QSANN (Queer South
Asian National Network). Her work puts value on social support, music and food as South Asian
community healing methods, Queer South Asian intergenerational conversation and skill share, and
providing affirming spaces for spiritual and religious Queer South Asians.
Aparajeeta "Sasha" Duttchoudhury, also known as "Sasha," is a young writer and resident of the Pacific
Northwest. Sasha graduated from the University of Washington with a BA in English and has since been
published in "Moving Truth(s): Queer and Transgender Desi Writings on Family" and "T.I.P.S. to Study
Abroad: Simple Letter for Complex Engagement". Sasha has been a SAALT Young Leaders Institute
Fellow and is now newly involved in Trikone NW.
Apphia K is a Bisexual Activist, a board member of SALGA-NYC, and a recent asylee from India.
Aries Liao is a co-founder and co-director of Asian Pride Project and the co-founder and past steering
committee member of Q-Wave. She has also served on the board of the National Queer Asian and
Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA) from 2009 to 2013. Aries strives to foster open communication and
solidarity in diverse communities and to facilitate greater understanding and acceptance of people with
different worldviews and experiences.
Arli Christian. As Policy Counsel, Arli Christian is dedicated to improving and expanding access to legal
services for trans communities through NCTE’s Trans Legal Services Network and works with state
advocates to modernize name change laws, state ID regulations, and birth certificate policies. Christian
also serves on the Steering Committee of Trans Legal Advocates of Washington (TransLAW). Christian
received a J.D. from American University Washington College of Law in 2013 and a B.A. from Wesleyan
University in 2004. Christian speaks English and Spanish and grew up in New York City.
August Guang is a booty-bumping oppression-stomping trans* Chinese boi. They coordinates QT
Thursdays at the Providence Youth Student Movement (PrYSM), a space for queer and trans youth of
color to build community and challenge mainstream LGBTQ narratives. They is also a grad student in
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Applied Mathematics at Brown University studying probability theory and phylogenetics. The rest of the
time they is a giant troll.
Ben Cabangun is a national technical assistance provider and trainer in the area of HIV Testing,
Prevention with HIV Positive Persons, HIV/AIDS Organizational Development, and Health Department
Planning and Policy. He has provided consultations and training on these topics to community based
organizations and state/county/city health departments throughout the United States and its affiliated
jurisdictions.
Ben de Guzman is a long-time advocate for the LGBT AAPI community. He is the former Co-Director for
Programs of NQAPIA and has presented at both of NQAPIA's previous conferences. His new role is the
National Managing Coordinator at the Diverse Elders Coalition provides him with experience working
with AAPI, LGBTQ, Hispanic, and Native American aging advocates and their constituencies.
Benjamin Chou has been the co-chair of AQUA DC for 1.5 years, leading all board meetings, organizing
all GBT forums/discussions within greater AAPI community, etc.
Bex Ahuja loves organizing and racial and economic justice, and has a passion for winning progressive
campaigns. Bex is passionate about helping nonprofit leaders improve their management. At the
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Bex helped nonprofits increase staff performance, mobilization,
and fundraising through training and coaching. Bex has played senior leadership roles in 17 winning
legislative and ballot measure campaigns around the U.S. and has trained over 3,200 people in
grassroots organizations. Bex began organizing over 11 years ago and is too legit to quit the progressive
movement. Bex can be found eating delicious foods in Brooklyn, NY.
Binh Le was born and raised in Tennessee but is close to a decade of Massachusetts residency. She has
served on the Steering Committee for Queer Asian Pacific-Islander Alliance (QAPA) since 2012. When
she is not a non-profit minion, she is also an analyst for a consulting firm.
Bish Paul is a Molecular Cell Biology Doctoral Candidate at the University of Washington. Our
community has several poignant stories to tell, and these stories need to be documented. Sometimes,
they are hard to come by, especially when historically our culture, silently but pervasively, advocates
hiding the truth about our lives. Real stories well-told are one of the most powerful ways of
entertaining, inspiring, and freeing us from isolation, helping us realize that we are in fact part of a
community. The short has played at the Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival in 2014 and Seattle Asian
American Film Festival in 2015.
Bridie Johnson was on the Board of Directors for the Ruth Ellis Center for 48 years. Johnson has also sat
on the Board of Directors of Michigan Equality and has been a co-producer of “Alternative
Perspectives,” a radio show in Georgia that discusses LBGT issues on a weekly basis. Johnson is certified
by the Runaway and Homeless Youth National Coalition as an LBGT trainer and has trained the FBI,
attorneys, doctors, Child Protective Services, etc. Johnson has been a foster care juvenile justice
supervisor for over 15 years.
Calvin Shin is part of the Gay Asian Pacific Alliance, the UC Berkeley Cal Queer & Asian, and the Asian
and Pacific American Coalition.
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Chaoqun (Crystal) Ding is an undergraduate student at Purdue University.
Carmina Ocampo is a Staff Attorney and Immigrants’ Rights Strategist in the Western Regional Office of
Lambda Legal. Prior to joining Lambda Legal, Carmina was with Asian Americans Advancing Justice
(Advancing Justice - LA, formerly the Asian Pacific American Legal Center), where in 2008 she was
awarded a Skadden Fellowship to conduct a workers’ rights project focused on home care workers.
Carmina conducted impact litigation and advocacy to advance workers’ and immigrants’ rights and racial
justice. Carmina received her juris doctorate from the University of California Los Angeles School of Law
with a specialization in Critical Race Studies.
Cathy Sakimura is the Family Law Director and Supervising Attorney at the National Center for Lesbian
Rights (NCLR). Cathy also founded and oversees NCLR’s Family Protection Project, which improves
access to family law services for low-income LGBTQ parents and their children, with a focus on families
of color. She received her J.D. from the University of California’s Hastings College of the Law and her B.A.
from Stanford University. In 2012, she was named one of the Best LGBTQ Lawyers under 40 by the
National LGBTQ Bar Association. She is a co-author of the treatise Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and
Transgender Family Law.
Chong Moua is a Hmong Queer Woman, Speaker, Spoken Word Artist, Community Organizer, and Social
Entrepreneur. Her experiences include SOY (Shades of Yellow), PAVE-MN (Pan-Asian Voices for EquityMinnesota), CAAR (Community Action Against Racism), Minnesota History Center, University of
Wisconsin, University of Minnesota, Metropolitan State University, Hamline University, TakeAction MN,
OutFront MN, Bi Organizing Project, and Neighborhood House. Chong is passionate about community
and building economic sustainability for Queer People of Color.
Christina Adams currently works for NQAPIA. She recently graduated from Missouri State University
with two majors and two minors. As a biracial, atheist, liberal feminist, Adams was highly involved to
support solidarity at her campus with low diversity and obscene amounts of religious and political
conservatism. In 2013, she received the Charles Chang Award from the Midwest Asian American
Students Union (MAASU), and earlier this year, she was an OCA National intern. Adams has led and
facilitated many diversity and/or leadership activities and presented at the Missouri Statewide
Collaborative Diversity Conference, where she was also the Student Day Chair.
Christine Chen, the founding executive director from 2006-2008, returned to APIAVote in 2011 to serve
as its current Executive Director. She has more than two decades of experience in organizing and
advocating on issues such as immigration, hate crimes, affirmative action, census, racial profiling, voting
rights, election reform, and various derogatory and racist media incidents. Currently, Chen serves in the
Center for Asian American Media and OCA Northern Virginia Chapter, is president of Strategic Alliances
USA, and serves on the advisory boards for the Kennedy Center Community, Asian Pacific American
Medical Students Association, and the Conference on Asian Pacific American Leadership.
Cinthya Rodriguez is part of MEChA de NU of the NU Divest in Chicago, IL.
Clara Yoon is a proud Korean mother of a transgender, bisexual son. She is the founder of the API
Project that provides support for LGBTQ individuals and families of Asian heritage and addresses
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culture-specific needs of the API community. She also serves on the Board of PFLAG NYC chapter. She
believes in the importance of improving LGBTQ equality in API homelands and faith groups to create
better acceptance for LGBTQ individuals within the API communities both in Americas and overseas.
Crystal Middlestadt is a self-proclaimed fundraising geek with 12+ years’ experience with nonprofit
leadership, resource development, and anti-violence organizing. Her curiosity in how funding influences
organizational and movement priorities led her to join her first Development Committee in 2006
while staff at a local rape crisis center. She previously served as co-executive director of Survivors
Organizing for Liberation (formerly CAVP), a statewide organization dedicated to building safety and
justice for LGBTQ communities. Middlestadt co-coordinated the Allied Media Conference’s first
“Resourcing and Sustaining our Movements” track in 2014 and has contributed to the GIFT Blog
and Grassroots Fundraising Journal.
Dalia Fuleihan is part of Students for Justice in Palestine at NU Divest in Chicago, IL.
Dan J. Whittaker works in the field of building design, construction and coordination by day; he is a
Korean adoptee that has a fierce passion for revealing the unspoken and underrepresented voices of
those living in unexplored shadows of Midwestern America. He also likes journeying to new lands by
foot and kayak.
Danny Pham identifies as a cis-gay, Vietnamese-American male. Danny was born and raised in Silicon
Valley and received Bachelor and Master Science Degrees from the University of San Francisco. Danny is
affiliated with the following organizations: Gay Asian Pacific Alliance, Co-Chair; Gay Asian Pacific Alliance
Foundation, Ex-Officio; East Bay Municipal Utility District, Wastewater Control Representative; Former
SF API LGBT Pride Council Member; Former Chief Marketing & Finance Officer of GAMeBoi LLC; Former
Environmental Scientist, State of California, Regional Water Resources Control Board.
David Do is the Director of the Office of Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs and consistently works on the
front lines to improve the quality of life of all AAPI residents in the District of Columbia.
Denmark Diaz is a Health Promotions Specialist for the API Wellness Center. He holds an undergraduate
degree in Health Education with a focus on community-based public health from San Francisco State
University. He also serves on the board of the Gay Asian Pacific Alliance (GAPA).
Dennis Chin is the Membership Chair of the Gay Asian Pacific Islander Men of New York (GAPIMNY). He
previously served as Co-Chair from 2013 through 2014. Dennis also serves on the Board of Directors of
CAAAV: Organizing Asian Communities. Full-time, Dennis is the Director of Communications at the
Center for Social Inclusion. Follow him on Twitter @denniscchin
Dennis Mallillin is a Filipino gay man and a first-generation immigrant. What started as a life-saving
involvement with the Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center’s (APIWC) youth program has resulted in
a lifelong commitment to serve the LGBTQ-API community. Dennis has served as a community organizer,
peer counselor, and HIV/AIDS prevention worker and is currently serving as a psychotherapist, social
worker, and case manager to APIs in San Francisco. Dennis pursued psychology at San Francisco State
University and completed his Master’s Degree in Counseling with an emphasis on Marriage and Family
Therapy at the California State University, East Bay.
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Dennis M. Quinio, Esq. has substantial experience representing clients at every stage of litigation, in
complex commercial and class actions, in both federal and state courts, and from a wide range of
industries (e.g., life sciences, pharmaceuticals, technology, telecommunications). Dennis also has
experience counseling clients in antitrust investigations. In addition to his litigation practice, Dennis is
active in Hogan Lovells’ Diversity Committee, where he co-chairs the New York Hogan Lovells Pride
group. Dennis also has devoted substantial time to pro bono legal work on behalf of numerous LGBTQfocused organizations. His pro bono work has involved novel and emerging legal issues affecting the
LGBTQ community.
Edward Vera was raised in Las Vegas, NV where he graduated from the University of Nevada Las Vegas
in Stage and Screen Acting. From his undergrad, he built a career of theatre and film production and
took it to Chicago as he began his studies with the Second City. He made his production company,
Edward Vera Productions, official as of 2014 and partnered with artists to further push his platform.
Edward hopes to work more with original music in ways that are innovative, creative, and educational.
For more information about their production company, check out: EdwardVeraProductions.com.
Edwin Tablada is the EPA & Community Education Assistant at Lambda Legal. Tablada has facilitated
various workshops on subjects including know your rights, workplace fairness for LGBTQ individuals, and
other criminal justice themes.
Elena Chang strives to engage community dialogue by shedding light on various social, political, and
humanitarian issues through film, theater, and other art forms. She recently performed at the 3rd
National Asian American Theatre Festival in Soomi Kim’s production of “Dictee”, a multimedia
performance based on the text of Theresa Hak Kyung Cha. As a 2011 Korean American Community
Foundation Arts Grantee, she produced and directed “V-Day: Koreatown”, the first production of the
“Vagina Monologues” with an all-Korean cast in NYC. She received her BFA in Theatre from Mason Gross
School of the Arts, Rutgers University as well as training from Shakespeare’s Globe, London.
Eli Chi is a 27 year old Chinese-Cuban, American born, queer, and transmasculine pretty boi currently
based out of St. Louis, MO. Eli is a recent Brown Boi Project “Brown Boi”, who currently sits on the board
as the Youth Coordinator for the St. Louis Metro Trans Umbrella Group. Under MTUG, he has created
QTPOC:STL, a meet up and safe space for people who self identify as LGBTQ+ and as a Person of Color to
share space, be with community and talk through life things. Eli also does work with LGBTQ young
people through both Growing American Youth and Missouri GSA Network.
When Eli is not trying too hard to save the world, Chi also performs drag in the St. Louis metro area
under the name Sum Yung Wang. He also loves playing guitar, riding his bike around the city, and
learning how to be the best cat daddy to his fur baby cat Juice!
Eri Oura is a 2nd generation japanese queer born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. Currently based in
Oakland, California, eri teaches bicycle safety, lives in a QTPOC co-op, and spends their free time
gardening. eri has been on the NQAPIA Board since April 2014.
Erin Kahunawaika ‘ala Wright, PhD, is Kanaka Oiwi (Native Hawaiian) from Kalihi, O'ahu and serves as
an assistant professor of Educational Administration (Higher Education) at the University of Hawai‘i at
Mānoa. She is dedicated to Kanaka Oiwi nationhood, her work focusing on understanding the ways in
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which sovereignty and self-determination can be supported through Kanaka Oiwi engagement in higher
education.
Eugene Hwang is a member of AQUA DC.
Fawzia Mirza acts, writes & produces. She loves to use performance, personal storytelling and comedy
to break down stereotypes across a multiplicity of identities: race, religion, sexual orientation and
gender, and defy the concept of the “model minority”. She has made a web series like Kam Kardashian
about the long lost lesbian Kardashian sister and Brown Girl Problems, a series about South Asian
women who also happen to be regular people with regular problems. Catch Fawzia on NBC’s Chicago
Fire, Afterellen’s lesbian series The Lphabet or in a lesbian-centric Buzzfeed video about seeing your Ex
that’s already had over 1.2 million views.
Frankie Eliptico is a co-chair of the Pacific Islands Jurisdictions AIDS Action Group (PIJAAG), a coalition
comprised of representative agencies and NGOs from six Pacific US-affiliated countries and territories:
Palau, Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic
of the Marshall Islands, and American Samoa. He is a founding member of PRIDE Marianas. Frankie
serves as the board chair of the Mariana Islands Nature Alliance, which is dedicated to conserving the
CNMI’s precious natural resources. Frankie is the Director of External Relations for the Northern
Marianas College, and he leads the College’s legislative advocacy efforts.
Gene Mar has been a member of the Chicago Hellfire Club for 14 years and is a contributing writer for
Instigator magazine. Mar has 27 years of experience in leather, kink, & S/M, including 24 years in the
organized leather community, and teaching various forms of bondage, S/M, from novice to advanced.
Mar has presented in multiple classes and workshops for Chicago Hellfire Club, Thunder in the
Mountains (Denver based pan-sexual fetish seminar), Avatar Club Los Angeles, Orange Coast Leather
Assembly (Southern California), and Regiment of the Black and Tans (Southern California).
Geneva Musgrave works with Lambda Legal to develop the Family Acceptance project and social
marketing campaigns for families of color. She is an experienced trainer, working with families of color
for over eleven years.
Glenn D. Magpantay, Esq. is Executive Director of the National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance
(NQAPIA). He has worked in the movement for LGBTQ rights and equality for over twenty-five years.
Before, Glenn had a long and distinguished career as a civil rights attorney as the Democracy Program
Director at the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF), where he worked to
protect and promote the voting rights and political participation of Asian Americans. He continues to
inspire new legal minds and future advocates by teaching Race & the Law at Brooklyn Law School and
Asian American Civil Rights at Hunter College/CUNY.
Glenn is a former co-chair of the Gay Asian & Pacific Islander Men of New York and organized the firstever LGBTQ testimony before the White House Initiative on Asian Americans & Pacific Islander in 2000.
He was named as one of INSTINCT MAGAZINE’S “25 Leading Men of 2004”. In 1994, he spoke at the
National March on Washington for Lesbian, Gay, and Bi Equal Rights and Liberation. Glenn attended the
State University of New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook on Long Island, and as a beneficiary of affirmative
action, graduated cum laude from the New England School of Law, in Boston.
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Glenn Murakami is a father of two gay sons and is from California.
Harper Jean Tobin. As Director of Policy, Harper Jean Tobin coordinates all aspects of advocacy on
federal administrative policies and regulations for NCTE and works to provide information for the public
about laws and policies that affect transgender people. She also serves on the board of HIPS, an
organization that promotes rights, health and safety for those involved in sex work, sex trade, or drug
use in the DC area. Tobin previously worked at the National Senior Citizens Law Center’s Federal Rights
Project. Tobin’s writing on transgender equality and other issues has appeared in numerous
publications. A Kentucky native, she received degrees in law and social work from Case Western Reserve
University in Cleveland and is an alumna of Oberlin College.
Henry Ocampo has worked in the HIV/AIDS field for over 20 years. After completing a BS in Psychology
at UC Davis, Ocampo worked in San Francisco, managing HIV prevention programs targeting Asians and
Pacific Islanders. Ocampo earned a Master's of Public Health in Health and Social Behavior from UC
Berkeley. Since starting at the Office of Minority Health Resource Center (OMHRC) in 2004, Ocampo has
provided capacity building assistance to organizations and health departments around the country. His
projects at OMHRC include the Pacific Project, which aims at improving health programs in the USaffiliated Pacific Islands.
Hye-John Chung is a Korean dyke mom of two very different and beautiful boys – Julian (7) and Miles
(4). Hye-John and her wife, Christian, took turns having kids using the same Korean donor dad, so Julian
is bi-racial and Miles is full Korean. When Hye-John isn’t running around chasing after her kids, she
works as a product manager for Bank of America. She has also been active in queer Asian organizations
in Boston and Philly, such as A Slice of Rice and QAPA in Boston (more so – pre-kids) and hotpot in Philly
(less so – post kids but hey, her famous hotpot brunch gave inspiration to the organization’s name).
I Li Hsiao has been doing queer Asian activism since the mid-90s. I Li was one of founders and chair of
Gay Asian Pacific Islanders of Chicago (GAPIC), was part of CDMC (Chicago Dyke March Collective), has
been co-chair of Invisible to Invincible: Asian Pacific Islander Pride of Chicago (i2i), and was on the board
of NQAPIA. I Li currently serves in the core of i2i. I Li is a strong believer in gender bending. I Li has been
a floral designer/artist since 1992 and does floral work and floral art installations throughout the
country.
Ilona Turner has presented on legal issues facing transgender and gender non-conforming people for
more than 5 years—the last 3 of these as legal director at the Transgender Law Center.
imi rashid is a queer bangladeshi muslim immigrant and long-time resident of Chicago. she is a selfemployed certified public accountant dedicated to serving individuals, groups, and communities that are
actively in the business of creating change through art, grassroots organizing, social justice activism, and
anti-oppression work. imi is also one of the founding members of the Muslim Alliance for Sexual &
Gender Diversity (MASGD) and currently serves as its co-coordinator. when she's not crunching
numbers, she's avidly playing badminton, shooting pool, or swimming.
Inhe Choi has over 25 years of experience working to build strong communities, organizations, and
institutions as a community organizer, policy analyst, program officer, and consultant. In all of her roles,
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her main interest has been to build capacity, strategy, and coalitions across boundaries of race, gender,
income level, sexual orientation, abilities, immigration status, type and size of organizations,
neighborhoods, cities, regions, and more. She has also organized an all women Korean percussion group
for everyday women, moms, and girls to build a strong community through culture. Currently Inhe is the
Executive Director of Korean American Resource and Cultural Center.
Irma Bajar is a queer GNC Filipino born-and-raised in Hawaii, lived in Seattle for 7 years, lived NYC for 6
years, and now lives in Oakland, CA. As the former Membership Coordinator of the Audre Lorde Project,
Bajar developed and facilitated a variety of workshops, trainings, and political education and also
conducted and developed trainings and workshops for leadership development, skills training, and
media training for members, community partners, and allies. As the Vice Chair of International Relations
at GABRIELA USA, Bajar has facilitated numerous workshops for high schoolers, college folks, community
members, migrant communities, low-income folks, and LGBTSTGNC folks.
Jacob Smith Yang is the Senior Director of Capacity Building at the Asian & Pacific Islander American
Health Forum. He is a national technical assistance provider and trainer in the area of HIV Testing,
Prevention with HIV Positive Persons, HIV/AIDS Organizational Development, and Health Department
Planning and Policy. He has provided consultations and training on these topics to community based
organizations and state/county/city health departments throughout the United States and its affiliated
jurisdictions.
Jae Jin Pak is Chair of the Asian Giving Circle, Chicago, IL. He is an educator, advocate, and ally. For over
20 years, he has worked on issues of mental health, ending men’s violence against women, disability,
anti-oppression and cultural competency. After learning of the lack of grant funding going towards AAPI
serving agencies/programs, Pak joined AGC to add his support to provide funding to AAPI serving
programs in greater Chicago. In 2011, Pak received the FoundAsian Award from the City of Chicago
Commission on Human Relations Advisory Council on Asian Affairs in recognition of contributions and
commitment to helping to improve the lives of people with disabilities.
James Servino is the Associate Director for Online Mobilization and Social Media at the Human Rights
Campaign. James is also a member of AQUA DC.
Janani Balasubramanian is an artivist-techie and one-half of the spoken word duo DarkMatter. They
also run communications for NQAPIA. Janani's creative work deals broadly with themes of empire,
desire, ancestry, microflora, apocalypse, and the Future. Janani’s writing and performance has been
featured in MSNBC, Fusion.net, The New Inquiry, and more. They’ve performed to sold-out houses at
venues like La Mama Experimental Performance Theater and the Nuyorican Poet's Cafe. They’re
currently working on a novel, Sleeper.
Jasmin Hyowon Kim is a Queerean-American student activist from New York City dedicated to attaining
racial, gender, and economic justice as well as community development, mental health in APIA and
queer communities, and global health. She pursues her passion for social justice through membership
with local organizations such as Nodutdol, Q-WAVE, and Anakbayan NY in addition to her professional
work with Asian Americans for Equality. In her spare time, Jasmin enjoys learning, blogging, food,
writing, and sometimes performing.
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Jay-Ash Nair has served on the board of Trikone Chicago since its incorporation in 2011. Starting off as a
volunteer, he has taken up progressive responsibilities within the organization and currently serves as
the Secretary to the board. While not saving the world, Jay is a project management consultant for a
multi-national corporation headquartered in downtown Chicago. While not working, he likes to hangout
with friends, travel, savor wine, cook and bird watch in Boystown.
Rev. Jeanelle Nicolas Ablola serves as Co-Chair of the CA-NV Philippine Solidarity Task Force (PSTF),
Board Member of Network for Religion and Justice (NRJ), and on the organizing committee for Kalipunan
ng Kristiyanong Kabataan sa Pilipinas NorCal (3KP). In 2014, Methodist Federation for Social Action
California-Nevada Chapter (MFSA) presented her with the Bishop Leontine T.C. Kelly Peace and Justice
Award.
JeeYeun Lee is involved with Invisible to Invincible: Asian Pacific Islander Pride of Chicago (i2i) and KANWIN. Lee is a certified trainer in peer listening and has taught workshops and classes in peer listening for
10 years.
Jenni Wong returned home to the Pacific Northwest in the fall of 2014 to serve as a Robina Public
Interest Fellow and staff attorney at the ACLU of Washington. Jenni’s work at the ACLU focuses on legal
advocacy for LGBTQ people in Washington, which includes enforcing the rights of individuals under state
antidiscrimination laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity,
and gender expression. Before her fellowship, Jenni attended Vassar College in New York and law school
at the University of Minnesota. Jenni lives in Seattle with her partner, Anneka.
Jennifer Ly is a queer Chinese-Vietnamese American from the San Gabriel Valley and Bay Area. She is a
steering committee member of the Queer Asian Pacific Alliance (QAPA) and founding member of the
Boston chapter of the National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum (NAPAWF). As a first generation
college student, Jennifer is a recent master in urban planning graduate from MIT.
Jeremy Carter is the HIV Prevention Specialist at Asian Human Services in Chicago, IL.
Jess Delegencia is the Coordinator for the API Roundtable at Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies (CLGS)
and a board member of the Network for Religion and Justice for API LGBTQ People. He is a citizen of
both the United States and the Philippines, and is currently the executive director of World Bridges, an
Oakland-based non-profit serving young adults of color affected by US urban poverty. He is also a PhD
candidate in Organizational Leadership at Eastern University in St. Davids, PA, where his research is
focused on Filipino leadership and LGBTQ advocacy in Christian organizations.
JJ Ueunten is a queer yonsei Okinawan and Japanese American who grew up in Hawaii. They delight in
cooking, eating, and dreaming of food. She organizes with Invisible to Invincible: Asian Pacific Islander
Pride of Chicago (i2i) and the Chicago Dyke March Collective and is surrounded by a community of truly
amazing and loving people.
Jo Quiambao is a Queer pinay that lives and organizes in Washington DC with the Trafficked Filipino
Teachers that GABRIELA USA is working with. Jo is one of the founders of GABRIELA USA's newest
chapter in DC, and she has also done numerous trainings and workshops in the DC area with their
members, community folks, allies, and in schools and churches.
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Joann Vue has been a Financial Analyst with Wells Fargo Bank for over 13 years. She received her
Master’s in Business Administration from Hamline University with an undergrad in Finance from Metro
State University. She is a former Treasurer Board Member for SOY (Shades of Yellow). With the support
of her family and friends, Joann has been able to surpass her own trials and tribulations in regards to
gender/sexual identity to get to where she is today. She is passionate in helping others and loves
volunteering her time supporting and advocating for the Hmong/API LGBTQ Community.
Jonas Ginsburg works as a clinical therapist for Asian Human Services and has presented at various film
festivals as well academic and medical settings: Vassar College (Multimedia Conference for Educators) in
2010 and Lake Shore Hospital (Working with diverse cultural populations) in 2012.
Jonas Ng is Managing Director of Loyalty Strategies, Rewards Innovation, Benefits & Services, and
eWallets/Mobile Payments Marketing for Discover Card. He leads product and business development
for Discover’s cash back programs, as well as consumer marketing efforts for Discover’s eCommerce and
mobile wallet initiatives. His current role also entails developing new business concepts and partnership
ventures, specifically with Discover Card’s loyalty programs. In addition, he directs all integrated
marketing campaigns of new programs across offline, digital, and broad media channels to ensure new
initiatives meet profit and performance
He has spent 18 years at several Fortune 200 financial institutions, technology consulting boutiques, and
start-ups in a variety of technology, marketing and strategy roles. Jonas Ng is also the Chairperson of
Discover’s Asian Employee Resource Group and is an active mentor/coach in Discover’s leadership and
talent retention programs. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from
Georgetown University. Jonas lives with his family outside Chicago, IL, is an enthusiastic golfer and
volleyball player, can play 20 musical instruments, and is a die-hard NY Yankees fan.
Jonathan Cheung is the current co-chair of the Gay Asian Pacific Alliance (GAPA) and a board member of
the GAPA Foundation. He began his involvement in the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) LGBTQ
community by volunteering at the API Wellness Center.
Joo-Hyun Kang is the director of Communities United for Police Reform (CPR), a multi-strategy campaign
to end discriminatory and abusive policing in NYC. Her past work includes directing programs at the
Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice; serving as the first staffer and director of the Audre Lorde
Project, a center for LGBTSTGNC People of Color organizing. Her organizing, activism and training
history spans racial/economic/gender justice and LGBTQ/immigrant rights. Joo-Hyun is an acupuncturist,
and loves those tiny needles.
Jorge Gutierrez is an UndocuQueer activist born in Nayarit, Mexico and was raised in Santa Ana,
California. He is a graduate of the California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor’s Degree in
English. Most recently he is the founder of Familia: Trans Queer Liberation Movement, a national LGBTQ
Latina/o organization focused on organizing and advocacy on the diverse issues impacting the trans and
queer Latina/o community in the United States. In addition, he has co-founded DeColores Queer Orange
County, co-founded the California Immigrant Youth Justice Alliance (CIYJA), and founded the Queer
Undocumented Immigrant Project (QUIP).
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Joy Messinger is five feet of East Coast sass, Southern charm, and Midwestern hospitality. A
bisexual/queer cis femme adoptee, Joy likes to spend her time building queer & Asian American
community, cooking & baking for those she loves, and finding a way to make Mean Girls quotes
applicable in everyday situations. She organizes with Invisible to Invincible: Asian Pacific Islander Pride of
Chicago and does freelance & consultant work in the reproductive justice, sexuality education, youth
leadership development, and nonprofit public health worlds. Find her at www.joymeetsworld.net.
Junella Maurice Tuason Casia-Johnson is a Filipino American transgender person who has assisted in
cultural diversity training and holds a degree in IT Computer Science. They share their experience as a
trans individual and the oppression they face in their own traditional culture and due to religious and
cultural disparities.
Justin Ruaysamran, Esq., is corporate counsel at Prudential Financial. As part of his legal practice, Justin
has taken on a number of pro bono cases, including criminal, family law and immigration.
Karen Marie M. Villa is a Candidate for Master of Arts in Sociological Practice at California State
University in San Marcos. Villa is a member of Barangay Los Angeles, API Equality-LA, and the National
Asian Pacific American Women's Forum (NAPAWF). Villa has worked in the Asian American community
for over ten years, including HIV/AIDS prevention and outreach, LGBTQ marriage equality, and the
recruitment and retention of Filipino Americans into higher education.
Karen Naimool. With over 10 years of experience working directly with clients with severe trauma,
Naimool has developed and facilitated trainings at all levels of education. Naimool has presented
workshops and trainings at non-profits throughout the United States and the Caribbean on
understanding the needs of their LGBTQ constituents and working with trauma. Naimool has also
facilitated workshops and trainings at colleges and universities on cultural competence,
disproportionality of the child welfare system of New York and working with LGBTQ populations.
Naimool is currently a board member at SALGA-NYC.
Karen Su works for the University of Illinois at Chicago within the Asian American Studies Program and is
the Project Director for their Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions
(AANAPISI) Initiative.
Kevin Kumashiro is the Dean of the School of Education for the University of San Francisco. Dean
Kumashiro came to USF from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) where he was a professor of Asian
American Studies and Education, and served as Chair of the Department of Educational Policy Studies
and Interim Co-Director of the Institute for Research on Race and Public Policy. Kumashiro is an awardwinning author and editor whose books include Troubling Education, Against Common Sense: Teaching
and Learning toward Social Justice, and Bad Teacher!: How Blaming Teachers Distorts the Bigger Picture.
Kevin Lam is a queer, second generation Southeast Asian American community organizer. Growing up
with refugee parents, Kevin learned values of community, respect, love, hard-work, and family. In May
2015, he earned his master's degree in Humanistic & Multicultural Education at the State University of
New York at New Paltz. Kevin serves on the board of NQAPIA and has been the Program Manager of the
Providence Youth Student Movement (PrYSM). He is dedicated to promoting visibility of the AAPI
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community, and addressing the issues impacting these communities. He is excited to share his passion
for social justice, and drag with everyone.
Kevin Lee is a member of AQUA DC.
Kham Moua currently works in Washington, DC as the Policy Associate for OCA National - Asian Pacific
American Advocates. Kham is also involved in AQUA DC and is a board member of NQAPIA.
Kim Hunt became the Executive Director at Affinity Inc. after serving on the Board of Directors. Kim is
co-founder and managing partner of O-H Community Partners, Ltd. (OHcp), which provides capacity
building and technical assistance services to nonprofits, foundations, and government agencies. Kim was
a senior planner with the Chicago Transit Authority, is a published author, and has Master’s degrees in
public policy and urban planning from the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois at Chicago,
respectively, and a Bachelor’s degree in journalism from Iowa State University. Kim has three children
and has been happily partnered for over 12 years.
Kimler Gutierrez is the Program Manager at API Equality-LA. Gutierrez has years of experience leading
workshops, conducting trainings, facilitating sessions, and presenting on numerous topics and on a
variety of issues.
Kingston Kodan is a visual artist living and working in the Washington Metropolitan area. He currently
serves as President of KhushDC. KhushDC is a social support, advocacy and political group. KhushDC
provides educational seminars, hosts a monthly peer facilitated support group, sits on the DC Mayor's
API LGBTQ Taskforce, and collaborates with sister organizations in the expansion of a language resource
directory used to aid asylum seekers and provide family support. KhushDC was also recently a part of
the historic Leaders of Color LGBTQ White House Summit.
Kit Yan is a Brooklyn based slam poet from Hawaii. Kit performs theatrical slam poetry pieces about his
life as a queer, transgender, and Asian American through stories about family, love, and social justice. Kit
has been seen on television programs such as HBO’s Asian Aloud, PBS’ Asian America and MYX TV. His
recent performances include the True Colors Youth Conference, the New England Queer People of Color
Conference, and the Brooklyn Museum. Kit’s work was recently featured in Flicker and Spark and
Troubling the Line, two new queer and transgender poetry anthologies, and has a forthcoming book
with Transgenre Press.
Korinne Sugasawara is a queer multi-ethnic Californian constantly searching for the East Coast’s
authentic Mexican food. She enjoys quietly nerdy activities, like hoarding indie comic books, squeezing
into Spandex to lift weights, and writing jokes only her sister finds funny.
Kristina Tendilla works for Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago and has presented
workshops/trainings on racial and economic justice, immigration, election work, direct action, oral
history, and arts.
Kumu Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu is a Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) teacher, cultural practitioner, and
community leader. Born in the Nu'uanu District of O'ahu, Kumu Hina was educated at Kamehameha
Schools and the University of Hawaii. She was a founding member of Kulia Na Mamo, a community
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organization established to improve the quality of life for māhū wahine (transgender women), and
served for 13 years as the Director of Culture at a Honolulu public charter school dedicated to using
native Hawaiian culture, history, and education as tools for developing and empowering the next
generation of warrior scholars. Kumu Hina is currently a cultural advisor and leader in many community
affairs and civic activities, including Chair of the O'ahu Island Burial Council, which oversees the
management of Native Hawaiian burial sites and ancestral remains. In 2014, Hina announced her bid for
a position on the board of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, one of the first transgender candidates to run
for statewide political office in the United States. Hina is married to Hema Kalu, from Niuafoʻou Island in
the Kingdom of Tonga. They live together in Nu'uanu, Honolulu.
Lakshmi Sridaran is the Director of National Policy and Advocacy at South Asian Americans Leading
Together (SAALT).
Lakshmi Sundaresan was a 2014-2015 AmeriCorps Member at Asian Human Services (AHS) Chicago and
is a first year medical student. Sundaresan worked as an HIV/AIDS counselor and, through her work at
AHS, has facilitated community workshops and helped extend the agency’s outreach efforts with
Chicago’s API and LGBTQ communities.
Lance Dwyer is a current member of the Gay Asian Pacific-Islander Association of San Francisco and is a
former NQAPIA board member. Dwyer has considerable experience conducting trainings through
various professional capacities, including providing HIV education training to community members for
the Asian & Pacific-Islander Wellness Center. Dwyer has also presented and facilitated at numerous
conferences over the years, most notably the Men's caucus and Pin@y caucus during the last NQAPIA
conference in DC.
Lance Toma, LCSW, is Executive Director of Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center in San Francisco,
CA. Lance has over 20 years of nonprofit management and leadership experience and works toward a
strategic and collaborative community vision, with deep commitment to API, LGBTQ, HIV/AIDS, and
people of color communities. Lance currently serves as board vice chair of the National Minority AIDS
Council, a founding and current steering committee member of the California LGBTQ Health & Human
Services Network, co-chair of the San Francisco HIV/AIDS Providers Network, and board member of the
Community Advocating Emergency AIDS Relief (CAEAR) Coalition.
Larry Tantay is currently the Youth Pride Coordinator at the Community Awareness Network for a DrugFree Life and Environment (CANDLE), co-leading LGBTQ support groups for youth and providing LGBTQ
cultural competency training. Prior to CANDLE, he was the YMSM Project Coordinator at APICHA
Community Health Center and provided workshops about sexual health and community empowerment
to API LGBTQ folk in NYC. Tantay is also an applied theatre artist and received his M.A. in Applied
Theatre from CUNY School of Professional Studies. He has created pieces on Filipino identity with
Tagalogue and FAHSI's Leading Youth to Find Empowerment (LYFE) group.
Laura Fugikawa is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Asian American Studies at Northwestern University
and is a co-founder of the Chicago Queer Asian American Archives.
Laurin Mayeno is a mixed race (Japanese/Jewish/Anglo) woman who is the proud mother of a
multiracial, gay son. Her experience as a mom opened her eyes and inspired her to use her voice to
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create safe, supportive families, schools, and communities for LGBTQ youth. As founder of Out Proud
Families, she reaches out to mixed-race families and families of color via video, social media, workshops,
and presentations. Her children’s book, based on her son Danny, will be released in 2016. She has
worked as a trainer and facilitator on topics of cultural diversity, equity, and multicultural
communication for over 16 years.
Leslie Kuo is interested in how contemporary art documents and influences cultural identity and how
self-identity plays a role in one's engagement with art. Leslie worked in the contemporary art scene of
Shanghai for 6 years and is now a development officer for exhibitions at the Jewish Museum (New York).
She proudly works to progress the Asian Pride Project mission as a co-director and ally.
Lester Manzano is the Assistant Dean for Student Academic Affairs within the College of Arts and
Sciences at Loyola University.
Liz Thomson (she/they) is a member of Invisible to Invincible: Asian Pacific Islander Pride of Chicago (i2i)
and a current Ph.D. student in Disability Studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). Thomson
identifies as a bi, gender non-conforming, Vietnamese adoptee, cis female and is always interested in
multiple, intersecting identities. Thomson has presented numerous workshops and trainings around
LGBTQ, gender, sexuality, and Asian American issues.
Lolan Buhain Sevilla is a queer Filipino butch cultural worker & organizer who strives to root their art in
community, study and practice. They have over a decade of cross-sectoral nonprofit administrative,
development, event coordination, and programmatic experience. Lolan currently works at the NYC AntiViolence Project; is the Board of Directors Co-chair for CAAAV: Organizing Asian Communities; and
serves as a curatorial team member of the Filipino American Museum's Gathering the Grassroots
conference. Additionally, Lolan is a member of the National Writers Union, local 1981, has been
published in several magazines, and is the author of Translating New Brown, as well as the co-editor of
Walang Hiya …Literature Taking Risks Toward Liberatory Practice.
Luke Meierdiercks is a Vermont native and recent graduate of The Second City Improv Conservatory.
Chicago credits include Read the Room (The Second City Training Center), L’Imbecile (Babes with Blades),
and Wish Upon a Star (Vera Productions). Recently, Luke performed as Elder Shumway in The Book of
Merman (Pride Films & Plays) and can be seen in Pride Films & Plays' August production of The Boy from
Oz.
Mala Nagarajan is part of the Queer South Asian National Network (QSANN) and Vega Mala Consulting.
Mala also has experience with Trikone-NW, NQAPIA, Equal Rights Washington, Rainbow Dragon Fund,
2008 NGLTF Policy Institute Fellow, and Seattle PFLAG.
Malcolm Shanks (pronouns: they/he) is a longtime community educator, organizer, and aspiring healer.
As an Organizer in the Academy for Leadership & Action, they prioritize building big teams, finding new
opportunities for inter-movement collaboration, and promoting the leadership of trans & gender nonconforming people of color. Prior to the Task Force, Malcolm cultivated a background in facilitating
social justice education on radical leftist movement history for queer people of color and community
organizations. They are passionate about using healing, the veneration of ancestors, and visionary
thinking as movement tools.
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Mandy Hu, Esq. is a NQAPIA board member, lawyer, San Franciscan, Chinese-American, skeptic who is
prone to crying at happy immigration stories and videos of interspecies animal friendships. Often
mistaken for a teenage boy, Hu was carded at an R-rated movie on the night of Hu’s 33rd birthday. The
theme of Hu’s life is joy-through-complexity!
Manuel Falcon Padua’s artivism started as Barangay LA Director of Advocacy in 2011 and he has since
been an active committee member and advisory board member of the Filipino LGBTQ organization. His
passion for advocacy started in HIV prevention with Asian Pacific AIDS Intervention Team in Los Angeles.
With an interactive approach he increased HIV awareness & HIV testing, often creating games to
educate underserved populations. As a result, Manuel graced the pages of Frontier magazine as one of
LA Gay and Lesbian Center's representatives for their Gay Heroes campaign. His current work can be
found at www.facebook.com/Mannyfestdesign.
Margaret Holt. As standards editor of the Chicago Tribune, Margaret Holt works closely with reporters
and editors about issues of accuracy, fairness and ethics. She has a particular interest in urban issues
and diversity of coverage and regularly meets with community leaders and groups to talk about
coverage. A graduate of the University of Missouri, Holt has held a variety of reporting and editing jobs.
She joined Tribune Co. in 1987 as business editor of the Sun-Sentinel of South Florida. Holt moved to the
Chicago Tribune as sports editor in 1993. In 1995, she began working on customer and accuracy issues
and has represented the Tribune in workshops and conferences on accuracy and credibility. A member
of the Native American Journalists Association, Holt also is active in the Mid-America Press Institute and
is serving as board chair. She volunteers in outreach programs, including youth journalism
Mark Martell began his career in higher education in 2000 at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC)
Campus Housing. After, he worked for Semester at Sea and for Inspiration Corporation. In 2005, he
returned to UIC to work at the Student Employment Office and recently at the Office of Career Services.
Martell has taught at Harold Washington College and for the UIC College of Education. Presently, he is
completing a PhD in educational policy studies at UIC and is researching the racialized experiences of
UIC Asian American students.
Mark Ro Beyersdorf is a queer, mixed-race Korean American activist and media strategist. He is
currently a Senior Associate at BerlinRosen Public Affairs. Previously, Mark was a Program Associate
with the Educational Equity Program at the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF).
He also worked as a Field Organizer for the 2008 Obama Campaign in Ohio, a staff member of the
Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus for then-chair Congressman Mike Honda, and an
Immigration Advocate at the Queens Public Defenders office. Mark is also a Co-Coordinator of the Dari
Project, which published the first bilingual anthology of LGBTQ Korean American essays, and a member
of the Board of Directors of CAAAV: Organizing Asian Communities.
Marsha Aizumi is the proud mother of a transgender son. She is on the PFLAG National Board of
Directors, President of PFLAG SGV API, and an educational consultant for four school districts. Marsha is
the author of Two Spirits, One Heart, a memoir about her journey from sadness, shame and fear to
unconditional love and acceptance. In 2014, Marsha received the Seattle JACL Civil Rights Award, the
National JACL Biennium Award for education and humanities and Congresswoman Judy Chu’s
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Community Service honor. Marsha has spoken to over 100 organizations around the country sharing her
story of love and hope.
Mashuq Deen is a former SALGA NYC Board Member and Transgender Chair and is currently one of the
organizers at Sampoorna, a global organization for trans* & intersex Indians across the globe. He has
spent five years training SALGA support group facilitators and spearheaded advocacy and training on
trans* issues locally in NYC as well as working globally with other agencies. He is also an award-winning
theater artist.
Mathilda de Dios is the Associate Director at The Free Write Jail Arts & Literacy Program in Chicago.
Committed to building a multicultural arts movement for social justice, Mathilda leads literacy
workshops with the girls at the jail and has previously served as a community organizer, contributor and
editor to publications such as the Future 500: A directory of youth organizing and activism in the United
States (2002), the BUILD Voices Anthology (2008), Filipino American psychology: A Collection of personal
narratives (ed. Nadal, 2010), and the Know Your Rights Curriculum (2013) with the Children and Family
Justice Center at Northwestern University School of Law. Mathilda has Bachelors of Arts in Political
Science and Urban Studies from Colorado College and a Masters in Education from University of Illinois
at Chicago.
Matthew Johnson is the Hepatitis Program Director at Asian Health Coalition (AHC). Johnson helps lead
a multi-sector collaborative of 12 partners comprising community-based organizations, health advocacy
agencies, and healthcare providers to outreach, educate, screen, and link to medical care at risk
populations around hepatitis B. Johnson has been working in public health for over 10 years and joined
AHC in 2013. His interests lie in health equity and social justice to improve the lives for those in need.
Johnson has a Master’s in Public Health.
Maulik Pancholy played Jonathan on the Emmy®, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild award-winning
NBC comedy 30 Rock and played Sanjay on Showtime’s award-winning, dramatic comedy Weeds. He
also starred on shows on NBC, Showtime, Nickelodeon, Disney, and others. Pancholy has appeared in
numerous films, such as 27 Dresses, Friends with Money, and Hitch; several independent features; and
extensively in theater. Pancholy was recently appointed by President Obama to serve as a Commissioner
on the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. He works on a wide
range of issues affecting the AAPI community, including bullying prevention, healthcare, immigration
and youth engagement. He is also active with a number of non-profit and social policy organizations. In
2013, OUT Magazine named Pancholy to the “Out 100,” an annual list of the year’s most compelling
LGBTQ people, and in 2014, he received the Human Rights Campaign’s Visibility Award.
Maya Jafer is a Holistic Doctor, Actor, Dancer & Transgender Activist. She identifies as a post op.
transsexual woman from India, now settled in Los Angeles as a U.S. citizen. Maya holds two doctoral
degrees in Holistic Medicine from Mangalore, Karnataka, India and Seattle, WA. She has over 25 years
of training & experience in the Holistic Field.
Maya’s passions are acting, dancing and activism. She is featured in the award winning documentary
"Mohammed to Maya," which has screened in 55 film festivals around the world
(MohammedtoMaya.com). She is also in the Golden Globe Award winning Amazon Original Series
‘TRANSPARENT’.
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Melisa Stephen is part of SWOP-Chicago at NU Divest in Chicago, IL.
Mia Nakano is highly involved and has presented at many events and conferences. Nakano is a current
board member of Banteay Srei (2013-Present); board member of the Queer Cultural Center (2012Present); Executive Director of the Visibility Project (2007-Present); and the Founding Photo Editor +
LGBTQ section founder/editor of Hyphen magazine (2003-2007 and 2013-Present).
Michelle Lee is part of Koreans United for Equality in Los Angeles, CA.
Ming Wong is the Supervising Helpline Attorney at the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), where
he manages their legal information helpline, which handles thousands of calls each year on a range of
issues from LGBTQ people nationally. He also manages NCLR’s legal internship programs. Ming serves as
the Secretary of the San Francisco Bay Area chapter of the National Lawyers Guild and has been active in
The United People of Color Caucus (TUPOCC) of the guild. He has a JD from the University of California’s
Hastings College of the Law with a focus on Public Interest law.
Mioi Hanaoka identifies as queer & genderqueer. She is an advocate for social change, serving on the
leadership team of API Equality – Northern California. Mioi has also been in the tech industry for 9 years.
She started out in systems administration and is now a software engineer at Cisco Meraki. Being witness
to the stark differences between a for-profit corporation and a non-profit organization, she has recently
been inspired to create change within her company. Mioi has been busy working on creating a queer &
allies group as well as various diversity and inclusion initiatives including getting gender-inclusive
restrooms in her office.
Molly Kiran Girton was adopted in 1983 from India by two incredible, white, feminist, lesbian, nonprofit activist lawyers. Molly has been involved in Boston’s LGBTQ scene her entire life after coming out
at age 3. Molly began her professional career first working full-time as a bookkeeper and then as an
accountant while attending Northeastern University full-time at night. After college, Molly went to work
at Ernst & Young. Molly is the founder of the Financial Literacy for Youth aka FLY Project, the first
financial empowerment initiative for LGBTQ youth, primarily queer & transgender people of color
(QTPOC). Molly is also a member of MASALA.
Monica Elise Davis currently serves as the Chairwoman for Trikone, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer people of South Asian descent based in the San
Francisco Bay Area. Monica also works with the City of Hayward in the Library and Community Services
Department, administering Community Development Block Grants to organizations that serve lowincome individuals. Prior to Hayward, Monica worked at Santa Clara University School of Law, where she
managed the international program offerings. Monica earned her J.D. from Santa Clara University School
of Law, her M.B.A. from Santa Clara University Leavey School of Business, and her B.A. in Political
Science from University of California, Los Angeles.
Monna Wong. Originally from Queens, NY, Monna started doing social justice work in Manhattan’s
Chinatown over 10 years ago. Since then, she has organized in six states and on three electoral
campaigns, fighting for LGBTQ non-discrimination and same-sex marriage while also working to build
and transform QTPOC community. Currently, she serves on the Board of Directors of the National Queer
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Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA), is a founding member of the MOONROOT collective, and is the
Executive Director of API Equality - Northern California.
Naomi Goldberg is a Policy Specialist at the Movement Advancement Project. Her work includes
strategic policy analysis on topics including LGBTQ economic security, criminal justice, and LGBTQ
families. She regularly presents at national conferences.
Naomi Leilani Salcedo (she/they), a junior at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), identifies as a
queer, gender non-conforming, 2nd-generation Filipina-Mexicana American. Salcedo is pursuing a BA in
Sociology with a minor in Asian American Studies at UIC, where she is also Co-Chair for the
Asian American Studies advisory board. She is a research assistant for UIC’s first-ever Queer
Asian American Archives and is a research intern for Amigas Latinas and Chicago Public Schools.
Nayoung Ha is Organizing Director with Korean American Resource and Cultural Center (KRCC). She has
worked as a faith leader for several Korean American Christian churches in the Chicago area for 11 years
to educate, organize, and nurture immigrant families and their children around social justice issues.
Nayoung is a provocative speaker and writer on the intersectional issues of race, ethnicity, class, gender,
sexuality, and religion. She is a Ph.D. candidate in Womanist and Postcolonial Feminist Theology at
Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and is also an ordained pastor of Presbyterian Church of USA.
Nebula Li is a Staff Attorney for the Community Activism Law Alliance. They are also a Board Member
for the National Lawyers Guild Chicago; member of Invisible to Invincible: Asian Pacific Islander Pride of
Chicago; and a member of the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum. Li has extensive
experience presenting on LGBTQ Immigrant issues to lawyers, law students, college students, and the
LGBTQ community at large and has previously volunteered with several Asian American organizations
sharing their immigration story. Li is an immigration attorney and former community organizer for the
Asian American community.
Nick Kor is on the Leadership Circle for Shades of Yellow in Minnesota. Nick has over 5 years of
community, electoral, and legislative organizing experience and has presented workshops and trainings
at numerous conferences and events.
Nick Sakurai is the Director of Leadership Initiatives at the LGBTQ Equity Center at the University of
Maryland. Nick has presented on international LGBTQ issues before numerous audiences, including
conceiving and organizing the Somewhere Over the Rainbow: Conference on Sexual Orientation and
Gender Identity (SOGI) in International Education. Nick has studied sexuality, gender, and identity with a
focus on queer immigrant and Islamic diaspora youth in the Netherlands, an International M.B.A. in
Spain, and an M.A. in International Training and Education with a focus on LGBTQ+ issues. Nick is
creating a 3-week study abroad course in Thailand focusing on leadership for SOGI social justice and has
taken student delegations to Mexico City to learn about LGBTQ+ movements and issues.
Nicky Cao is part of VAYLA-New Orleans.
Nico Amador is a community organizer, writer, and Co-Director of Training for Change. Nico’s
involvement in social justice work stems from a deep passion for racial justice and a motivation to
support transformation and empowerment in People of Color, queer, and trans communities. He has
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led trainings for a variety of grassroots movements and organizations in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and
Latin America.
Nikki Calma is the Program Supervisor of Trans Thrive and has been with the agency for 18 years. Calma
has presented workshops and roundtables at USCA, TG Health Summit, and the Philadelphia
Transgender Conference around HIV prevention, community mobilization and transgender issues.
Patrick Lin is currently on the steering committee of GAPIMNY (Gay Asian Pacific Islander Men of New
York). His most recent projects include organizing the LGBTQ contingent for the Lunar New Year parades
in New York, co-hosting bi-weekly socials, co-planning Gay Pride 2015 festivities, and presenting
workshops at various conferences. Along with LGBTQ activism, he has also been active in Asian
communities doing activist work through Pi Delta Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. He is always interested in
talking to people about anything and everything, so ask for specifics if interested in knowing more.
Peterson Pham is an alumni from the University of California Santa Barbara, where they worked with
many LGBTQ and API organizations. Peterson currently serves as the Public Relations Chair of Viet
Rainbow of Orange County. They have applied culturally competent and LGBTQ-affirming services into
the behavioral health field where they currently serve as a Mental Health Specialist for the Orange
County Health Care Agency. They also serve as an appointed Commissioner for the Neighborhood
Improvement and Conservation Commission for the City of Garden Grove. Peterson will be working
towards a Master of Social Work at Cal State Fullerton in Fall 2015.
Phillip Ozaki is a National Major Gifts Officer at Lambda Legal and serves as a Fundraising Committee
Co-Chair on the board of NQAPIA. He has worked in development for over 6 years, training various nonprofit board members, staffs, and volunteers all over the country. A native Chicagoan, Phillip is proud
that the 2015 NQAPIA Conference is hosted at his alma mater, the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Pi Fong (pronouns: they/them) is an Organizing Fellow at the National LGBTQ Task Force. They
graduated from Clark University with a double major in English and Women’s & Gender Studies with a
specialization in the creation of gender and sexuality, and also spent their last semester as the
Community and Policy Intern with the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition. Their identities
include non-binary trans person, genderqueer, queer, biracial Asian American of Chinese descent, and
academic-activist.
Pia Rivera is a queer pinay that lives and organizes in Washington, DC. Rivera is a founding member of
GABRIELA DC and is currently their secretary general. She has facilitated many political educations and
workshops with their members and other community folks.
Poonam Kapoor believes LGBTQ rights are human rights and volunteers to serve the queer API
community. She is a proud member of the Red Envelope Giving Circle, a queer API focused philanthropic
group committed to improving the lives of API LGBTQ people and communities in the San Francisco Bay
Area. She is also a strong member of Funding377nogoingback, a campaign that fundraises to support
Indian organizations working to repeal IPC Sec 377, which criminalizes homosexual acts.
Prerna Lal is a staff attorney at Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC. Prior to joining Advancing
Justice, Prerna helped to create a robust network of highly-organized and diverse, undocumented youth
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with digital engagement capacity to fight deportations. She is a graduate of The George Washington
University Law School and licensed in the District of Columbia.
Priya Arora is a queer-identified community activist, writer, and student. Currently pursuing a Master's
degree in Counseling Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University, Priya focuses her research on
capturing and fostering the needs and experiences of South Asian American LGBTQ people. Priya
previously attended New York University where she completed a Master's thesis on the stress of coming
out to family for LGB youth. Most recently, Priya served as Coordinator for SALGA-NYC. She also worked
on suicide prevention psychoeducation for LGBTQ youth with The Trevor Project in NYC and is a former
member of Satrang Youth Group in LA.
Radha Modi is an activist, writer, and scholar. She has a background in of color and queer social
movements. Currently, Radha is a board member and political chair for SALGA, a queer South Asian
support and political organization in NYC. She is also an organizing member of QSANN, Queer South
Asian National Network. In addition to her political and organizing work, Radha is a doctoral student
studying race, racism, and immigration in the U.S. Her dissertation focuses on the role of skin color in
racial identity of South Asian Americans.
Reid Uratani is a graduate student in the Department of American Studies at the University of
Minnesota.
Rej Joo has been involved with the Dari Project in NYC since 2011. He has spent the last 12 years doing
work in LGBTQ and Korean communities, homeless youth advocacy, public health HIV research, trans
organizing, and LGBTQ cultural humility trainings. However recently, life has led him to a very white
small town Oregon working in a convenient store. He misses his 2 tortoises, friends, and hapkido
training in NYC and hopes to return to NYC.
Rosetta Lai. Working around the country and in the Asia Pacific Region, Rosetta Lai spent 20 years in the
corporate sector, holding senior positions with companies such as Motorola, IBM, and NCS/Pearson and
helping business units improve their organizational effectiveness. She has applied the results-oriented
techniques of corporate management to non-profit organizations, previously serving as the President of
the OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates Chicago Chapter (1980s) and as the National President of
the Organization of Chinese American Women (2003-2008). Lai is affiliated with PFLAG and was the
immediate past Executive Director of Asian American LEAD (AALEAD).
Rothana Oun is a former NQAPIA summer intern, proud recent college drop-out, and SE Azn Brownboi
noise-maker, art-healer, and cultural organizer. A chylde of refuGEEZ yo! disordered bai da American
mental health system (among other thangs), Aye’s Khmerican Cambo moves often engage in oral story
arts, RAD spaces of Queer’Trans’Neurodiv’Kripp experience, and healin unhomed stories of Tricklin
Trauma passed down ta us thru generations of feelin and sound---Re-VERB.
Note: *Ey is a non-binary gender pronoun (ey, em, eir, eirs, & emself) created by Feminist Theorist,
Gayatri Chakravorti Spivak. “Aye” is a queering of Spivak’s gender series derived from da onomatopoeic
“Aye...Aye....Aye!” often expressed in contexts of affirmation and excitement.
Royce Lin, MD, is the head physician of TRANS ACCESS program of the API Wellness Center in San
Francisco. Lin is also with Tom Waddell Clinic.
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Ryan Dolan is a Data Dissemination Specialist serving MN, IA, and WI. Dolan began working for the
Census Bureau prior to the 2010 Census. Currently, Dolan works with and trains members of the media,
government, nonprofit and business professionals, educators, etc. on how to use and access Census
Data. His specialty areas include the LGBTQ, Asian, Sub-Saharan African, and American Indian and Alaska
Native (AIAN) populations. Previously, Dolan worked for the Minnesota State Demographic Center; as a
Field Director for 2020 Vision in Washington, DC; as a consultant for Astro Data Services in Corvallis, OR;
and on numerous political campaigns throughout the country.
Ryan Shen is the Co-Chair of Gay Asian Pacific Islander Men of New York (GAPIMNY). He is a transidentified Taiwanese Chinese American. He has been involved in leading Q-Wave, GAPIMNY, and
NQAPIA. As a community organizer at the intersections, he feels that it's necessary to collaborate with
others. He also has a background in tech.
Ryan Viloria (he/him/his) is a core member of Invisible to Invincible: Asian Pacific Islander Pride of
Chicago (i2i), and has served in this role since 2011; first as Social Chair, and currently as Co-Point
Person. He also currently works at the Institute for Research on Race and Public Policy at the University
of Illinois at Chicago. Ryan's interests include the summertime activities and activism of Chicago, media
representation of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and several attempts to get back into writing
for himself.
S. Casper Wong is an award-winning New-York-based writer, director, and producer of both narrative
and documentary films. Most recently, she is the recipient of the Humanitarian Award from the SASS
Foundation for Medical Research, along with Governor Cuomo of New York, for the social impact of her
work in The LuLu Session - which explores breast cancer and its emotional complexities.
Sal Salam (they, their) is primarily of Bangladeshi and Indian heritage. They are a member of Trikone
Chicago's board, and generally handle media-related responsibilities. Sal is about to begin working at the
Indo-American Center. Fun fact: Sal is passionate about Virginia Woolf, Bollywood, and macarons.
Sam Hsieh is "pretty much a medium person" (who likes snacks), according to his short autobiography
"The Story of My Life" written at age 9. Other important things: Sam's paid work involves supporting a
clinic for trans and gender nonconforming young people and helping facilitate a monthly teen and
parent group for trans and gender nonconforming teens. Sam values care work, relationship building,
showing up, reflection and the kind of self work that helps us understand learned behaviors and their
impact. Sam looks forward to entering a program at UIC fall semester to gain skills to become a history
teacher.
Dr. Samir Narang was born and raised in New York. He graduated from American University of Antigua
in 2014, where he had been Student Body President and led a coalition for the University to become
integrated into the community of the island. After completing his clinical rotations all over the USA, Dr.
Narang is now living in Brooklyn. He recently finished a project with EngageNYC working as their Project
Director and Marketing Manager, [Narang, S, Patel, V, Beil, R, Machicote, E. ENGAGE-NYC: A Social
Media Based Linkage-to-Care Intervention for Men Who Have Sex with Men and Transgender
Populations in New York City (manuscript in preparation)]. He is now focusing his time to the betterment
of LGBTQ Medical Community, while also working for Scribe America at Mount Sinai Beth Israel.
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Sammie Ablaza Wills is an enthusiastic, queer mixed race Pilipina currently working as Program
Assistant at API Equality - Northern California. Sammie's time is split between living in Oakland and
Stanford University, where she is studying Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity and Education.
Sammie has a vivid love for her chosen family, social justice, and grassroots organizing. Sammie is
passionate about serving the people and crushing the patriarchy. She strives to share ways for people to
reflect on their identities and tell their stories. When she’s not planning events or making spreadsheets,
Sammie enjoys roasting coffee, playing the guitar, and spending quality time with pals.
Sangeeta Swamy is a licensed psychotherapist and Board-Certified Music Therapist and teaches at Duke
University. She identifies as bisexual, was the co-founder of Asian Queers and Allies in North Carolina
and involved with Masala Boston for several years. She has spoken internationally and published
research and peer reviewed articles on the intersection of ethnicity, multiple identities, and music. Also
an award-winning musician, Sangeeta has performed across Europe, Canada, the U.S. and India.
Sasha W. is the Organizing Director at the National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA), and is
excited to continue building power with queer API people across the country. Sasha is a founding
member of the Queer South Asian National Network (QSANN), a network of QSA organizations across
the country; part of the core committee of DeQH, the Desi lgbtQ Helpline for South Asians; and part of
the Queer South Asian Anthology Project. Previously, Sasha was also involved with East Coast Solidarity
Summer, a political education project for South Asian youth; hotpot!, a queer API organization in
Philadelphia; POWER, a Philly youth of color media program; and as a social justice educator &
consultant at UW-Madison’s Multicultural Student Center.
Most recently, Sasha has been organizing with Asians for Black Lives (Madison), as part of the larger
APIs4BlackLives movement. Asians for Black Lives (Madison) has testified at countless Dane County
board meetings, written op-eds and articles for local media in support of #BlackLivesMatter, worked
with Young Gifted & Black to support organizing on the ground, and participated in direct actions against
state violence. Sasha has written about the need for South Asians to support #BlackLivesMatter, and has
been featured on the Aerogram. You can follow Sasha’s writing at www.tospeakasong.com.
Saurabh Bajaj has worked in development in the LGBTQ and HIV/AIDS sectors for over 13 years. He
began volunteering during his time at UC Berkeley with people living with HIV and, at the time, more
often dying of AIDS in San Francisco. Witnessing their experience of poverty and stigma led him to want
to work in a profession that would help bring systemic, progressive change, and at the very least,
comfort to those in need. He deeply believes that fundraising is a path to social justice!
Sean O’Mahony, MB is an academic palliative medicine physician. He works at Rush University Medical
Center as the Director for the Section of Palliative and Supportive Medicine. He has a Master of Science
in Clinical Research and Biostatistics from Columbia University. He has implemented demonstration
projects in palliative medicine in the Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit, video-conference
projects, and is co-demonstrating a three-year Chicagoland educational demonstration program. He is
co-chair for the newly established LGBTQ special interest group in the American Academy of Hospice
and Palliative Medicine and member of the Diversity Task Force for the American Academy of Hospice
and Palliative Medicine.
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Serena Worthington is the Director of National Field Initiatives of SAGE, the pre-eminent national
organization serving LGBTQ elders. In this capacity, she manages SAGE's Affiliate network and has a
wealth of experience working directly with local organizations providing services and programming to
LGBTQ elders.
Shaan Dasani serves on the board of Satrang. Dasani is a consultant with digital strategy company Brian
Rodda Consulting, empowering businesses and personal brands to merge their digital presence with
their personal brand. He is also an actor, producer, and host based in Los Angeles. As a volunteer for
Satrang, his focus has been to build visibility and allyship with other organizations in order to broaden
what we can call safe spaces.
Dr. Shail Maingi works for the Montefiore Medical Center and has given over 30 oral presentations at
juried conferences as a medical educator and advocate.
Sharmin Hossain (she/her) is a Queens-bred, Bangladeshi, henna tattoo artist, writer, and political
educator. She currently works as the Communications Coordinator and Youth Program Facilitator at the
YA-YA Network, a youth-driven, anti-racist, political education organization. She is organizing with the
Jackson Heights Cop Watch team, building a femme of color bike ride gang in Queens, and organizing
with East Coast Solidarity Summer, a political education program for South Asian youth.
Sharon Kidd-Fryer’s credo is “live to give,” and she believes the receiving will take care of itself. Sharon
is a wife, mother, and grandmother. Sharon has been married for 27 years and has two children:
Brandon and Brit. Sharon’s family structure is diverse with extending and blending, and one of Sharon’s
children is transgender. Sharon has worked for AT&T for 18 years. In addition to tenure, Sharon is very
active with various AT&T Employee resource organizations and has been recognized for several awards
for volunteer efforts.
Shijie (Eric) Zhan studies Natural Resource and Environmental Science at Purdue University. Zhang is a
student member of the Asian American Pacific Caucus and is a Student Advisory Committee member at
the Asian American and Asian Resource and Cultural Center. Zhang regularly speaks for the Purdue
LGBTQ Center and has facilitated advocacy meetings for the establishment of the Asian American and
Asian Resource and Cultural Center.
Shivana Jorawar is part of the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum and is a Board Member
of the National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance. Shivana coordinates the organization’s
reproductive justice policy priorities. She is passionate about uplifting the status of women in
communities she identifies with, and has a background in legal advocacy and community education
around issues of gender-based inequity and violence. She co-chaired a chapter of Law Students for
Reproductive Justice, and co-founded the Indo-Caribbean women’s organization Jahajee Sisters. Shivana
holds a B.A. in Political Science from Fordham University and a J.D. from Emory University School of Law.
Shreya Shah is a multi-format artist, activist, healer, and educator based in Oakland, CA with roots in the
Midwest! Shreya felt sparked and amped leading a number of sessions at the 2014 regional summits for
NQAPIA. She regularly leads liberatory, transformative, anti-oppression workshops for organizations
across the states, especially centering the work of building up the resilience and resistance of LGBTQ
and people of color communities. Her art and facilitation can be found through WILDFLOWER. <3
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Sita Benjamin is a mother of a lesbian daughter and is from Wisconsin.
Soya Jung is a Senior Partner at ChangeLab, a political lab that explores how U.S. demographic change
affects racial politics, with a strategic focus on Asian American identity. She lives in Seattle and has been
active in the progressive movement for the last 25 years. She has consulted for various progressive
organizations locally and nationally, providing a variety of services. In 2010, she formed ChangeLab with
Scot Nakagawa to create opportunities for analysis and strategizing in racial justice movements. She
serves as the board chair of Grassroots International, which funds social movements for resource rights
in the Global South.
Stan Fong is a board member of the National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance.
Stephanie Camba is an undocumented, queer, Pilipin@ poet raised in the Marshall Islands and uprooted
to the U.S. a week after 9/11 because food and water shipments to the islands were halted. She has
worked on immigrant-rights-based direct action campaigns, created healing and wellness spaces for
fellow undocuAPI folx, art based curriculum and workshops centered on experiences in the diaspora,
and has used her art to highlight some of the challenges, thoughts, and feelings that she has
experienced with status playing a central role in a large body of her work.
Suma Reddy is a Co-Director of Asian Pride Project, a multi-lingual LGBTQ arts & advocacy platform that
uses the power of storytelling to increase visibility and acceptance among Asian & Pacific Islander
families and communities. Suma was also one of the founding members of DeQH, the first South Asian
LGBTQ Helpline, and served on the board of SALGA-NYC.
Suman Raghunathan is the Executive Director of South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT).
Suman was an immigration policy consultant for the ACLU, the National Immigration Law Center,
Demos, and United Neighborhood Houses of New York. She also served as Director of Policy and
Strategic Partnerships for Progressive States Network, where she coordinated the organization’s policy
agendas and worked intensively with legislators from over 40 states. Suman received her undergraduate
degree in International Relations from Brown University and has a Master’s degree in Nonprofit
Management from the Milano School of International Affairs, Management, and Urban Policy in New
York City.
Sungsub Billy Choo is part of the IMPACT Program at Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern
University. Choo has also presented at the Midwest Asian American Student Union Spring Conference.
Sunu P. Chandy joined the DC Office of Human Rights (OHR) as General Counsel in September 2014.
Before that she served as one of the Senior Trial Attorneys with the United States Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission (US EEOC) over the past 15 years litigating complex civil rights employment
matters in federal court through its New York District Office. At EEOC, she litigated in all areas enforced
by the agency including class cases based on race, national origin, sex, disability, age and religion based
discrimination. In New York, Ms. Chandy served on the Boards of Directors of ALP (the Audre Lorde
Project), LeGal (the LGBT Bar Association) and SAWCC (the South Asian Women’s Creative Collective. As
General Counsel of the DC Office of Human Rights (OHR), Ms. Chandy advises on all legal matters facing
OHR as a local civil rights enforcement agency including issuing letters of determination following
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investigations of discrimination in the areas of employment, housing, education and public
accommodation context. In her life beyond civil rights law, Ms. Chandy completed her MFA in Creative
Writing (Poetry) in May 2013 and, alongside her partner, is the proud mother, by way of adoption, of
their beloved five year old daughter.
Susannah Hong is coordinator and trainer for Talking Circles with the Network on Religion and Justice
for API LGBTQ People.
Talia de la Cruz is a Peer Navigator and involved in TRANS ACCESS at the Asian & Pacific Islander
Wellness Center in San Francisco, CA.
Tania Unzueta is an immigrant, queer community organizer working with the Not One More
Deportation campaign. Over the last 5 years, she has worked with immigrant communities around the
country—specifically undocumented students, immigrants in deportation proceedings, and day laborers.
She recently took some time off immigration to work as Latino Field Director for the Jesus "Chuy" Garcia
Mayoral campaign in Chicago but is now back supporting national organizing against deportations and
leading the case-by-case work for Not One More. Tania has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in
Sociology and Latin American and Latino Studies from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Teng Yang is a gay-identified, Hmong man who currently works as a Computer Graphics Artist. Yang
became involved with Shades of Yellow in 2014 as an Artist Lead. He took charge of curating the first
ever Queer Hmong Art Gallery. Since then, Yang has joined The Leadership Circle at Shades of Yellow as
an active member, helping with Social Media and Communications.
Terna Tilley-Gyado is a Steering Committee Member of the Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender
Diversity (MASGD) and has previously presented at Creating Change.
Dr. Thai Lee is a physician at the San Francisco Department of Public Health and One Medical Group. He
serves the community as a board member of the Gay Asian Pacific Alliance (GAPA) and a volunteer
physician at API Wellness Center. Dr. Lee presented at the 2012 NQAPIA conference with Shades of
Yellow (SOY) and has presented at various medical conferences on various health issues throughout the
country.
Tina Shauf is a queer Filipino from an immigrant family, born in the Philippines. She is a community
organizer with the Filipino Community Center in San Francisco, CA. She was the former Chairperson of
babae SF, now GABRIELA San Francisco. She is the current Vice Chair of Mass Campaigns of GABRIELA
USA. She has conducted many workshops, trainings, and political education since 2007.
Tola Ros is the Volunteer Management Coordinator and main tour docent for the National Cambodian
American Heritage Museum & Killing Fields Memorial in Chicago.
Tony Choi has previously presented at NQAPIA, 2012, 2013; MinKwon Center for Community Action:
Biweekly DACA informational workshops, 2013-2014; Colorado Immigrants' Rights Coalition Summit:
#UndocuAPI Rising, 2012; Advancing Justice Summit Chicago, 2012; and NYCAASC, 2013.
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Tori Hong is a Hmong and Korean American, non-binary/genderescent, dfab (designated female at
birth), bi, second-generation young person. They graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2014
with a BA in Social Justice, Leadership, and Communications Studies. Tori is proud to be the new
Community Coordinator of Shades of Yellow (SOY). They are bringing their passion for social justice, art,
and community building to this organization. They hope to ignite holistic social change by working with
the queer and trans Hmong and API communities. Tori's activism comes from a legacy of resistance
exhibited by both their paternal and maternal families who struggled through war and displacement.
Total Nguyen is an undergraduate student at San Jose State University and is the weekly meeting
facilitator for both Q&A and oSTEM. Nguyen is an Intern Facilitator for API EQUALITY - Northern
California workshop with Youth MOJO! SF. Nguyen’s presenter history includes being a youth
representative panelist for SBFT LGBTQ APIs of the Silicon Valley; "LGBTQ Ally Language Immersion"
Workshop Presenter at Your Story, Our Movement API Conference at De Anza College; 4 time dance
workshop instructor for QACON at UC Berkeley; and 2 time safe sex workshop presenter at Stanford's
API Listen to the Silence Conference.
Tracy Nguyen was born and raised in San Jose and graduated from UC Berkeley with a B.A. in Media
Studies and Ethnic Studies. As a student activist, Tracy helped found the first-ever “Celebration of Asian
Pacific American Womyn” dinner banquet and organized deeply within the Southeast Asian refugee
community. Tracy’s dream is to become a documentary filmmaker and own a hair salon. Currently, she
is a part of APIQWTC (API Queer Women and Trans Community), on the board of Queer Women of Color
Media Arts Program (QWOCMAP), and is the Program Coordinator at API Equality - Northern California.
Una Aeon Kalani Narvaez Flux hails from Kalihi, O'ahu. She is a transgender Native Hawaiian, Chinese,
American Indian, and Puerto Rican woman majoring in psychology at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.
As of Spring 2016, she will be the first college graduate in her family.
Urooj Arshad is the Associate Director of International Youth Health and Rights at Advocates for Youth
and a steering committee member of the Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity (MASGD). She
was a member of the Center for American Progress’ Faith and Reproductive Justice Institute and an
American Muslim Civic Leadership Institute fellow. She is currently on the Kalamazoo College Arcus
Center for Social Justice Leadership Global Advisory Board and Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice
Board.
V Chaudhry is a PhD student in cultural/linguistic anthropology at Northwestern University, focusing on
activism, subjectivity, and institutional funding for South Asian queer and transgender populations. V
received their B.A. at Washington University in 2014. There, V had been involved with LGBTQIA activism,
co-founding the university's first queer students of color group and helping run such events as
Transgender Awareness Week, Ally Day, and campus Safe Zones trainings. V has also worked with
SALGA-NYC (youth intern, 2013), Empire State Pride Agenda (intern, 2013), Queer South Asian National
Network (QSANN), the Queer South Asian Anthology Project, and Chicago Desi Youth Rising (CDYR)
(member).
Victoria Kirby York (pronouns: she/her) is the National Campaigns Director – Religious Exemptions and
Welcoming Communities at the National LGBTQ Task Force where she is thrilled to be able to serve in a
capacity that allows her to bring her faith to work each day while fighting against religious exemption
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legislation that seeks to provide a “license to discriminate” while building communities that affirm the
importance of faith in the lives of LGBTQ people. She has been organizing in a variety of capacities over
the past 16 years regarding a number of progressive issues and candidates at the federal, state, and
local level. She most recently served as the Florida Director for Organizing for Action (OFA), the nonprofit formed from the President's electoral campaigns to support President Barack Obama's legislative
agenda. She has also worked in government, youth education non-profits, and in the private sector.
Ms. Kirby York has also served as a member of the Human Rights Campaign’s National Diversity &
Inclusion Council, the National Black Justice Coalition's Leadership Advisory Council and as a board
member for Howard University, the Center for Black Equity and the Next Generation Leadership
Foundation. She has been published in the LGBTQ Policy Journal at the Harvard Kennedy School of
Government, has been featured on CNN, MSNBC’s Today Show, FOX, the Washington Post and a
number of other national and international media outlets.
Vincent Wang is a member of AQUA DC.
Viveka Ray-Mazumder (Vi) is a 1.5 generation Indian American youth worker and community organizer
who grew up in New York in the wake of 9/11. This moved Vi to become active around issues of racial
justice, youth empowerment, and prison abolition. Currently, Vi runs a program called KINETIC for
immigrant and refugee teenagers in Chicago Public Schools through Asian Americans Advancing Justice |
Chicago. Vi is a founding collective member of Chicago Desi Youth Rising (CDYR) and a core member of
i2i: Asian Pacific Islander Pride of Chicago. Vi is passionate about using art as a tool for social change and
about building strong communities and chosen families.
Vivian Fried-Chung has served on the NQAPIA Board of Directors since 2012. She recently graduated
with an MBA from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania and will be moving to San Francisco
this summer. Prior to Wharton, she worked for the Principal Investing arm of Macquarie Bank as well as
the Investment Banking Division of Goldman, Sachs & Co in New York.
Dr. Vy Lam is the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) Specialist on the Human
Rights Division at USAID's Center of Excellence on Democracy, Human Rights and Governance in
Washington DC. Dr. Lam joined USAID in 2012 and works to integrate LGBTI beneficiaries and concerns
into USAID’s policies and programs. Prior to joining USAID, Dr. Lam was an interdisciplinary scientist with
background in microbiome physiology, radiopathology, viral immunology, cardiovascular disease, and
tissue engineering. Dr. Lam received his Ph.D. from University of Wisconsin, Madison where he studied
the dynamics of vesicular stomatitis replication and its induction of immunity.
Willy Wilkinson, MPH is a writer and public health consultant who has provided training and
consultation on providing equal access for LGBTQ populations. He developed the first HIV prevention
program for trans men who have sex with other men, and organized the first peer support programs for
Asian transmasculine individuals and people of color on the female-to-male spectrum. Willy’s memoir
Born on the Edge of Race and Gender: A Voice for Cultural Competency blends experiences of race,
gender, sexuality, disability, class, and parenthood with lessons from cultural competency, public health,
and policy advocacy. Learn more at www.willywilkinson.com.
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Yas Ahmed is the Co-Coordinator of the Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity (MASGD) and
has previously presented at Creating Change.
Yesenia Valdez is a queer gender-fluid Chicana activist from Fresno, CA. She’s been a passionate
community organizer for Fresno Immigrant Youth in Action- FIYA, and several other organizations in
Fresno. She is an aspiring entrepreneur studying psychology. Yesenia prides herself in advocating for
liberation and equality for all marginalized groups in our society, and is passionate about working at the
many intersections within our LGBTQ Latina/o community. She is excited to be part of Familia: Trans
Queer Liberation Movement.
Zon Moua is part of Southeast Asian Girls and is the LGBTQ Program Director at Freedom Inc. in
Madison, WI.
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About NQAPIA
The National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA) is a federation of lesbian, gay,
bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ) Asian American, South Asian, Southeast Asian, and
Pacific Islander (AAPI) organizations. We seek to build the organizational capacity of local
LGBTQ AAPI groups, develop leadership, promote visibility, educate our community,
enhance grassroots organizing, expand collaborations, and challenge homophobia,
transphobia, and racism.
NQAPIA Current Programs
Annual Training and Issue Briefing for Leaders of LGBTQ AAPI organizations
This weekend long Summit focuses on networking, learning about current issues, sharing strategies,
building local organizational infrastructure, and building national collaborative programs. Prior
convenings were held in Honolulu (2013), San Jose (2011), Chicago (2010), Denver (2008) and Oakland
(2005). In 2014, we organized a series of Regional Summits.
National Conference
This conference brings together grassroots LGBTQ AAPI activists from across the nation. Prior national
conferences were in Washington, DC in 2012 (350 attendees) and Seattle in 2009 (250 attendees). New
York’s 2004 conference (400 attendees) helped lay the groundwork for NQAPIA’s initial convening.
LGBTQ Immigrants’ Rights & Racial Justice
We are spearheading educational and advocacy campaigns on immigrants’ rights & racial justice that
include local community forums, press conferences featuring AAPI immigrants, a national postcard
campaign, and coordinated nationwide action.
Promoting Visibility
NQAPIA aims to improve the visibility of LGBTQs in the mainstream AAPI community and of AAPIs in the
broader LGBTQ community. This multilingual education campaign includes outreach to the Asian ethnic
media and educational pieces translated into several Asian languages.
Capacity Building Resources, Workshops, and Trainings
This includes a descriptive directory of all of the nation’s LGBTQ AAPI groups, sharing best practices and
model documents, and fiscal sponsorship. NQAPIA will also host local, regional and national trainings,
around organizational sustainability, capacity building, direct action organizing, and more.
A National Voice
NQAPIA raises the LGBTQ AAPI voice in current issues and we promote LGBTQ AAPI engagement.
NQAPIA is a member of the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans, the coalition of national AAPI
advocacy organizations and brings a racial justice lens to the LGBTQ policy agenda.
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NQAPIA Team
NQAPIA Board of Directors
Bex Ahuja, Management Center, Brooklyn, NY
Anj Chaudhry, Brooklyn, NY
Vivian Chung, Wharton School of Business/UPenn, Philadelphia, PA
Stan Fong, Atlanta, GA
August Guang, Providence Youth & Student Movement, Providence, RI
Almas Haider, Washington, DC
Mandy Hu, San Francisco, CA
Shivana Jorawar, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, Washington, DC
Kevin Lam, State University of New York at New Paltz, New Paltz, NY
Alison Lin, Oakland, CA
Michelle Lee, Koreans United for Equality, Los Angeles, CA
Kham Moua, OCA APA Advocates, Washington, DC
Eri Oura, Oakland, CA / Honolulu, HI
Phillip Ozaki, Lambda Legal, New York, NY
Aya Tasaki, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, New York, NY
monna wong, API Equality - Northern California, San Francisco, CA
* Affiliations for identification purposes only.
NQAPIA Staff and Consultants
Glenn D. Magpantay, Executive Director - glenn_magpantay@nqapia.org
Sasha W., Organizing Director - sasha@nqapia.org
Ryan Viloria, Conference Coordinator
Linda Le, Bookkeeper
Christina Adams, Administrative Assistant
Janani Balasubramanian, Social Media Consultant
Roberta Sklar, Media Consultant
Mia Nakano, Website/Tech Consultant
Julia Yang, Database Consultant
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NQAPIA Member Groups:
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Asian American, South Asian, Southeast Asian, and
Pacific Islander Organizations
The South
Trikone-Atlanta, GA
Khush Texas, Austin, TX
VAYLA-New Orleans, LA
Midwest
Shades of Yellow (SOY), Minneapolis, MN
Invisible to Invincible: Asian Pacific Islander Pride of Chicago (i2i), IL
Trikone Chicago, IL
Freedom Inc., Madison, WI
Mid-Atlantic/Metro DC Area
Asian Pacific Islander Queers United for Action (AQUA), Washington, DC
Asian Pacific Islander Queer Sisters (APIQS), Washington, DC
hotpot!, Philadelphia, PA
Khush-DC, Washington, DC
Greater New York City Area
Asian Pride Project, NY
Dari Project, NY
Gay Asian & Pacific Islander Men of New York (GAPIMNY)
Q-WAVE, NY
SALGA, NY
PFLAG NYC Chapter – API Project
New England
Massachusetts Area South Asian Lambda Association (MASALA), Boston, MA
Queer Asian Pacific-Islander Alliance (QAPA), Boston, MA
Providence Youth Student Movement (PrYSM), Providence, RI
Pacific Northwest
API Pride of Portland, OR
Trikone - Northwest, Seattle, WA
UTOPIA - Seattle, WA
Project Q of API Chaya, Seattle, WA
Pride Asia, Seattle, WA
Northern California
API Equality-Northern California, San Francisco, CA
Asian Pacific Islander Queer Women and Transgender Community (APIQWTC), Bay Area, CA
Gay Asian Pacific Alliance (GAPA), San Francisco, CA
South Bay Queer and Asian, San Jose
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Trikone, San Francisco, CA
UTOPIA - San Francisco, CA
Southern California
API PFLAG San Gabriel Valley, CA
API Equality - Los Angeles, CA
Barangay - LA, CA
Satrang, Los Angeles, CA
Koreans United for Equality (KUE), CA
UTOPIA - San Diego, CA
Viet Rainbow Orange County (VROC), CA
API Pride Council, Los Angeles, CA
AQWA, Los Angeles, CA
Malaya Project, Los Angeles, CA
Pacific Islands
Pride Marianas, Saipan
Guam Alternative Lifestyle Association (GALA)
Nolu Ehu, Waianae, HI
National
Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity (MASGD)
Network on Religion and Justice (NRJ)
Desi lgbtQ Helpline (DeQH)
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Stay in Touch with Us
NQAPIA
233 Fifth Avenue Suite 4A
New York, NY 10016
NQAPIA
1322 18th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
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