Writer: Siena Iwasaki Milbauer
All throughout the month of October, we’ve celebrated LGBTQ+ history month by honoring Asian American LGBTQ+ individuals. We’ve highlighted the accomplishments of notable queer AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) historical figures and contemporary role models. We’ve also shared stories from some of our queer staff, and from LGBTQ+ Asian American community members. Now that October is over, the question is: what next?
AAOP has many resources for folks interested in learning more about queer Asian American communities. In a research project conducted in Summer 2020, we examined the state of queer allyship among AAPIs. The resulting report is full of insights from both queer and ally Asian Americans. For people specifically interested in learning how to be better allies to the queer community, check out our series on improving allyship, eliminating performative and toxic behavior, and educating yourself.
Additionally, our blog frequently features the voices of queer Asian Americans. AAOP also continues to develop new programming and resources for LGBTQ+ AAPIs and AAPI allies. Keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming set of workshops on queer allyship in Asian American communities, and queer-centered comprehensive sex ed.
At AAOP, we are committed to supporting and uplifting our Asian American LGBTQ+ community. We invite you to reach out to us with suggestions for future events and ventures. We look forward to continuing this work with you.
As we conclude this chapter, we leave you with a list of even more inspiring queer Asian Americans. The individuals we spotlighted this month are only a handful of the incredible folks out there, and this larger list still only scratches the surface. Still, we hope it can serve as a reminder that we were here, we are here, and we will continue to be here: bold, proud, and undeniable.
- Faisal Alam, activist
- Greg Araki, filmmaker
- Raveena Aurora, singer/songwriter
- Miyuki Baker, artist
- Shayna Baszler, wrestler
- Thomas Beatie, activist
- Bernice Bing, artist
- Leyna Bloom, model/actress
- Christopher L. Cabaldon, politician
- Elaine Castillo, writer
- Lisa Changadveja, political strategist
- Pamela Chen, judge
- Justin Chin, poet
- Tamara Ching, activist
- Dan Choi, activist
- Julie Chu, Olympic hockey player
- Cecilia Chung, activist
- Margaret Chung, doctor
- Vincent Crisostomo, activist
- Angela Dimayuga, chef
- Tadd Fujikawa, golfer
- Michiko Fukaya, poet
- Raja Gemini, drag performer
- Prince Gomolvilas, playwright
- Prabal Gurung, designer
- Soleil Ho, critic
- Crystal Jang, activist
- Baseera Khan, artist
- Hayley Kiyoko, singer/songwriter
- Kiyoshi Kuromiya, activist
- R.O. Kwon, writer
- Chella Man, entertainer
- Rahul Mehta, writer
- Mia Mingus, activist
- Mary Anne Mohanraj, academic
- Niki Nakayama, chef
- Bao Nguyen, politician
- Ongina, drag performer
- Trinity Ordona, activist
- Pauline Park, activist
- Parvez Sharma, filmmaker
- George Takei, actor
- Jose Antonio Vargas, journalist
- Ocean Vuong, writer
- Alexander Wang, designer
- Mia Yamamoto, lawyer
- Bowen Yang, comedian