Queer Asian Compass - Racial Equity - Funders for LGBTQ Issues

AboutNQAPIAThe National Queer Asian PacificIslander Alliance (NQAPIA) isa federation of lesbian, gay,bisexual, and transgender(LGBTQ) Asian American, SouthAsian, and Pacific Islander (AAPI)organizations. We seek to buildthe organizational capacity oflocal LGBTQ AAPI groups, developleadership, invigorate grassrootsorganizing, and challengehomophobia and racism.NQAPIA has worked with localLGBTQ AAPI groups to speak outfor immigration reform, partneredwith the National Gay & LesbianTask Force on a national survey ofthe needs and concerns of LGBTQAAPIs, supported convenings forqueer women and South Asians,led workshops on organizingLGBTQ AAPIs for social change,and hosted a national trainingand issue briefing for leaders ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations.

Executive SummaryAsian Americans and Pacific Islanders(AAPIs) are among the fastest growingminority groups in the nation. Moreand more lesbian, gay, bisexual,transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) AAPIsare coming out, yet they still faceinvisibility, isolation, and stereotypingwithin AAPI and LGBTQ communities.The lives of LGBTQ AAPIs involve complex intersectionsof being sexual, racial/ethnic, linguistic,gender, immigrant, and economic minorities. Twothirdsof all Asian Americans are foreign-born and80% speak a language other than English in theirhomes. A third (34%) are not citizens. Approximatelyone million Asian Americans are undocumented.After 9/11, immigrants, particularly SouthAsian immigrants, have been targets of racial profiling, detentions, and deportations.As a result, thirty-four (34) LGBTQ AAPI organizations across the nation have formed.The National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA) was founded asa federation of LGBTQ AAPI organizations to help build the organizationalcapacity of local groups, develop leadership, invigorate grassroots organizing,and challenge homophobia and racism. Toward these goals, we developed aDescriptive Directory of LGBTQ AAPI Organizations. This profile book provides anoverall analysis and snapshot of each of the nation’s LGBTQ AAPI organizations.2NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

1Map of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, andTransgender Asian American, SouthAsian, and Pacific Islander Organizations2Pacific Northwest1. Trikone-Northwest, Seattle, WA2. Asian Pacific Lesbian and Gays, Portland, ORNorthern California3. Gay Asian Pacific Alliance (GAPA), San Francisco4. Trikone, San Francisco5.Asian Pacific Islander Queer Women andTransgender Coalition (APIQWTC), Bay Area3694710586.Asian Pacific Islander Queer & Questioning 25& Under All Together (AQUA25), San Francisco7. Asian Pacific Islander Equality, San Francisco8.Downe Organizing Project of LiwanagKultural Center, Daly City9. South Bay Queer and Asian, San Jose10. Gay Vietnamese Alliance, San Jose11151214161317Southern California11. API Pride Council, Los Angeles12. API Equality-Los Angeles13.Gay Asian Pacific Support Network(GAPSN), Los Angeles14.Barangay - The Gay FilipinoOrganization of Los Angeles15. Satrang, Southern California16. Chinese Rainbow Association, La Habra17.Asian American Queer WomenActivists (AQWA), Los Angeles4NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

Diversity Of LGBTQ AAPI OrganizationsLGBTQ AAPI organizations serve diverse constituencies. While most are multi-gender organizations, fiveof them specifically serve women and trans individuals; five specifically serve men and trans individuals.Seven groups are for, by, and about individuals with South Asian heritage, and four groups serve ethnicspecific communities (Chinese, Filipino, Korean and Vietnamese).Collectively, organizations have members who are primarily between 20 and 40 years old, and a mix offoreign-born and US-born members. Interestingly, South Asian groups and AAPIs on the East Coast consistlargely of foreign-born, while groups on the West Cost tend to consist largely of US-born members.5LGBTQ AAPI groupswith paid staff1,030Total volunteers5,270Total membersFive groups have paid staff andall of them are projects of largerAAPI organizations workingon same-sex marriage or withyouth, reflecting priorities fromavailable funding sources.The average number of volunteersthat organizations haveis 32. In total, there are 1,030 volunteersworking for LGBTQ AAPIgroups across the country.The number of formal members varieswidely from about 25 to 1,000. Mostgroups have memberships under 100,but a few have over 500. In total, allLGBTQ AAPI groups have a combinedmembership of 5,270.LGBTQ AAPI organizations vary greatly in regard to infrastructure, budget, and leadership structure. Only aquarter of LGBTQ AAPI organizations are formally incorporated as tax-exempt 501(c)3 entities. About a thirdare fiscally sponsored by another 501(c)3. Four are LGBTQ projects of larger mainstream AAPI organizations.Most of their financial support comes from fundraising events, individual donations, and membershipdues. Most LGBTQ AAPI groups receive no foundation support. A few groups receive some funding fromfoundations and among them, the most often reported funders, were the Astraea Lesbian Foundation forJustice, and local community foundations that were part of the Funding Exchange.6NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

LGBTQ AAPI organizations all face internal organizational challenges such as avoiding leadership burnout,increasing membership involvement, and balancing, membership involvement, and balancing socialand social justice activities. Addressing those challenges is exacerbated by institutional barriers andorganizational capacity, such as immigration laws and lack of resources to network with other groups.For example, emerging and existing foreign-born leaders, while showing interest in taking on leadershiproles, are constrained by the lack of protection against deportation and the risk of jeopardizing their immigrationstatus — just because they identify as LGBTQ. And local organizations, while trying to developtheir organizations, are frustrated by geographic isolation and lack of shared resources..11,836Total listserv/email subscribersThe average size of organizations’listservs is 400, but again therange is from 50 to 1,500. Most areunder 500 but a few are over 1,000.In total, there are 11,836 listservsubscribers.738Total donorsThe average number of donorsper group is 30. There are a totalof 738 donors to the LGBTQAAPI groups.$1,000to $10,000Annual budget of half of all groupsA quarter of the groups have annual budgets under$1,000. About half have budgets between $1,000and $10,000. The remainder have budgets over$10,000, half of which are over $50,000.ConclusionLGBTQ AAPI organizations across the United States areworking hard to provide a safe and supportive spacefor LGBTQ AAPIs. They provide an array of social, support,political, and education activities. They promoteawareness among their own members and educate thebroader community. They challenge racism and antiimmigrantbias in the gay community and homophobiain Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.Some are well established organizations; others are juststarting out. They have done very much with very little.We hope this Directory will help local groups connectwith each other to share resources and ideas. Wealso hope for it to be a resource for members of themedia, national organizations, funders, and local LGBTQactivists who seek to involve AAPI individuals, or AsianAmerican leaders who seek to reach out to LGBTQindividuals. NQAPIA and its partner organizations areproud this first-ever look into the state of the LGBTQAAPI community.Queer Asian CompassA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations7

The LGBTQ Asian Americanand Pacific Islander Populations:Definitions and Naming ConventionsAsian Americans and Pacific Islanders are among the fastest growing minority groupsin the nation, numbering about 14 million. Since 1965, the Asian American populationhas more than tripled. Much of the growth resulted from increased immigrationwhen restrictive and discriminatory quotas against countries in Asia were lifted.Asian Americans, South Asians, and Pacific Islanders areextremely diverse populations encompassing peoplewho trace their origins to Asia and the Pacific Islands.They include East Asians, such as Chinese, Koreans,Japanese; Southeast Asians such Vietnamese, Cambodians,Thais, Hmong, and Laotians; South Asians, suchas Indians, Bangladeshis, Pakistanis, Sri Lankans; otherAsian groups such as Filipinos, Indonesians, multiracialAsians; and Pacific Islanders, such as Native Hawaiians,Guamanians, Chamorros and Samoans.The census designates Asian Americans and PacificIslanders as two distinct racial groups. However, race andidentity are ever changing concepts. Before Census 2000,Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders were combined ina joint category “Asian/ Pacific Islander.” The term “AsianAmerican” has always included South Asians, and all officialreporting of Asian Americans includes Indians, Bangladeshis,and Pakistanis. But, the popular connotation of“Asian American” has often been East Asian, despite manySouth Asians and Pacific Islanders preferring other racialidentifiers. Since 9/11, notions of being South Asian havealso expanded with the governmental targeting of SouthAsians and Muslims. Lastly, regarding how “West Asian”and Middle Eastern individuals are identified, the censusclassifies Arabs and Afghanis are racially as “white.” However,some advocate for Middle Eastern and West Asianbe classified into the overall category of “Asian,” whileothers advocate for those to be their own category.Individual organizations represented in this descriptivedirectory maintain their own definitions of their ethnic,racial, gender/gender identity, sex, and sexual orientationcategories. Given this milieu of naming preferences,we have chosen, for ease of convention in thisdocument, to use Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders(or “AAPI”) to refer to people who self-identify theirancestry from any countries in the Asian continent andsub-continent or the islands of the Pacific Rim, regardlessof immigration status, citizenship, or generationstatus (i.e. immigrants as the first generation in the U.S.,their U.S.-born children being second generation, etc.).Similarly, sexual orientation and gender identity are alsochanging concepts. “Homosexual” or “gay” was oncethought to be all inclusive, but the feminist movement andits uncovering the invisibility of lesbians moved the conceptto “lesbian and gay.” In the early 1990s, the fluidity ofsexuality was better understood and “bisexual” was added.As gender-identity has been recognized as a fundamentallydifferent concept from sexuality and sexual orientation,we see more and more inclusion of “transgender” and8NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

Asians as a Percentage ofU.S. population in 20000 100 Miles“gender identity and expression” in our public usage.Other terms representing sexual orientation, genderidentity, relationship orientation, and biological sexhave also changed conceptually or arisen out of thenarrative vacuum of terminology, some increasing ordecreasing in use. In some cases, people may beginusing particular concepts as they gain more understandingof them or as their philosophy of inclusionshifts. For example, “intersex” was used more widelyamongst sexual minority groups than it is now - possiblyas a result of the changing scope of LGBT movements,possibly a result of recognizing the needsof intersex individuals are not being met in LGBTorganizations. On the other hand, words like “queer,”“gender non-conforming,” and “mixed-orientation”are increasing in use within the community. In thedescriptive directory, we use LGBTQ where we define“Q” as inclusive of all gender non-conforming identities.Gender non-conforming we use to representindividuals whose gender expression is different fromthe societal expectations based on their assigned sexat birth – regardless of how that gender expressionis manifested in an individual’s identity, presentation,sexuality/orientation, and/or intimate relationships.Racial, sexual, and ethnic identification are powerfulunifiers. But they are also imperfect; they do not reflectthe full diversity nor do they capture the changingnotions of identity in America today. For the purposesof this Directory, we have included groups that identifyas LGBTQ AAPI organizations, or specific projects thatserve this population. Please note local organizationsrepresented in this directory have and use differentnaming conventions, reflecting a more specific, broad-0 100 Mileser, or different scope in their mission and reflecting adifferent conceptualization of the terms they use.US4.2%People indicatingone or more racesincluding Asianas a percent oftotal populationby county25.0 to 61.68.4 to 24.94.2 to 8.31.0 to 4.10.0 to 0.9Location of LGBTQAAPI Organization(s)Source: U.S. Census Bureau,Census 2000Queer Asian CompassA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations9

Third, NQAPIA staff conducted personal interviews with organizational leaders and members. Some of theseinterviews took place at planned meetings. At other times, they were more organic. Respondents did not haveto answer a pre-set list of questions; rather, responses came from open-ended discussions about their organizations’activities, struggles and needs.Thirty organizations participated in this study. We reached out to organizations via email, phone, and papermail, encouraging them to participate and complete our survey. Some organizations maintained a presenceon-line or in some other directory, but no one from these groups ever responded to any of our communications.Those groups were not included in this survey. About three groups were unable to complete the surveyby the deadline, which was extended several times, and the information gathered was derived from informationon their website and through personal interviews. Each organization had an opportunity to review andedit their respective organizational profiles before publication; however, due to the condensed timelines, someof those reviews were not able to be completed by time of publication. Each organization has its own processof decision-making and collective work, and we extended our deepest regrets and apologies that we weren’table to afford more time prior to publication for all the groups to work through their process of review.In this Directory, all of the percentages and descriptive quantifiers (“the majority,” “most,” “some,” and “few”) referto the portion of those organizations that responded to a particular question. Not all organizations respondedto every question on the surveymonkey questionnaire, but most groups completed a substantial portion of it.This Directory encompasses groups that identify with being LGBTQ Asian American, South Asian, and PacificIslander organizations, or specific projects that serve this population. This Directory does not include local Arabor Middle Eastern LGBTQ groups. It does, however, include Al-Fatiha, a Muslim LGBTQ group, recognizing theAAPI membership and leadership in the organization, and reflecting ongoing collaboration with NQAPIA onissues of common concern.This Directory also does not include AIDS/HIV service agencies that specifically target AAPIs, such as APICHA inNew York, MAP for Health in Boston, API Wellness Center in San Francisco, and Asian Pacific AIDS InterventionTeam in Los Angeles. Many local LGBTQ AAPI organizations work closely with those agencies. However, we donot include them largely because of differing levels of funding and resources available to them from governmentand other sources. These agencies by and large operate on different scales than the organizations discussedin this Directory. At the same time, other directories provide information about these kinds or groups.At its core, this Directory is intended to showcase local LGBTQ AAPI groups that intentionally target and servethe diverse needs of this unique community.12NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

FindingsProfile of LGBTQ AAPI OrganizationsThirty-four (34) LGBTQ AAPI organizations from across the United States are listed here. Two are nationalorganizations. Most LGBTQ AAPI organizations are located in areas with large populations of Asian Americans andPacific Islanders. The largest population centers are in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Greater Los Angeles Area.Following these are the communities in New York City, the metropolitan Washington, DC Area, and New England.Some LGBTQ AAPI organizations areNot incorporated/organized by ethnicity or gender.OtherWomen and 15%41%21% 501(c)3ūūSeven (7) are South Asian groups.Trans only65% Multi-genderūūTwo (2) are Southeast Asian groups.Men andTransūūSix (6) serve specific ethnic communities, includingChinese, Filipinos, Vietnamese, and Koreans.Percentage ofonly 15% Gender diversityLGBTQ AAPI Organizationsof LGBTQ AAPIūūFive (5) are predominantly with Non-Profit women’s StatusorganizationsOrganizations(three of which are inclusive oftransgender people).Men only 6%ūūFive (5) are predominantly men’s organizations38%Fiscally(two of which are inclusive ofSponsoredtransgender people).A clear majority of LGBTQ AAPI groups, about two-thirds, is multi-gender.The metropolitan areas with multiple LGBTQ AAPI organizations are San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York,and Washington, DC. They each have South Asian, men’s, and women’s organizations. In each of these areas,there has been Outreach/Educationcollaboration and cross-programming among the groups, as discussed in the next section. 22 groupsSocial/Networking activities22Four (4) are LGBTQ Coalition projects Building of mainstream, larger AAPI organizations.Culturally-relevant activities2020Three are specifically youth organizations, all of which are housed withinFundraising19larger organizations that also provide staff support.Political Advocacy17Grassroots Organizing16Discussion/Learning Groups16Organizational Planning16Organizational Assessments15Member Training & Development15Grantwriting12Support Groups8Queer Asian CompassA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations13

InfrastructureLGBTQ AAPI organizations vary greatly with regard to infrastructure, budget, and leadership structure.Only five (5) organizations have staff; of these, most are projects of larger AAPIorganizations. Two of them focus on marriage equality and three on youth.Not incorporated/Other41%21%501(c)3WomTransMost organizations were founded in the 1990s.Less than a quarter of LGBTQ AAPI organizations are formally incorporated as taxexempt501(c)3 entities. More than a third are fiscally sponsored by another 501(c)3.Some organizations have virtual structures, in that they have an email address,website, and perhaps a phone number or voicemail, but they do not havepostal mailing addresses. They use a variety of communications systems tokeep their members connected, including Facebook, MySpace, Friendster, listservs,and electronic bulletin boards; some have blogs and discussion groups.Percentage ofLGBTQ AAPI Organizationswith Non-Profit Status38%FiscallySponsoredMen aTransonlyMen o’79 1980 ’81 ’82 ’83 ’84 ’85 ’86 ’87 ’88 ’89 1990 ’91 ’92 ’93Queer AsianPacific AllianceBoston, MATimelineThe Founding ofGay Asian PacificSupport NetworkLos Angeles, CATrikoneSan Francisco, CALGBTQ AAPI OrganizationsAsian PacificLesbian BisexualTrans Network(APLBTN)Outreach/EducationGay Asian Social/Networking activitiesPacific AllianceSan Francisco, CA Coalition BuildingCulturally-relevant activitiesFundraisingGay Asian &Political Pacific Advocacy IslanderGrassroots Men of Organizing New YorkNew York, NYDiscussion/Learning GroupsOrganizational PlanningSouth BayQueer & AsianSan Jose, CAOrganizational AssessmentsMember Training & Development Gay VietnameseAllianceGrantwritingSan Jose, CASupport GroupsSouth Asian LesbianDirect Services & Gay Association ofLobbyingNew York CityNew York, NYOther 24TrikoneAtlantaAtlanta, GA58Only currently existing organizations, as reflectedi n t h e queer asian co m pa s s direc to ry, are shown.Outreach/Education010Social/Networking activitiesCoalition Building14NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander AllianceCulturally-relevant activitiesFundraisingPolitical AdvocacyGrassroots OrganizingDiscussion/Learning Groups

ActivitiesLGBTQ AAPI organizations engage in five distinct classes of activities:social, support, educational, outreach, and political.SocialThere are limitations to categorizing organizational activities assuch. Sometimes they blend. For example, a screening of a filmabout the lives of South Asians after 9/11 may be both a socialand political event. Some groups also use different categoriesto present their work. Shades of Yellow in Minnesota describedtheir programs as “advocacy, education, and health;” GAPIMNYsays they provide “social, peer-support, educational, and politicalspace.” QAPA in Boston described itself as a “social group that also providessupport for activism on Asian and LGBTQ issues.” Notwithstandingthese differences, we found in our survey of LGBTQ AAPI groupactivities that social, political, support, educational, and outreachactivities were the most common themes of their work.SupportOutreachEducationalPolitical’94 ’95 ’96 ’97 ’98 2000 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09Asian andPacific IslanderLesbians and GaysPortland, ORKHUSHDCWashington, DCMassachusetts AreaSouth Asian LambdaAssociationBoston, MAAsian QueersUnited for ActionWashington, DCSatrangLos Angeles, CATrikone - NWSeattle, WAAsian PacificIslander QueerWomen &TransgenderCommunityBay Area, CAInstitute forTongzhi StudiesNew York, NYShadesof YellowMinneapolis, MNAPI Equality-LALos Angeles, CADari ProjectNew York, NYSoutheast Asian Queers United forEmpowerment and LeadershipProvidence, RIQueer Philadelphia AsiansPhiladelphia, PADowneOrganizingProject of LiwanagKultural CenterDaly City, CABarangay:A Gay FilipinoOrganizationLos Angeles, CAChinese RainbowAssociationLa Habra, CAaQWA(Asian/Pacific Islander QueerWomen/Transgender Activists)Bay Area, CAAsian Pacific Islander EqualitySan Francisco, CAAsian PacificIslander Queer &Questioning 25 &Under All TogetherSan Francisco, CAAl-Fatiha FoundationWashington, DCAsian Pacific IslanderQueer SistersWashington, DCAsian Pacific Islander Pride CouncilLos Angeles, CAInvisible-to-Invincible, API Pride of ChicagoChicago, ILQ-WaveNew York, NYQueer Asian CompassA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations15

A c t i v i t i e s :SocialLGBTQ AAPI organizations provide essential socialnetworking spaces where participants can connectwith people of common heritage and experiences.They host a wide range of social activities cateringto a variety of interests. Most groups host regularpotlucks dinners or Dim Sum brunches. Trikone inthe Bay Area hosts regular pot luck raps called “ChitChat and Chai.” They coordinate sports teams (mostoften softball and volleyball), musical endeavorssuch as a choir or a small band, outdoor excursionslike hiking trips, film screenings or Bollywoodnights, and game nights. Some also host culturalperformances (traditional dance/song), writingworkshops, poetry, and spoken word events.A third of the groups annually participate in localLGBTQ film festivals and, in some cities, AsianAmerican festivals as well. The low participation rateis due to a number of reasons. Some organizationsare in areas without film festivals. As we will discusslater, uneven outreach or collaboration with LGBTQorganizations from the broader AAPI communitymay also play a role.In general, the social activities of these groups providean alternative space to the gay bars and clubs.This is especially important for young people whoare too young to get into age-restricted establishments.But a few groups do host regular after-workHappy Hours at gay bars. Many host annual danceparties at clubs.Several groups had annual events. Some eventsattracted hundreds of people and were importantfundraisers. MASALA in Boston hosts an annual Mela;Satrang marches with its partner organization, SouthAsian Network (SAN) in “Little India” and celebratesPride and Eid/Diwali Festivals annually; Shades ofYellow hosts a “Ms. Soy” pageant. API Equality-LAhosted a spoken word event to raise money for thecampaign against Proposition 8. In the Bay Area,Trikone has an annual cultural show called “KultureKulcha” and GAPA hosts “Runway,” a gay male beautypageant and talent show. In New York, SALGA runs“Color Me Queer,” a party for people of color in Juneas part of LGBT Pride month, which jointly benefitsSALGA and the Audre Lorde Project. Many host holidayparties at the end of the year.16NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

A c t i v i t i e s :SupportLGBTQ AAPI organizations provide peer supportfor individuals who are coming out of the closet,simply looking to connect with their cultural peers,or in need of professional services. A third of thegroups have monthly peer-support group meetingsthat are open to all of their members. Some havegroups specifically for women, people of transgenderexperience, or youth. SALGA’s monthly “comingout” sessions have facilitators who are fluentin English and another South Asian language andare trained in power dynamics, racism and otherbiases. Most groups are able to make referrals toother agencies for social services. The most oftenrequested services are health/counseling/AIDS/HIVservices, immigration assistance, and general legaladvice.Three respondents provide support specifically foryoung people – seaQuel, AQUA25, and DowneOrganizing Project. It is noteworthy that all ofthese groups are staffed and housed by largerorganizations. The Downe Organizing Project aimsto be a resource in Daly City to provide workshopsthat help participants understand heterosexism inthe Filipino community. AQUA25 supports alternativespaces to the club scene for young people andhosts an annual retreat to foster youth leadership.They outreach in public high schools and at manymainstream AAPI events and spaces, such as theCherry Blossom Festival, Pilipino Cultural Nights,and in Chinatown youth centers. SeaQuel supportsand trains LGBTQ Southeast Asian young peoplethrough GED and after-school programs and politicalcampaigns.Two groups in the Bay Area – GAPA and APIQWTC– run a program to provide college scholarships toneedy LGBTQ AAPI young people.Many groups provide specific support on immigrationmatters. Some groups like MASALA have doneeducational forums with LGBTQ civil rights attorneysand South Asian immigration lawyers. SALGAhas actively campaigned for immigrants’ rightsand protested against the detention, deportation,and special registration of immigrants. Al-Fatiha,SALGA, and Satrang have written letters in supportof asylum petitions. The letters sometimes onlyneed to confirm that the applicants are LGBTQ orare members of their (LGBTQ) groups.To accommodate members with limited Englishproficiency, a third of the groups have a translatedbrochure, postcard or flyer. Three have translatedpages on their websites. Some support memberswho do not speak English through informal cliquesof members who speak the same language.Queer Asian CompassA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations17

A c t i v i t i e s :EducationEducational activities are integral to the missionsof almost all LGBTQ AAPI groups. Most groups hosteducational workshops, guest speakers, or discussiongroups on a variety of topics. Some haveblogs/e-discussion groups. Most regularly co-sponsorevents in which they encourage their membersto attend events organized by other groups.Some respondents, however, observe an imbalancein seeking LGBTQ AAPI co-sponsorship. LGBTQ AAPIgroups may be solicited more often by mainstreamLGBTQ groups than by mainstream AAPI groups toco-sponsor their events. One person commentedthat the invitations for co-sponsorship by mainstreamLGBT organizations may often be an effort to demonstratesome level of inclusivity of minority/POCpeople, but may not necessarily result in collaborationsof any substance. The other observation is thatLGBTQ AAPI groups are much less often solicited bynon-gay Asian groups. The result is that LGBTQ AAPIsare sometimes more visible in the LGBTQ communitythan they are in the mainstream AAPI community.However, LGBTQ AAPI organizations are sometimes invited toparticipate in larger AAPI community efforts as the “LGBTQ”voice. In Los Angeles, GAPSN is a member agency of the AsianPacific Policy & Planning Council. Nationally, Satrang is also partof the National Coalition of South Asian Organizations (NCSO).To educate the larger communities, a few groups hold workshopsor open community forums; some have speakers bureaus.QAPA in Boston occasionally speaks at student conferences;AQWA in Los Angeles has spoken on community panels abouthomophobia in the Asian community and in the church.Trikone-Atlanta collaborated with a South Asian social serviceand domestic violence agency on “Masala Chai Houses,”a conversation series about the model minority myth, racismand homophobia. KhushDC hosts an annual event for Women’sHerstory Month in March, with different topics such as honoringSouth Asian women activists and activism, or transgender peopleand their experiences. AQWA has published articles in localAsian newsletters and newspapers in which they specificallyidentified lesbian Asians of various ethnicities to be communitypress contacts on LGBTQ AAPI issues like marriage equality andto address incidents of homophobia in Asian communities.VisibilityEffortsin New York& Los AngelesAQWAis coordinating The Visibility Project.It is the creation of a diverse portraitseries centered on and created byAAPI queer women and AAPI transfolks. The goals are to educate anddocument our community(ies). Theproject includes a photographic exhibitionin Los Angeles, and possiblythe Bay Area and beyond. The imagescreated will be also used to producebrochures, postcards and on theAQWA website to create outreach andrecruiting materials.QWAVEis spearheading The Asian Pride Project which aimsfor all AAPIs “to live openly and proudly regardlessof sexual orientations and gender expressions withour families, culture and our heritage.” They hopeto bring about understanding, empathy, love, unity,and acceptance among family members and friends.This campaign includes a multilingual website inwhich people can communicate through written andvisual art forms and advertising in local communitynewspapers in various Asian languages. It willinclude stories, essays, poetry, graphics, video clips,photo and caption exchanges, as well as interactivecomments and statements.18NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

A c t i v i t i e s :Outreach and VisibilityMany respondents commented that most of gayculture is dominated by white gay images, and thatwomen, transgender persons, and South Asianswere notably absent. To address these frustrations,groups embark on a variety of outreach activities.Almost all LGBTQ AAPI organizations participate inannual LGBTQ Pride events, but fewer (only abouthalf ) participate in AAPI cultural-specific events,such as:ūūLunar New YearūūAsian Pacific American Heritage Month in MayūūNation-specific independence days (Pakistan,India, Philippines)ūūOther ethnic specific events, (Dragon Boat festivals,Eid, Diwali, Cherry Blossom Festivals, etc.)While two-thirds of the groups organize tables atannual LGBTQ Pride Festivals, only one-third dothe same at mainstream AAPI or cultural-specificevents. For example, MASALA tables at India DayCelebrations and GAPIMNY and Q-WAVE do so atthe Asian American Heritage Month Festival.To promote visibility, AAPI LBTQ women’s groupsand women members of multi-gender groups oftenparticipate in annual Dyke Marches in cities thathave these events. As a show of solidarity, GAPIM-NY volunteers for the “Brothers for Sisters” waterbrigade in the annual Dyke March.Groups have invested in developing outreach andpromotional materials. Trikone in the Bay Area andGAPIMNY both have regular periodicals. Satrangand GAPA have e-newsletters. Only a third of thegroups have organizational brochures.Satrangis translating its brochure intofive (5) South Asian languages;launching a visibility campaignvia advertisements and articlesin South Asian newspapers andmagazines; compiling a health/mental resource directory for referralpurposes for its members;collaborating with a South Asianorganization to do outreach toreligious leaders; among manymore activities.GAPIMNYdeveloped bilingual postcards and posters distributed on the street andat ethnic grocery stores in Chinatown and Flushing. The Chinese messagebasically translated into “Love goes with any gender” and had the Chinesecharacter for “Love” encircled with characters for “gay,” “heterosexual,” and“bisexual.” Each set of characters was modified in mathematical correlationto the other characters. Together they became a sort of rhyme that had nostarting or ending point, and eliminated any hierarchy among the kinds oflove. The Korean message imported notions of immigration issues and includedimages of actual queer Korean Americans. It said, “They say love hasno borders, then why must there be boarders on our love? Toward a worldwhere difference does not mean discrimination. Let’s change our perspective.Gay is good.”Queer Asian CompassA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations19

A c t i v i t i e s :Political Advocacy & ActivismAll LGBTQ AAPI groups engage in some form of politicaladvocacy or activism, but the frequency and manner varytremendously. Some have written letters to the editor inmainstream press, LGBTQ community press, and Asian ethnic/language press. GLAAD has run media trainings specificallyfor LGBTQ AAPI groups. Some groups have participated in rallies,protests, and lobby days, and published political pieces intheir newsletters, websites, and listservs. A few organizationsreport that they do not participate in many political activities,but their members do so as individuals.LGBTQ AAPIs have frequently spoken out against defamatoryimages and articles in the media. For example, one localgroup challenged the “China Doll”-themed gay HotlantaCircuit Party in 2000. A dozen LGBTQ AAPI groups collaboratedto protest Details magazine’s “Gay or Asian?” feature thatmocked gay Asian men, and SALGA in New York organizedprotests against the detention, deportation, and specialregistration of South Asians after 9/11. Some groups haveexpressed international solidarity and protested human rightsviolations against LGBTQs abroad.Marriage equality has recently galvanized LGBTQ AAPI groups,specifically in the context of California’s Proposition 8 to bangay marriage in 2008. API Equality in San Francisco and APIEquality in Los Angeles were founded to specifically workon marriage equality in the AAPI community. Both hired staffto work on the 2008 campaign. They developed educationalmaterials in Asian languages, worked with the Asian ethnicmedia, organized individual LGBTQ AAPIs to volunteer for theNo on 8 campaign, and targeted AAPI voters to vote againstProposition 8. They generated multiple stories and featuresabout same-sex couples and the struggle for marriage equalityin the AAPI media, thereby creating a more tolerant andunderstanding atmosphere. Both groups developed significantorganizational infrastructure and have been trying tofigure out to how to maintain those structures.Some groups engaged in politically partisan work. Federaltax-exempt (501(c)3) groups are forbidden from campaigningfor specific candidates for office or political parties, but someLGBTQ AAPI groups are unincorporated or have 501(c)4 statusso they face no such restrictions. The first LGBTQ AAPI organizationto endorse candidates was GAPA in San Francisco. Afew GAPA members have actually sought and won politicaloffice. GAPSN in Los Angeles followed suit and GAPSNmaintains a 501(c)(4) status. In 2008, the LGBTQ AAPI groupsin Washington, DC collaborated with the Human RightsCampaign to host an “Asian American Queer Asian Forum,” todiscuss the elections and to publicly endorse Barack Obamafor President.There has been some push back, however, to the activism ofgroups. Many respondents commented about the tension intheir organizations in balancing social and political activities.They often had to negotiate between competing factionswithin their groups. They noted that a sizeable segment oftheir membership tended to be more focused on social activitiesand had a distaste for political activism. Another segmentbelieved that their groups had a duty to be politicallyengaged and to speak up for LGBTQ AAPIs. Invariably, whenthe political and advocacy work were perceived to predominate(whether or not politics actually dominated the numberof hours or events in a group’s programming), there werecomplaints that the group had become “too political.”One interesting observation is that in many groups, the moresocially-oriented leaders and members tended to be immigrantsor those who were foreign-born. Those who weremore political were US-born. Indeed, AAPIs come from somecountries which have a history of government repression,where speaking out had direct consequences for them andtheir families. Some AAPIs are taught to be silent.One group leader noted that social events can be used tobuild a political base. They bring people to the organizationQueer Asian CompassA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations21

A c t i v i t i e s :Coalitions and Collaborationsthrough social activities tobuild a larger, more confident,and more engaged base thatis more likely to take part inpolitical activities. For others,educational and outreach workis not seen as “political” per sebut rather as “service.” This tooserves as a bridge to bring morepeople into advocacy work andpolitical awareness.Another organizational leaderreported that, “Simply existingas a gay Asian safe space wasa political act in itself.” Simplyhosting AAPI-only meetingsis a recognition of racism andhomophobia, and for women’sgroups, of sexism in societytoday. He observed that peoplecame to “political consciousness”often by simply going toorganizational events wherediscussions about racism andLGBTQ concerns would emergeorganically. These processeswere highly effective in bringingmore people to awareness.The accomplishments of LGBTQ AAPI organizations could not have beenachieved without many partnerships. For example, in Los Angeles, Satrangworks with South Asian Network a non-LGBTQ social justice and advocacyorganization serving South Asians. They jointly published a comprehensivereport on the needs of LGBTQ South Asians. Trikone-NW partnered withother progressive South Asian organizations in the Seattle area on variousprogramming events. GAPIMNY has often worked with other groups such asthe Audre Lorde Project, a community organizing center for LGBTQ people ofcolor around political issues.Working with other communities of color is also important. AQWA hascollaborated with many queer/trans/women of color organizations andQue Viva/Tongues to produce the “Tongue to Tongue: Provoking CriticalDialogues Among Queer Women of Color Conference” at the LA Gay andLesbian Center. It was a three day multiple-genre event with queer lesbitransparticipants. They held workshops on class, race, sexuality, and gender aswell as performances. Queer women of color performance artists, spokenword, poetry, music, short films, speakers panel, and multiple tracks of workshopswere held over two days.Trikone in the Bay area has organized an international South Asian conferenceevery five years, “DesiQueer.” The first was in 2000, and the second in2005. The next is planned for 2010. Many members of South Asian groupsacross the country attend the conference.Washington, DC groups have come together to organize events that blendsocial/political/ educational themes. The most notable example is “Pride andHeritage” which is co-organized by three LGBT AAPI groups: APIQS, Khush,and AQUA, as well as the DC chapter of the National Asian Pacific AmericanWomen’s Forum, a queer-friendly women’s group. The event is an awardsceremony and includes an entertainment program. Many of the DC metropolitanarea’s LGBTQ and AAPI communities come out for the event.LGBTQ AAPI groups have also worked with others to record the history ofthe LGBTQ AAPI community. One group leader said, “To go forward we mustremember our past.” MASALA partnered with The History Project for the“QueerEast Project,” a documentation of the history of the LGBTQ AAPI communityin New England. Similarly, members of I2I in Chicago were includedin a PBS documentary on Gay Chicago which ran during LGBTQ Pride month.They are currently working on a gay history project.22NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

M e m b e r s h i p /DiversityWe asked organizational leaders to give a profile oftheir members and describe the diversity of theirmemberships.Groups stated their memberships were a mix ofAAPIs who were foreign-born and US-born. The majorityof foreign-born individuals were split betweenbeing naturalized citizens and legal permanentresidents. Some were on work visas and some onstudent visas. Most groups had at least a few memberswho were undocumented.All the South Asian groups represented in thisdirectory tended to have a majority of immigrantmembers, with about two-thirds of their membersforeign-born and one-third native born. The sameholds true for AAPI groups on the East Coast. WestCoast groups tended to see the reverse, with twothirdnative-born citizens and one-third immigrants.When asked about the level of inclusion and diversitywithin their organizations, groups provideda range of responses. Multigender groups oftensought more involvement from transgender membersand women. Some pan-Asian groups commentedthat they were predominantly East Asian,English-speaking, and educated. Others noted thatthey were very balanced and inclusive of SouthAsian and East Asians alike, trans, women, andmen. On maintaining diversity, South Asian groupsgenerally commented that they were (or tried veryhard to be) balanced not only in terms of gender,but also in ethnicity and religions.Members of predominantly East Asian groupstended to be mostly Chinese, Filipino, and Vietnamese,along with some Koreans, Japanese, andother Asian ethnicities. Among predominantlySouth Asian groups, Indians were the most represented,followed by Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, and SriLankans. These membership rates tended to reflectthe relative populations of each of the Asian ethnicgroups, according to census figures.In regards to sexual orientation and gender-identity,groups noted that bisexuals tended to be somewhatunderrepresented, as were transgender persons.Respondents occasionally reported momentsof insensitivity, reflecting a need for more outreachand education.Regarding disability, most groups noted that a fewmembers had physical or mental disabilities, butthis was often due to voluntarily disclosure. Mostgroups stated that most of their members hadno known challenges or they did not record thisinformation.Across the organizations, members are generallybetween 25 and 45 years old. Among the groups,the general age ranges were evenly divided betweenthose who were 26-35 and 36-45. Next were18-25 and 46-55. Few groups had members under 18or over 55.Most often, the members of LGBTQ AAPI groupswere described as professionals. A few noted thatsome of the members were students.Queer Asian CompassA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations23

Organizational InfrastructureFinancesWe asked organizations to report the number of peoplethey had on their Boards of Directors, paid staff, volunteers,paid consultants, members, listserv subscribers,and finances.ūūūūūūū Board: The average size of Boards of Directors orSteering Committees was 7 members. In total, therewere 234 Board members across the organizations.These individuals serve as the leadership and volunteercore of their respective groups.ūPaid staff: Only 5 groups have paid staff. These fivegroups are projects of larger LGBTQ or AAPI organizations,and all staff are employees of the largerorganizations. All paid staff work on either same-sexmarriage or with youth, reflecting the priorities ofavailable funding sources.ū Volunteers: The average number of volunteers perorganization is 32. In total, there are 1,030 volunteers.ū Consultants: Just under half of the groups had paidconsultants to provide some services to them, such asfacilitating a strategic planning meeting, retreat, websitedesign or translation services. In total, they havehired 27 consultants.ū Members: The organizations reported an averagenumber of 210 formal members, with a wide rangefrom about 25 to 1,000 members. Most groups havememberships under 100, but a few had over 500. Intotal, all LGBTQ AAPI groups reported a total of 5,270members.ū Subscribers: The organizations’ listservs had an averageof 408 subscribers, with a wide reported rangefrom 50 to 1,500. Most listservs had fewer than 500members, but a few are over 1,000. In total, 11,836listserv subscribers were reported.ūū Donors: The average number of donors per group was 31.The LGBTQs AAPI groups reported a total of 738 donors.Groups have a wide range of organizationalbudgets. A quarter of the groupshave annual budgets under $1,000.About half have of the annual budgetswere between $1,000 and $10,000,and they were evenly divided among$1,000–$2,500, $2,501–$5,000 and$5,001–$10,000. Another quarter hadbudgets over $10,000, half of whichwere over $50,000.For most groups, fundraising eventswere the primary source of funding,followed by individual donations, andfinally membership fees. Fundraisingevents provided an average of about45% funding for the organizations; 25%came from individual donations; and20% from membership dues.The majority of respondents receivedno foundation support. A third of theorganizations received some fundingfrom foundations and among thesegroups, the funding made up over75% or even 90% of the group’s entirebudget. Satrang and AQWA receivedgrants from the Astraea Lesbian Foundationfor Justice for visibility efforts.I2I and GAPIMNY both received smallergrants from local community foundationsthat were part of the FundingExchange.LGBTQ AAPI organizations are in variousstages of formal planning for theirorganizations. While two-thirds of allgroups have written organizationalwork plans, a third did not have one. A24NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

Percentage ofLGBTQ AAPI Organizationswith Non-Profit Statusonly15%Gender diversityof LGBTQ AAPIOrganizationsMen only6%38%FiscallySponsoredPlanned activitiesGroups have a numberof activities plannedfor the upcoming year,including the following:Outreach/EducationSocial/Networking activitiesCoalition BuildingCulturally-relevant activities202022 groups22Fundraising19Political Advocacy17Grassroots Organizing16Discussion/Learning Groups16Organizational Planning16Organizational Assessments15Member Training & Development15Grantwriting12Support Groups8Direct Services5Lobbying4Other201020 30 34Outreach/EducationSocial/Networking activitiesquarter of them do not even have a written list of their regular activities. Most groups, however are good at developinga calendar of planned events for the upcoming year, and at least, for the next 3-6 months. About halfCoalition Building20Culturally-relevant activitiesof the organizations have or are developing a long term strategic plan. Groups like Trikone Bay Area, GAPA,20GAPIMNY, have yearly day-long or weekend planningFundraisingretreats.19Political Advocacy17All groups are constantly working to Grassroots build their Organizing capacity, recruit new members, outreach, build their 16boards,and raise money for their activities. Discussion/Learning Some are in the Groups process of institutionalizing, either by submitting 16 their501(c)3 application, or commencing Organizational a strategic planning Planning process.16Organizational Assessments15For some groups, however, Member seeking Training the 501(c)3 & Developmenttax exempt status is seen as more of a hindrance than 15 a benefit.Of course, raising foundation money is alluring.GrantwritingBut some groups cherish the freedom of not12being incorporated.Two specifically rejected incorporating and applying for their own tax-exemption status. They found that theSupport Groups8process could take a year and would detract time, energy, and money away from more important activities suchDirect Services5as programming events and advocacy. They also did not want to be permanently trapped into the 501(c)3 limitations,as well as the financial reporting obligations. Instead, they opted for fiscal sponsorship by working with aLobbying4Other 2bona-fide tax-exempt organization to raise foundation funding when such funding was needed and available.22 groups22Queer Asian CompassA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations25

ChallengesLGBTQ AAPI organizations struggle with a series of challenges, in programming,leadership and membership. Groups noted that they faced challenges in identifyingconstituent needs, maintaining communications systems, coordinating both socialand political activities, encouraging general involvement, and developing leadership.A few groups commented that they felt they were constantly reinventing the wheel and felt like there were“building everything from the ground up.” Greater information sharing among groups is needed. Larger groupslike Satrang, which has several projects and has coordinated a dozen major events every year, or GAPIMNY,which runs monthly workshops, a youth group, and social outings, have at times felt overwhelmed by all of theactivities that they maintain.Several groups felt that they were constantly trying to figure out the needs within their own communitiesand their organization’s appropriate role. They questioned whether their group needed to be everything toeveryone. Limited capacity, experience, and leadership prevented them from doing as much as they aspired to.Some organizational leaders were able to manage this balance, while others had more difficulty.A few groups expressed frustration with their communications systems, specifically in listserv management andwebsite maintenance. Many groups vacillate between “closed” listservs that are intended to provide one-waydelivery of information, announcements and updates about the organization, and more “open” or unmoderatedlistservs that allow for interaction and discussion that is potentially more fruitful or controversial. The other challengewas in maintaining updated websites. New people would also come into leadership and set out to revampentire websites, using tremendous time and energy, rather than update the content for existing websites.The tension between social and political activities again emerged. More than one person commented that theirgroup needed to “maintain social and social justice perspectives.” Some group leaders were more engaged in usingsocial events as an entry point for new members to develop some political awareness and passion to addresscommunity concerns and problems. These groups also used social events to build their core group of volunteers.LGBTQ AAPI organizational leaders faced a common challenge in motivating their memberships. For example,SALGA commented that they have a large membership of over 1,000 individuals, but their activities do not26NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

Support for LGBTQAAPI Organizationsnecessarily turn out large numbers of people. Likewise,AQUA noted that there were “many gay Asians in the DCarea but they don’t participate.” Groups in cities with manycolleges and universities, such as Boston and Washington,DC, commented how many LGBTQ AAPIs were around inthe community but not involved in their organizations.Burnout of leadership was an enormous concern. Manyreported fatigue among key, long-serving leaders and theneed to involve new people. Occasionally, members andleaders of LGBTQ AAPI groups were already committed toother groups or worked long hours at their full-time jobs.They were sometimes overextended.A parallel dynamic was found among some individualswho were resistant to taking on leadership roles becausesaid they “couldn’t give 100%.” There was a notion that tobe involved, they had to do everything, know everything,and be aware of every contingency. Talented and capablemembers would therefore look on while a few individualsstruggled to do all the work. Groups needed to structureways to encourage people to contribute whatever amountof time they could give.Another issue facing the leadership of LGBTQ AAPIs wasthe limited ability of some members to assume public rolesdue to factors unique to this community. Some memberscould not risk taking on leadership roles because of theirimmigration status; they were undocumented. Sometimes,people who were not publicly out of the closet took onleadership roles, but their need to preserve anonymity, attimes, presented complications.We asked groups what their greatest needs werefor developing their organizations. Most groupsranked “recruiting new leaders” and “developingleadership skills” as the highest priorities. The skillsfor which support was requested included: mentoringemerging leaders, meeting management,and decision-making.We asked respondents about their most significantchallenges around accessing, managing, and/or updating resources. They almost always identifieda lack of financial resources and volunteers.There was a strong desire to learn about “otherpractices” but not “best practices” per se becausepractices needed to be tailored to the values,culture, experiences, and styles of local groups,which vary tremendously.In regards to communications, most groups saidthat the lack of a postal mailing address, physicallocation, or phone number were not significantproblems. However, two groups who had highlevels of activities, materials and supplies did notethat the lack of an office was occasionally problematic.Again, the most significant obstacles werethe lack of human resources (in both quantityand skill) and the financial resources to maintainor start up such communication systems. A thirdof the groups also mentioned that the lack ofresources to develop materials and information inother languages besides English was a significantproblem.Queer Asian CompassA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations27

ConclusionLGBTQ AAPI organizations across the United States are workinghard to provide a safe and supportive space for LGBTQ AAPIs.They provide an array of social, support, political, and educationalactivities. They reach out to educate their members and thebroader community. They speak out in support of the community.They challenge racism in the gay community and homophobiain Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.Some exhibit the hallmarks of well established organizations — they have beenaround for 20 years, are incorporated, and have hired professional staff. Othersare just starting out. They have launched visibility campaigns, multilingualinitiatives, and provided safe spaces for more vulnerable and forgotten sectorsof the community, such as young people, people of transgender experience, andwomen. Some are heavily involved in efforts for the right to marry, and othersare seeking rights for immigrants. What comes through time and time again,however, is the ability of these organizations to do much with little. They aredriven by leadership that has a passion to serve a unique sector of society thatlies at the intersection between two larger communities that often do not knowwhat to make of LGBTQ AAPI.The second part of this Directory includes individual profiles of each organizationthat delve more deeply into each group, providing specific information thatexpands on many of the points made thus far.We hope this in-depth Directory will help local groups connect with each otherto share resources and ideas. We also hope for it to be a resource for membersof the media, national organizations, funders, local LGBTQ activists who seek toinvolve AAPIs, or Asian American leaders who seek to reach out to LGBTQs. Wehope this Directory provides a first-ever snapshot into the State of the LGBTQAAPI community.28NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

Al-Fatiha FoundationWashington, DCNationalAl-Fatiha FoundationMULTI-GENDERMailingAddressAl-Fatiha FoundationPO Box 33015Washington, DC 20033GeneralContactInfoTel 202-452-5534 Email info@al-fatiha.orgWebsitewww.al-fatiha.orgOrg/Program MissionFacts & FiguresAl-Fatiha Foundation is dedicated to Muslims who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,intersex, questioning, those exploring their sexual orientation or genderidentity, and their allies, families and friends. Al-Fatiha promotes the progressiveIslamic notions of peace, equality and justice. Al-Fatiha envisions a world that is freefrom prejudice, injustice and discrimination, where all people are fully embracedand accepted into their faith, their families and their communities. Founded in1998, Al-Fatiha Foundation is a registered US-based non-profit, non-governmentalorganization.Contact PersonOrg/ProgramStatusMina TrudeauDirectorIncorporated as a 501(c)3History Year Established 1998The Al-Fatiha Foundation was founded in 1998, and is registered as a nonprofitorganization in the United States. The organization was an offshoot of an internetlistserve that brought together many gay, lesbian and questioning Muslims fromvarious countries.We Have ArrivedA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations29

30NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

API Equality-LA (APIELA)Los Angeles, CASouthern CaliforniaAPI Equality-LA (APIELA)MULTI-GENDERMailingAddressAPI Equality-LAThe Village at Ed Gould Plaza1125 N. McCadden Place, #154Los Angeles, CA 90038GeneralContactInfoTel 323-860-7348323-860-7358EmailWebsitecontact@apiequalityla.orgapiequality@lagaycenter.orgwww.apiequalityla.orgPublicInterfacesSocialNetworkingGrouphttp://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=8494295501http://groups.yahoo.com/group/apiequalitylaOrg/Program MissionFacts & FiguresAPI Equality-LA is a coalition of organizations and individuals who are committedto working in the Asian and Pacific Islander communities in Greater Los Angeles forequal marriage rights and fair treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgenderfamilies through community education and advocacy.History Year Established 2005From its founding in 2005, API Equality-LA has uniquely bridged the lesbian,gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community with the civil rights and othersocial justice communities, united by a common understanding of the parallelsbetween past anti-miscegenation and current marriage equality struggles. Formedby a diverse group of API LGBT individuals and straight allies, API Equality-LA hasgarnered tremendous broad-based support. More than 50 organizations in SouthernCalifornia have endorsed API Equality-LA. In addition, over 40 API communityleaders, including elected officials, faith-based leaders, celebrities, nonprofitexecutives, civil rights activists and others have publicly stated their support for APIEquality-LA.Contact PersonOrg/ProgramStatusKathy KhommarathStaffNot incorporated;fiscally sponsored as nonprofitby Asian Pacific Policy& Planning CouncilWe Have ArrivedA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations31

32NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

aQWA (Asian/Pacific Islander Queer Women/Transgender Activists)Los Angeles, CASouthern CaliforniaaQWA (Asian/Pacific Islander QueerWomen/Transgender Activists)Women & TransMailingAddressAQWA3465 West 8th Street C/O Kiwa Eileen Ma - AQWALos Angeles, CA 90005GeneralContactInfoTel 213-738-9050 x104 Email info@aqwa.orgWebsitewww.aqwa.orgPublicInterfacesSocialNetworkingGroupwww.facebook.com/group.php?gid=48020072933http://groups.yahoo.com/group/aqwa-generalOrg/Program MissionFacts & FiguresAQWA’s mission is to promote the visibility and empowerment of Asian and PacificIslander queer women and transgender individuals and to build a supportive, progressivecommunity through social, political and educational activism.History Year Established 2004AQWA was founded in response to the November 2004 elections as AsianAmerican Queer Women Activists as a volunteer network of API queer women andtransgender activists in Southern California. Our purpose is to create community,to increase our visibility and to build power within the API LGBTIQ community forsocial justice and equal treatment of our community through political organizingand conducting public education to combat racism, homophobia/heterosexism,sexism and all forms of oppression. To our knowledge we are the only organizedpolitical group led by and representing API queer women or transgender people inLos Angeles or Southern California.Contact PersonDecision-makingMembership/CommunityOrg/ProgramStatusAnnnualBudget SizeSources ofFundingM AdrianoCore memberConsensus;Committees10 Members87 SubscribersNot incorporated;fiscally sponsored asnon-profit by KoreatownImmigrant Workers Alliance$2,501 - $5,000Grants 75%Activities/Events 20%Selling Items (t-shirts, etc.) 5%We Have ArrivedA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations33

aQWA (Asian/Pacific Islander Queer Women/Transgender Activists)Los Angeles, CANorthern CaliforniaSocial Support Education Outreach PoliticalAnnual Movie-film festival Participate in annualLGBT Pride events,March in LGBT Prideparade, Participate inAPI culture-specificevents; March inAPI culture-specificparades, Host InformationTable (general),Table at LGBT PridefestivalQuarterlyWorkshops for membersHold Workshops/CommunityforumsMonthlyHold MembershipmeetingsWhenNeededPotlucks, Restaurants/Dim Sum, Moviecultural,Movie-educational/documentary,Bar nights/Happy hour,Club night, Sportsteam, Musical, Outdoor/hiking, DanceParty, Games (includingvideo), Culturaldance, Cultural song/music, Poetry, Culturalperformance, Performanceart/ spokenwordPeer support group,open to all members;Peer support groupfor women/trans only;Peer support group fortrans only; Peer supportgroup for youthonly; Formal workshops;Legal adviseand service referralsGuest speakers, Opencommunity forums,Blogs/e-discussiongroups, DiscussionGroups, Co-sponsorother groups eventsParticipate in SpeakersBureauWrite Letters to theEditor (mainstreampress); Write Letters tothe Editor (LGBT communitypress); WriteLetters to the Editor(Asian ethnic/languagepress); Participatein rallies, protests,lobby days; No/Littlepolitical activities asan organization, butindividual membersdo so voluntarily;34NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

Asian and Pacific Islander Lesbians and Gays (APLG)Portland, ORNorthern CaliforniaAsian and Pacific IslanderLesbians and Gays (APLG)Multi-GenderMailingAddressAPLGPO Box 12661Portland, OR 97212GeneralContactInfoEmailaplg_pdx@yahoo.comOrg/Program MissionAPLG shall be a nonprofit corporation whose purposes shall be:A. to promote the visibility and the just treatment of individuals who identify asAsian and Pacific Islander Lesbians, Gays or sexual minorities;B. to provide mutual support and social opportunities for individuals who identifyas Asian and Pacific Islander Lesbians, Gays, or sexual minorities;C. to educate our members and other Asian and Pacific Islander Lesbians andGay Men nationally and internationally on issues affecting individuals whoidentify as Asian and Pacific Islander Lesbians, Gays or sexual minorities;D. to educate the Lesbian and Gay communities, the Asian and Pacific islandercommunities, and the general public about issues affecting Asian and PacificIslander Lesbians, Gays, or sexual minorities.History Year Established 1994A group of about half a dozen persons decided there was a need for a group thatAPI LGBT persons could turn to and attend to meet others with similar backgrounds,find support, and engage in recreational activities. This grew into a missionstatement that included education and bridge-buiilding. News of the group spreadmostly thru our local gay newspaper and by word of mouth. For a number of yearswe had strong leadership and a larger group of willing workers who helped usbecome one of our city’s more dynamic group. We put together the first float, forexample, in our local Gay Pride parade’s history (otherwise comprised of walkersand banners). We have held an annual Asian Lunar New Year banquet without failthe past 15 years. Some of our larger activities in years past have been discontinued,such as summer rafting, movie nights, and mahjong parties.Facts & FiguresContact PersonDecision-makingBoard Members 2Membership/CommunityOrg/ProgramStatusAnnnualBudget SizeSources ofFundingRoger SchroederBoard;Not tax-exempt40 Members180 SubscribersNot incorporated$251 - $500Selling Items (t-shirts, etc.) 10%Membership Fees 90%We Have ArrivedA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations35

Asian and Pacific Islander Lesbians and Gays (APLG)Portland, ORNorthern CaliforniaSocial Support Education Outreach PoliticalAnnualHold Membershipmeetings; Participatein Speakers Bureau;March in LGBT Prideparade; Participate inAPI culture-specificevents; Table at APIculture-specific festival;Table at LGBT PridefestivalQuarterlyPotlucks; Restaurant/Dim sum; Outdoor/hiking; Asian LunarNew Year banquet;Mid-autumn MoonViewing partyMonthlyForward emails fromother groupsWhenNeededMovie-educational/documentaryNo/Little politicalactivities as an organization,but individualmembers do so voluntarily36NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

Asian Pacific Islander Equality (API Equality)San Francisco, CANorthern CaliforniaAsian Pacific Islander Equality(API Equality)MULTI-GENDERMailingAddressAPI Equality17 Walter U. Lum PlaceSan Francisco, CA 94108GeneralContactInfoTel 415-274-6750415-274-6760 x306EmailWebsiteapiequality@caasf.orgwww.apiequality.orgwww.caasf.orgPublicInterfacesSocialNetworkingGroupwww.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/API-Equality/9977078839http://groups.yahoo.com/group/apiequalityOrg/Program MissionAPI Equality is committed to working in the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communityin California and nationally for equal marriage rights, fair treatment, andoverall acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people.History Year Established 2004API Equality was founded in 2004 in response to a 6,000-person rally againstmarriage equality organized by Chinese Christian leaders in the San FranciscoBay Area. Formerly a national ad hoc coalition of Asian and Pacific Islander (API)individuals and organizations committed to marriage equality, API Equality isnow a full-fledged program to actively promote marriage equality in California.In January 2007, API Equality merged with and became a program of Chinese forAffirmative Action (www.caasf.org), a prominent API civil rights organization basedin Northern California with nearly 40 years of history in advancing social justice forthe Chinese and API communities. With CAA’s institutional support and communityroots, API Equality is positioned more strongly than ever to expand API supportfor marriage equality.Facts & FiguresContact PersonDecision-makingCoreVolunteersTawal PanyacositStaffCo-Chairs;Board;Committees;Event by event200Board Members 18Membership/CommunityOrg/ProgramStatusAnnnualBudget Size50 Members1000 SubscribersIncorporated as a 501(c)3$50,001 and aboveSources ofFundingGrants 70%Activities/Events 10%Personal Donations/Asks 10%Special Fundraising Events/Asks 10%Donors 50We Have ArrivedA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations37

Asian Pacific Islander Equality (API Equality)San Francisco, CANorthern CaliforniaSocial Support Education Outreach PoliticalAnnualParticipate in annualLGBT Pride events,March in LGBT Prideparade, Participate inAPI culture-specificevents; March inAPI culture-specificparades, OrganizationbrochureQuarterlyWorkshops for members,Guest speakers,Open communityforumsHold Workshops/Communityforums, UpdateOutreach Materials,Organization/eventpostcardsMonthlyCo-sponsor othergroups eventsHold Membershipmeetings, Host InformationTable (general)Participate in politicaladvocacy groups (perIRS rules)WhenNeededDiscussion GroupsForward emails fromother groups, Table atAPI culture-specificfestival, Table at LGBTPride festivalParticipate in politicalfundraisers for candidates(per IRS rules);Co-sponsor politicalevents (per IRS rules)38NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

Asian Pacific Islander Pride Council (APIPC)Los Angeles, CANorthern CaliforniaAsian Pacific Islander Pride Council(APIPC)MULTI-GENDERMailingAddressAPIPC605 West Olympic Blvd. Suite 610Los Angeles, CA 90015GeneralContactInfoTel 213-895-7706 Email contact@apipridecouncil.orgWebsitewww.apipridecouncil.orgPublicInterfacesGrouphttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/apipcOrg/Program MissionThe Asian Pacific Islander Pride Council is a network of Asian and Pacific IslanderLesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer organizations and alliances whose missionis to provide and cultivate support, resources and advocacy to the Asian PacificIslander, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and mainstream communitiesof Southern California.History Year Established 2004During the l980s and l990s, many Asian Pacific Islander gay and their supportorganizations were established. However, there was little or no coordinationamong these related groups. The need for an umbrella spokesperson (group) witha unified,inclusive, and more powerful voice for this distinctive community becameobvious.In 2004, leaders of this community came together, with the help of Asian PacificAIDS Intervention Team, and established the Asian Pacific Islander Pride Council, withthe purpose of addressing, voicing, and supporting this unique and diverse API LBGTcommunity. Today, 10 gay and ally organizations take active roles in this federationcalled API Pride Council.Facts & FiguresContact PersonDecision-makingCoreVolunteersRichie SelvaConsensus;Board;Committees;Event by event15Board Members 10Membership/CommunityOrg/ProgramStatusAnnnualBudget SizeSources ofFunding10 Members50 SubscribersNot incorporated$2,501 - $5,000Grants 70%Membership Fees 30%We Have ArrivedA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations39

40NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

Asian Pacific Islander Queer & Questioning 25 & Under All TogetherSan Francisco, CANorthern CaliforniaAsian Pacific Islander Queer & Questioning25 & Under All Together (AQU25A)MULTI-GENDERMailingAddressAQU25A730 Polk St Fourth FloorSan Francisco, CA 94109GeneralContactInfoTel 415-292-3400 Email aqua@apiwellness.orgWebsitewww.apiwellness.org/youth.htmlPublicInterfacesSocialNetworkingwww.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6566053103&ref=ts&nctrct=1238705257498www.myspace.com/aqu25awww.downelink.com/aqu25aOrg/Program MissionFacts & FiguresAQU25A is a program of Asian/Pacific Islander (including multiracial/multiethnicAPA) lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQQ) youthage 25 and under. We exist to provide a space where the diverse genders, sexualitiesand race/ethnicities within the Asian & Pacific Islander communities are validated,explored and instilled in order that youth may become agents of personaland social change in their own lives and communities. By utilizing a youth-adultpartnership model, the AQU25A community collectively develops wellness, educationand advocacy through peer support, critical thinking and opportunities forleadership.Contact PersonOrg/ProgramStatusAnnnualBudget SizeSources ofFundingSteph LeeStaffIncorporated as a 501(c)3Including staff salary:$50,001 and aboveGrants 100%History Year Established 1995AQU25A began as a program at the Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center in the1990s to specifically address the needs of queer Asian Pacific Islander youth.We Have ArrivedA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations41

42NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

Asian Pacific Islander Queer Sisters (APIQS)Washington, DCMid-Atlantic / Metro DC AreaAsian Pacific Islander Queer Sisters(APIQS)Women & TransGeneralContactInfoEmailWebsiteco-chairs@apiqsdc.orgwww.apiqsdc.orgOrg/Program MissionFacts & FiguresAsian Pacific Islander Queer Sisters (APIQSDC) is an organization for queer APIsisters in the Washington DC metropolitan area, focusing on education, community,and sisterhood. We focus on outreach and support for queer API women,educating ourselves and others about issues that are unique to queer API women,and increasing awareness and visibility of queer API women.History Year Established 1998APIQS was started in 1998 when DC Asian Lesbians, or DCALS, changed its nameto API Queer Sisters to be more inclusive of the broader local LGBT Asian womencommunity. DCALS was started in 1987 and participated in the 1987 March onWashington. It was also part of the planning group for the First National AsianPacific Lesbian Network Retreat in 1989. One of APIQS’s key activities is its partnershipwith Asian Queers United for Action (AQUA) and KhushDC to hold the annualPride & Heritage celebration in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.It is an annual dinner in which we honor local leaders, activists, and communityorganizations for their hard work, service, and dedication to API LGBT communities.APIQS also organizes a monthly social event or activity for its membershipand allies, and supports the work of other organizations for the betterment of ourcommunity members’ lives.Contact PersonDecision-makingCoreVolunteersMembership/CommunityOrg/ProgramStatusAnnnualBudget SizeSources ofFundingHyacinth AlvaranCo-ChairCo-Chairs370 SubscribersNot incorporated$251 - $500Activities/Events 90%Selling Items (t-shirts, etc.) 5%Personal Donations/Asks 5%We Have ArrivedA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations43

44NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

Asian Pacific Islander Queer Women & Transgender CommunitySan Francisco, CANorthern CaliforniaAsian Pacific Islander Queer Women &Transgender Community (APIQWTC)Women & TransGeneralContactInfoTel 415-292-3420 x513 Email info@apiqwtc.orgWebsitewww.apiqwtc.orgPublicInterfacesGrouphttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/apiqwtcOrg/Program MissionFacts & FiguresAPIQWTC (Asian Pacific Islander Queer Women and Transgender Community) isa non-profit consortium of more than fifteen organizations in the San FranciscoBay Area providing support and community for nearly 500 queer Asian andPacific Islander individuals.Decision-makingMembership/CommunityBoard800 MembersHistory Year Established 1999APIQWTC was formed in February of 1999 as a means of networking & communicatingamong Bay Area Asian & Pacific Islander queer women’s and transgenderpeople’s organizations and constituencies. Formerly, APIQWTC was Asian PacificSisters (APS) and a part of Asian Pacific Lesbians and Bisexuals Network (APLBN).APIQWTC presents and/or sponsors several major events each year. For examples,our annual lunar new year banquet, pride parade and dyke march, ricebowl, summer and sport event, and workshops and conference.We Have ArrivedA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations45

Asian Pacific Islander Queer Women & Transgender CommunitySan Francisco, CANorthern CaliforniaSocial Support Education Outreach PoliticalAnnualQuarterlyMonthlyWhenNeededSports team; Outdoor/hiking; Dance PartyPost events on website;Participate in annual LGBTPride events; March in LGBTPride parade; Participate inAPI culture-specific events;March in API culture-specificparadesParticipate in rallies, protests,lobby days; No/Littlepolitical activities as anorganization, but individualmembers do so voluntarily46NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

Asian Pacific Lesbian Bisexual Trans Network (APLBTN)NationalNationalAsian Pacific Lesbian BisexualTrans Network (APLBTN)Women & TransOrg/Program MissionFacts & FiguresAPLBTN is a national network dedicated to advancing social justice for LBTQ women.History Year Established 1987APLBTN was founded by Asian Pacific Islander women to support issues facing LBTQwomen. It established its non-profit status and developed presences in differentparts of the country, operating as a nationwide network doing locally based work.There have been many local and regional groups of Asian and Pacific Islanderlesbians, bisexual women, and transgender persons (API LBTs) organizing for thelast 25 years across the country. We have a rich history of community-based organizationssuch as Asian Lesbians of the East Coast, Kilawin Kolektibo, Trikone, D.C.Asian Lesbians, Asian Pacific Sisters in San Francisco, Los Angeles Asian and PacificIslander Sisters in Los Angeles, ALBA, who have recognized the need to bring ourcommunity together and to address our issues.In October 1987, many of us who had been involved in local groups and met eachother through our informal networks, came together to participate in the SecondNational March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. It was the first time APILBTs organized to participate in a national event. From that initial contingent ofabout 100 women, many of whom had gathered at the home of an APLBTN cofounder,we decided that we wanted to convene an event to bring more API LBTstogether. And thus APLBTN was born. A grant of $3,000 from the proceeds of theSecond National March on Washington Committee provided the seed money toplan our first national retreat.Contact PersonOrg/ProgramStatusNatalie LouieVolunteerIncorporated as a 501(c)3Earlier that year, there had also been a retreat of over 80 API LBTs, mainly from thewest coast, at the Valley of the Moon in California, where relationships were alsoforged. After several conference calls, we planned our first face-to-face meetingin Washington, D.C. in October 1988, where 35 API LBTs from nine major citiesaround the country gathered. From this meeting emerged a common visionshaped by years of struggling to be proud of our API LBT identity. Our efforts culminatedin the First National Asian Pacific Lesbian Retreat in Santa Cruz, California,during the Labor Day weekend of 1989. Over 200 API LBTs from the U.S., Canada,and England attended the retreat. Through collective efforts and bi-coastal cooperation,we were able to share our experiences, break the silence and isolationfrom each other, increase our visibility, and celebrate our diverse cultures.We Have ArrivedA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations47

48NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

Asian Queers United for Action (AQUA)Washington, DCMid-Atlantic / Metro DC AreaAsian Queers United for Action(AQUA)Men & TransMailingAddressAQUAPO Box 44136Washington, DC 20026-4136GeneralContactInfoTel 301-266-1958 Email aquadc@gmail.comWebsitewww.aquadc.orgPublicInterfacesSocialNetworkingwww.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2383997626www.myspace.com/aquayouthOrg/Program MissionFounded in 1997, AQUA is an all-volunteer organization empowering the gay,bisexual, transgender, and questioning members of the Asian and Pacific Islandercommunity in the metro Washington, DC area. AQUA is an organization for queerAPIs, by queer APIs, focusing on queer API issues and interests. We strive to projecta positive image of queer API men in the community through advocacy, education,outreach, and social events.History Year Established 1997AQUA was founded in 1997 in Washington, DC. A need to better serve the queerAPI community arose, especially by a group whose agenda extended beyond justa social scope. Also, an organization run by queer APIs, for queer APIs was a needexpressed by many who were frustrated with the limited number of gay organizationsa person could turn. Five friends got together to do something about it.They started with a series of small events consisting mostly of potlucks, trips tofilms, and mah-jong games. The word began to spread among queer Asians abouta small group whose members felt safe with each other, and more importantly,where one can relate to what it is like to be gay and Asian. Thus AQUA was formed.Initial efforts to form a charter began in 1997. In 1999, discussions still continued.In November 2000, a retreat took place with the active members from AQUA andother local queer API groups. At the retreat, a process was identified to craft andapprove bylaws. On April, 2001, AQUA ratified its bylaws and welcomed its first setof duly elected officers. In the years since, AQUA has continued to serve the queerAPI community in the spirit envisioned by its founders.Facts & FiguresContact PersonDecision-makingBoard Members 5Membership/CommunityOrg/ProgramStatusAnnnualBudget SizeSources ofFundingLawrence MagaliBoard MemberBoard75 Members200 SubscribersNot incorporated$1,001 - $2,500Activities/Events 20%Personal Donations/Asks 40%Membership Fees 40%We Have ArrivedA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations49

Asian Queers United for Action (AQUA)Washington, DCMid-Atlantic / Metro DC AreaSocial Support Education Outreach PoliticalAnnualSports team “Out2Paddle,Washington DCAnnual Dragon BoatFestival”; Summer Picnic& Holiday PotluckParticipate in annualLGBT Pride events,March in LGBT Prideparade, Table at LGBTPride festivalQuarterlyPotlucks, Restaurants/Dim Sum, Bar nights/Happy hour, DancePartyWorkshops for members,Guest speakers,Open communityforums, Co-sponsorother groups eventsHold Membershipmeetings, Hold Workshops/Communityforums, Participate inAPI culture-specificevents; OrganizationbrochureMonthlyMovie-film festival,Club night “aZen”Forward emails fromother groups, Newsletter(electronic)Publish political news/stories/articles in orgnewsletter; Publishpolitical news/stories/articles in org listservWhenNeededGames (includingvideo), Cultural dance,Cultural song/music,Cultural performance,Performance art/spoken wordBlogs/e-discussiongroups, DiscussionGroupsHost Information Table(general)50NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

Barangay: A Gay Filipino Organization (Barangay-LA)Los Angeles, CASouthern CaliforniaBarangay: A Gay Filipino Organization(Barangay-LA)Men & TransMailingAddressBarangay Los Angeles138 N. Beaudry AvenueSuite 519Los Angeles, CA 90012GeneralContactInfoTel 646-614-9068 Email info@mybarangayus.comWebsite www.mybarangayus.comPublicInterfacesSocialNetworkingwww.facebook.com/group.php?gid=19947343788Org/Program MissionFacts & FiguresBarangay is dedicated to providing a supportive environment for Gay, Lesbian,Bisexual and Transgender Filipinos; to meet and discuss concerns relevant to beingFilipino and Gay; to foster positive self-esteem; and, to advocate in behalf ofits members and the Gay Filipino community in the United States.Decision-makingOrg/ProgramStatusBoardNot incorporated;no fiscal sponsorHistory Year Established 1996Barangay became an informal presence in Los Angeles in 1990, to serve thegrowing gay Filipino community. A dedicated and enthusiastic group ofvolunteers held socials and rap groups regularly until attempts to formalizethe group finally bore fruit when Barangay began as an official organization in1996. In January 1997, Barangay held Bagong Pagsimula (A New Beginning), itsfirst Installation of Officiers and Awards Banquet. A smashing success, the eventinstalled the Barangay Board of Directors and presented awards to outstandingleaders in the gay Filipino Community.We Have ArrivedA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations51

52NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

Chinese Rainbow Assocation (CRA)La Habra, CASouthern CaliforniaChinese Rainbow Association (CRA)MULTI-GENDERMailingAddressCRAP O Box 2303La Habra, CA 90632GeneralContactInfoTel 562-697-7336562-686-1177EmailWebsiteAndreting@aol.comlimingzhou@aol.comwww.chinarainbow.orgOrg/Program MissionChinese Rainbow Association (CRA), a gay Chinese social, support, educational,and advocacy organization, is based in greater Los Angeles, California. CRApromotes friendship and unity, provides assistance, fosters social and politicalawareness, and enhances positive self-image among the gay Chinese Americans.CRA also works to educate the mainstream API communities on LGBT issues andgay rights issues.Year Established 1996Facts & FiguresContact PersonDecision-makingCoreVolunteersAndre TingBoard Chair/PresidentBoard;In the process ofbecoming a 501(c)36Board Members 4Membership/CommunityOrg/ProgramStatusAnnnualBudget Size230 SubscribersNot incorporated;in the process ofbecoming a 501(c)3$5,101 - $10,000Donors 3We Have ArrivedA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations53

Chinese Rainbow Assn (CRA)La Habra, CASouthern CaliforniaSocial Support Education Outreach PoliticalAnnualMovie-film festivalQuarterlyMonthlyPotlucksWhenNeededMovie-mainstreamGeneral Referrals;Health/AIDS/HIV-related servicereferrals; Legal adviseand service referrals;Immigration assistancereferrals; Counselingreferrals; Family/AbusereferralsWorkshops for members,Guest speakers,Open communityforums, DiscussionGroups, Co-sponsorother groups events54NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

Dari ProjectNew York, NYGreater New York AreaDari ProjectMULTI-GENDERMailingAddressDari Project75-22 37th Ave Suite 40Jackson Heights, NY 11372GeneralContactInfoTel 917-838-4306 Email dariproject@gmail.comWebsitewww.dariproject.orgOrg/Program MissionFacts & FiguresThe Dari Project develops resources to increase awareness and acceptancein Korean American communities of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender andquestioning (LGBTQ) people of Korean descent. By documenting and sharingthe life stories of LGBTQ people and their families and friends, we seek to buildbridges among Korean American families, social networks, institutions and faithcommunities.Contact PersonOrg/ProgramStatusUn Jung LimVolunteer/Steering Committee MemberNot incorporated;fiscally sponsored asnon-profit by APA Family PrideHistory Year Established 2005In 2005, LGBTQ Korean and Korean American activists in New York began meetingto discuss creating some kind of resource to educate Korean communitiesabout homophobia. An LGBT Korean Town Hall in September 2005 and a conferencecall with activists from New York and California moved this forward, andmembers began to provide workshops and educational activities. Since then, theDari Project has issued a “Call for Stories” documenting LGBTQ Korean experiencesand continues to provide cultural and educational programming.We Have ArrivedA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations55

56NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

Downe Organizing Project of Liwanag Kultural Center (DOP-LKC)Daly City, CANorthern CaliforniaDowne Organizing Project ofLiwanag Kultural Center (DOP-LKC)MenMailingAddressDowne Organizing Project of Liwanag Kultural CenterLKC c/o Daly City Park and RecreationDept 111 Lake Merced BlvdDaly City, CA 94015GeneralContactInfoTel650-641-2891 x367650-641-2891EmailWebsiteDowneOrgProject@gmail.comwww.Liwanag.orgPublicInterfacesSocialNetworkingwww.myspace.com/LiwanagKulturalCenterwww.downelink.com/DownOrgProjectOrg/Program MissionFacts & FiguresDowne Organizing Project is a newly formed community-based organizing groupwith a focus to raise the political, social and economic consciousness of Downe/Gay Men and in San Francisco/Daly City through education and critical action. Itis a program of the Liwanag Kultural Center, a grassroots, Daly City-based Filipinonon-profit community organization that exists to provide culturally relevant educational,leadership and artistic development opportunities for Filipino youth inNorth San Mateo County and to serve as a center for community activity relevantto them.Contact PersonDecision-makingCoreVolunteersBrian RagasStaffConsensus;Board;Committees9Board Members 7History Year Established 2008The Downe Organizing Project began in 2008 when a few members of the Downecommunity aspired to something progressive for the community. We beganholding informal discussion groups at coffee houses and homes to talk aboutissues within the community. We had difficulty establishing our constituency anda definition of what Downe is in the larger LGBTQ community. Then members whoworked at Liwanag Kultural offered their space and a few months later Downe OrganizingProject became an official program of Liwanag Kultural center. Today weare still trying to establish our membership and are currently looking for fundingfrom local foundations.Membership/CommunityOrg/ProgramStatusAnnnualBudget Size10 MembersNot incorporated;fiscally sponsored as non-profitby Filipino Community Support$0 - $250We Have ArrivedA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations57

Gay Asian & Pacific Islander Men of New York (GAPIMNY)New York, NYGreater New York AreaGay Asian & Pacific IslanderMen of New York (GAPIMNY)Men & TransMailingAddressGay Asian & Pacific Islander Men of New YorkP.O. Box 1608 - Old Chelsea StationNew York, NY 10113GeneralContactInfoTel 212-802-7423 Email gapimny@gapimny.orgWebsitewww.gapimny.orgPublicInterfacesSocialNetworkingwww.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=21358320113http://www.myspace.com/gapimnyhttp://profiles.friendster.com/16259159www.downelink.com/member/profile.aspx?id=57982Org/Program MissionFounded in 1990, the Gay Asian & Pacific Islander Men of New York (GAPIMNY) hasprovided a safe and supportive social, political, and educational space for gay, bisexual,and questioning men and transgender people of Asian and Pacific Islanderheritage in the Greater New York Metropolitan Area. Meetings are held on the thirdFriday of each month at The LGBT Community Center. GAPIMNY is a membershipbasedorganization whose goal is to empower Gay, Bisexual, and TransgenderAsian and Pacific Islander’s through a range of social, educational, peer-support,cultural, and political activities. We work in coalition with other community organizationsto help educate the API ethnic and LGBT communities on issues of race,sexuality, gender, and health.History Year Established 1990In May 1988, thirty Asian and Pacific Islander Lesbians and Gay Men gathered fora retreat in upstate New York, the first such organizing effort in the Northeast.A second retreat in October of the same year brought together twenty A&PIGay men from Boston, Providence, Ithaca, New York, Philadelphia, Toronto, andWashington DC, to establish a loosely connected, regional network. Three retreatparticipants decided to organize locally in New York City, where no groups or organizationsaddressed specific needs of Asian Pacific Islander men. In March 1990, anAPI-facilitated racism workshop sponsored by Men of All Colors Together (MACT)provided an opportunity to outreach and generate interest for New York’s first GayAPI group. Later that month, seven Gay Men of Indian, Filipino, Chinese, Japanese,and Korean descent, immigrant and US-born, came together at the virginalencounter of GAPIMNY(Gay Asian & Pacific Islander Men of New York). Today, overtwenty years later, GAPIMNY is as strong as it’s ever been.Facts & FiguresContact PersonDecision-makingCoreVolunteersKenichiro TakeuchiBoard Chair/PresidentConsensus;Board5Board Members 7Membership/CommunityOrg/ProgramStatusAnnnualBudget SizeSources ofFundingDonors 560 Members523 SubscribersNot incorporated;fiscally sponsored as non-profit byAsian American Writers’ Workshop$5,101 - $10,000Grants 65%Activities/Events 5%Personal Donations/Asks 5%Membership Fees 10%Special Fundraising Events/Asks 10%Fundraising letters 5%We Have ArrivedA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations59

Gay Asian & Pacific Islander Men of New York (GAPIMNY)New York, NYGreater New York AreaSocial Support Education Outreach PoliticalAnnualMovie-film festival,Outdoor/ hikingHealth/AIDS/HIV-relatedservice referralsOpen communityforumsHold Workshops/Communityforums, Participatein annual LGBTPride events, Marchin LGBT Pride parade,Participate in APIculture-specific events;Host InformationTable (general), Tableat API culture-specificfestival, Table at LGBTPride festival, UpdateOutreach MaterialsForward email notices tomembers; Publish politicalnews/stories/articlesin org newsletterQuarterly Bar nights/Happy hour General Referrals Workshops formembers, Guestspeakers, DiscussionGroups, Co-sponsorother groups eventsForward emails fromother groups, Newsletter(paper)Monthly Restaurants/Dim Sum Peer support groupfor men/trans only;Peer support group foryouth onlyHold Membershipmeetings, Post eventson website, WebsiteupdatesWhenNeededPotlucks, Movie-mainstream,Movie-cultural,Games (includingvideo)Legal advise andservice referrals; ImmigrationassistancereferralsOrganization brochure,Organization/eventpostcardsWrite Letters to the Editor(mainstream press);Write Letters to the Editor(LGBT community press);Write Letters to the Editor(Asian ethnic/languagepress); Participate in rallies,protests, lobby days;Participate in politicaladvocacy groups (per IRSrules); Publish politicalnews/stories/articles inorg listserv; Co-sponsorpolitical events (per IRSrules)60NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

Gay Asian Pacific Alliance (GAPA)San Francsico, CANorthern CaliforniaGay Asian Pacific Alliance (GAPA)Men & TransMailingAddressGAPAP.O. Box 421884San Francsico, CA 941242-1884GeneralContactInfoEmailWebsiteinfo@gapa.orgwww.gapa.orgPublicInterfacesSocialNetworkingwww.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6462299324www.downelink.com/member/profile.aspx?id=772955Org/Program MissionThe Gay Asian Pacific Alliance (GAPA), is an organization dedicated to furtheringthe interests of gay & bisexual Asian/Pacific Islanders by creating awareness, bydeveloping a positive collective identity and by establishing a supportive community.GAPA was formed from the need for an organization to address, through ademocratic process, social, cultural and political issues affecting the gay & bisexualAsian/Pacific Islander community.History Year Established 1988In July 1987, several members from the Asian Gay Men’s Support Group at Berkeley’sPacific Center met and discussed the need to integrate and nurture a growinggay & bisexual Asian/Pacific Islander identity and to foster positive role modelswithin our community. After several monthly meetings and a business retreat, theGay Asian Pacific Alliance was formally organized in January 1988.Facts & FiguresContact PersonDecision-makingCoreVolunteersRaphael BuencaminoBoard Chair/PresidentCo-Chairs;Board;Committees100Board Members 15Membership/CommunityOrg/ProgramStatusAnnnualBudget Size700 Members2500 SubscribersNot incorporated$10,001 - $20,000Sources ofFundingGrants 10%Activities/Events 40%Personal Donations/Asks 10%Membership Fees 10%Workplace Donations 0%Special Fundraising Events/Asks 20%Fundraising letters 10%Donors 20We Have ArrivedA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations61

Gay Asian Pacific Alliance (GAPA)San Francsico, CANorthern CaliforniaSocial Support Education Outreach PoliticalAnnualRestaurants/Dim Sum,Outdoor/ hiking, Culturaldance, Culturalsong/music, Poetry,Performance art/ spokenwordFamily/Abuse referrals;Drugs referralsWorkshops for members,Guest speakersParticipate in annualLGBT Pride events,March in LGBT Prideparade, Participate inAPI culture-specificevents; March inAPI culture-specificparades, Table at LGBTPride festival, OrganizationbrochureParticipate in politicaladvocacy groups (perIRS rules)QuarterlyPotlucks, Movie-filmfestival, Dance Party,Cultural performanceCounseling referralsCo-sponsor othergroups eventsHold Membershipmeetings, Table atAPI culture-specificfestival, Organization/event postcardsParticipate in rallies,protests, lobby days;Publish political news/stories/articles in orglistserv; Co-sponsorpolitical events (perIRS rules)MonthlyBar nights/Happy hour,Club nightPeer support groupfor men/trans only;Peer support group forolder age only; GeneralReferrals; Health/AIDS/HIV-relatedservice referralsDiscussion GroupsPost events on website,Host InformationTable (general), Websiteupdates, Newsletter(paper), Newsletter(electronic)Publish political news/stories/articles in orgnewsletter; Publishpolitical news/stories/articles in org websiteWhenNeededOpen communityforumsHold Workshops/CommunityforumsWrite Letters to theEditor (mainstreampress); Write Lettersto the Editor (LGBTcommunity press);Write Letters to theEditor (Asian ethnic/language press)62NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

Gay Asian Pacific Support Network (GAPSN)Los Angeles, CASouthern CaliforniaGay Asian Pacific Support Network(GAPSN)MenMailingAddressGay Asian Pacific Support NetworkPO Box 2948Los Angeles, CA 90078-2948GeneralContactInfoTel 213-368-6488 Email info@gapsn.orgWebsite www.gapsn.orgOrg/Program MissionFacts & FiguresTo provide safe and supportive environments for gay and bisexual Asian and PacificIslander men to meet, network, and advocate on behalf of our communities.Contact PersonPeter J. CorpusBoard memberHistory Year Established 1984GAPSN was founded in 1984 originally as GARP - the Gay Asian Rap - by a groupof students at California State University, Long Beach. This was partially a reactionby our founder, Dennis Akazawa (d. from HIV/AIDS), from his experiences withthen Asian/Pacific Lesbians & Gays. In 1990, the steering committee changed thename to GAPSN and from there we proceeded on what I would personally call “thegolden age” of GAPSN. What with paid membership over 300 and an overall communityoutreach to thousands - the organization thrived although leadership onthe board was on a high turnover. In 1999-2000, then co-chairs of GAPSN foundedAsian Pacific Islander for Human Rights (APIHR) and there was all call-out forGAPSN to become defunct so a group of former members came back together torevive the group and it has remained ever since. We are now in what I would calla “renaissance” with membership slowly increasing and the group starting to looklike it did years ago. Therre are much more formal partnerships in the communitynow and we know that collaboration - local, regional, and national - are the keysto the future.Decision-makingCoreVolunteersConsensus;Chairperson/One Individual;Co-Chairs;Board;Committees;Event by event20Board Members 10Membership/CommunityOrg/ProgramStatusAnnnualBudget SizeSources ofFunding100 Members500 SubscribersIncorporated as a 501(c)4$2,501 - $5,000Activities/Events 25%Selling Items (t-shirts, etc.) 5%Personal Donations/Asks 10%Membership Fees 25%Special Fundraising Events/Asks 25%Fundraising letters 10%Donors 100We Have ArrivedA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations63

Gay Asian Pacific Support Network (GAPSN)Los Angeles, CASouthern CaliforniaSocial Support Education Outreach PoliticalAnnualMovie-mainstream,Movie-cultural, Movieeducational/documentary,Movie-film festival,Outdoor/ hiking,Dance Party, Games(including video)Formal workshopsWorkshops formembers, Cosponsorothergroups eventsParticipate in annualLGBT Pride events,March in LGBT Prideparade, Participate inAPI culture-specificevents; March in APIculture-specific parades,Host InformationTable (general), Tableat API culture-specificfestival, Table at LGBTPride festival, Organization/eventpostcardsQuarterlyPotlucksMonthly Restaurants/Dim Sum Hold Membershipmeetings, Post eventson website, WebsiteupdatesWhenNeededGeneral Referrals;Health/AIDS/HIV-relatedservice referrals; Legaladvise and servicereferrals; Immigrationassistance referrals;Counseling referrals;Family/Abuse referrals;Drugs referralsOpen communityforums, DiscussionGroupsHold Workshops/Community forums,Forward emails fromother groups, UpdateOutreach MaterialsWrite Letters to the Editor(mainstream press); WriteLetters to the Editor (LGBTcommunity press); WriteLetters to the Editor (Asianethnic/language press);Forward email notices tomembers; Participate inrallies, protests, lobby days;Participate in political fundraisersfor candidates (perIRS rules); Participate in politicaladvocacy groups (perIRS rules); Publish politicalnews/stories/articles in orgnewsletter; Publish politicalnews/stories/articles in orgwebsite; Publish politicalnews/stories/articles in orglistserv; Co-sponsor politicalevents (per IRS rules)64NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

Gay Vietnamese Alliance (GVA)San Jose, CASouthern CaliforniaGay Vietnamese Alliance (GVA)Men & TransGeneralContactInfoWebsitewww.gvalliance.orgOrg/Program MissionFacts & FiguresThe mission of GVA is to provide a safe and supportive environment for Vietnamese-identifiedgay, bisexual, transgender men from all over the world to network,voice issues, promote wellness, and foster leadership.Decision-makingBoardHistory Year Established 1991GVA originally developed in 1991 when PFLAG did outreachy to the Vietnamesecommunity. Vietnamese LGBT individuals in Southern California worked with anemerging Vietnamese publication in Northern California. The first face-to-facemeetings were eventually held in Southern California. Currently, much of the activityof the organization takes place in San Jose, which is where the mailing addressof the organization is based.We Have ArrivedA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations65

Gay Vietnamese Alliance (GVA)San Jose, CASouthern CaliforniaSocial Support Education Outreach PoliticalAnnualHoliday events (Thanksgiving,Christmas, New Year); Coproducedthe annual Lotus ImperialCourt; Co-produced CEL-EBRASIAN PRIDE ‘95 with AsianPacific Islander Orange CountyAIDS Project; Co-sponsoredSPOOKY JAM ‘95 with sisterorganization O-Moi; ProducedSPRING CELEBRATION ‘96;GV Voice special publicationissue; Co-sponsored Dem Ha.Va`ng for Doi Dien Magazine;Picnic, dining out, movienights, garage sales, bowling,hiking and others; Camping atEl Capitan and Lake Casistas;Thanksgiving feast, Christmasparties, New Year banquet andChinese New Year dinnerQuarterlyMonthlyWhenNeededRestaurant/Dim sum; Moviemainstream;Movie-cultural;Outdoor/ hikingPeer support group,open to all members;Peer support groupfor women/trans only;Peer support group formen/trans onlyDiscussionGroupsHold Membership meetings;Hold Workshops/Communityforums; Participate in SpeakersBureau; Forward emails fromother groups; Post events onwebsite; Participate in annualLGBT Pride events; March inLGBT Pride parade; Participatein API culture-specific events;March in API culture-specificparades; Host InformationTable (general); Table at APIculture-specific festival66NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

Institute for Tongzhi Studies (ITS)New York, NYGreater New York AreaInstitute for Tongzhi Studies (ITS)MULTI-GENDERGeneralContactInfoEmailWebsitenutongzhi@gmail.comits@tongzhistudies.orgwww.tongzhistudies.orgPublicInterfacesGroupBlog/OtherPrivatehttp://sfcampaign.blogspot.comhttp://lalacamp07.blogspot.comOrg/Program MissionFacts & FiguresThe Institute for Tongzhi Studies (ITS) is an academic research and exchangeprogram based in New York City led by Chinese speaking educators and researchers.The Institute for Tongzhi Studies aspires to encourage discussions relatedto issues of gender, sexuality, and sexual health. ITS seeks to scrutinize layers ofdiscriminating social attitudes, cultural assumptions, and public policies againstsexual minorities in Chinese communities around the world. Through education,research, and exchange, ITS coordinates with institutions with shared values inorder to build a body of scholarly works to further the study of gender and sexualityin Chinese societies.History Year Established 2002Contact PersonDecision-makingCoreVolunteersMembership/CommunityAnnnualBudget SizeMai KiangConsensus;Co-Chairs;Committees10200 SubscribersAt one point when we had fundingwe were at $35K a yearInstitute for Tongzhi Studies has been actively involved in many events that havebenefit the Tongzhi community worldwide.May 2003: Begin VIDEOLA: monthly Queer Asian film screenings at NYU.June 2002: sponsor lesbian artist Shi Tou to visit USA with the award-winningfilm, Fish & Elephant. Shi Tou is a lesbian artist living in Beijing. In 2000, she becamethe first out lesbian in China on a nationally broadcasted TV show. In 2001Shi Tou starred in the groundbreaking film Fish & Elephant, which was regardedas the first feature film about lesbians in China and has won many awards includingBerlin and Venice Film Festival.Sources ofFundingDonors 35Grants 80%Activities/Events 5%Personal Donations/Asks 5%Special Fundraising Events/Asks 5%Fundraising letters 5%In June 2002 we sponsored Shi Tou to visit Chicago, New York and San Franciscowith her film for various gay & lesbian film festivals. We arranged screenings,talks and discussions. Articles and interviews Appeared in newspaper, radioand TV shows, including a series of reports in Ming Bao, the influential Chinesenewspaper for oversea Chinese.ITS formalize its structure and goals after the visit of Dr. Wan Yan Hai from Chinaafter his release.We Have ArrivedA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations67

68NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

Invisible-to-Invincible, API Pride of Chicago (Chicago I2I)Chicago, ILMidwestInvisible-to-Invincible, API Prideof Chicago (Chicago I2I)MULTI-GENDERGeneralContactInfoEmailWebsitechicagoi2i@yahoo.comthomson_liz@yahoo.comwww.chicagoi2i.orgOrg/Program MissionFacts & FiguresInvisible to Invincible (I2I) is dedicated to fostering support and build communityfor Chicago-area Asians & Pacific Islanders who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,queer or questioning.History Year Established 2004I2I was started by two local men doing HIV work. Initial conversations grew tobe a Queer Task Force and then an official group, bringing in other communitymembers to do activities.Contact PersonDecision-makingCoreVolunteersOrg/ProgramStatusAnnnualBudget SizeSources ofFundingLiz ThomsonCo-FacilitatorCo-Chairs10Not incorporated;no fiscal sponsor$0 - $250Personal Donations/Asks 80%Workplace Donations 20%We Have ArrivedA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations69

70NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

KHUSHDC (KHUSHDC)Washington, DCMid-Atlantic / Metro DC AreaKHUSHDC (KHUSHDC)MULTI-GENDERGeneralContactInfoTel 202-518-2265 Email board@khushdc.orgWebsitewww.khushdc.orgOrg/Program MissionKHUSHDC is a social, support and political group that provides a safe and supportiveenvironment, promotes awareness and acceptance, and fosters positivecultural and sexual identity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning(LGBTQ) and additional gender or sexual minority South Asians in the Washington,D.C. metropolitan area.Facts & FiguresContact PersonDecision-makingBoard Members 5Suresh DianandPresident, incomingBoard; Committees;not tax exempt to my knowledgeHistory Year Established 1994fKhushDC’s founders originally met in New York city during the Stonewall 25thAnniversary celebration. With organizing in New York as their model, they returnedto Washington, DC and started what is now known as KhushDC. Over the years,events and activities have been run in a relatively informal structure. In August2004, members met to implement a process that resulted in the formation of theKhushDC By-Laws and “Policies and Procedures,” an official Membership structure,and KhushDC’s first democratic Board Elections. The membership of the organizationhas included men and women, although in 2005, KhushDC-Girls wasformed to think more directly about the needs of queer South Asian women andtrans-identified folks. KhushDC and its members continue to run a variety of social,cultural and educational programs and activities.Org/ProgramStatusSources ofFundingNot incorporatedActivities/Events 75%Selling Items (t-shirts, etc.) 5%Membership Fees 20%We Have ArrivedA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations71

KHUSHDC (KHUSHDC)Washington, DCMid-Atlantic / Metro DC AreaSocial Support Education Outreach PoliticalAnnualHold Membershipmeetings, Hold Membershipmeetings, Participatein annual LGBTPride events, Marchin LGBT Pride parade,Participate in APIculture-specific events;Table at LGBT PridefestivalQuarterlyPotlucks, Dance PartyMonthlyRestaurants/Dim Sum,Movie-film festival, Barnights/Happy hourPost events on website,Website updatesWhenNeededGeneral ReferralsHold Workshops/Community forums,Participate in SpeakersBureau, Forward emailsfrom other groupsForward email noticesto members; Participatein rallies, protests,lobby days; Participatein political advocacygroups (per IRS rules);Publish political news/stories/articles inorg listserv; No/Littlepolitical activities asan organization, butindividual membersdo so voluntarily72NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

Massachusetts Area South Asian Lambda Association (MASALA)Boston, MANew EnglandMassachusetts Area South AsianLambda Association (MASALA)MULTI-GENDERMailingAddressMASALA38 Haverford StreetBoston, MA 2130GeneralContactInfoEmailWebsitebostonmasala@gmail.comwww.bostonmasala.orgPublicInterfacesSocialNetworkingGroupwww.facebook.com/inbox/readmessage.php?t=1103526598690#/group.php?sid=32ebc43bdbaa7efcfb7da6c1913cc456&gid=14064180550&ref=searchhttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/bostonmasalaOrg/Program MissionFacts & FiguresMASALA (the Massachusetts-Area South Asian Lambda Association) is a socialgroup based in Boston that provides a safe and supportive environment to NewEngland-based Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning South Asians(people from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, India, Iran, Maldives,Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Tibet; and from the global South Asian Diaspora).MASALA is an avenue where distinctions of social class, status, religious affiliationsand regional identities dissolve while cultural richness, linguistic diversity andindividuality are maintained to inform, enrich and empower. MASALA also takespride in its cross-alliance with organizations in the Boston area which strive againstsocial taboos, ignorance, phobia, and help foster general awareness in the realm ofpublic health, fighting HIV, and domestic violence, to name a few. MASALA is opento all unless otherwise specified who believe they can contribute toward a moretolerant society that embraces differences and respects individuality.History Year Established 1994MASALA was founded by a small group of friends that saw the need for a SouthAsian based LGBT community. They placed an ad in a local newspaper called “BayWindows” asking other LGBT south asians to gather for a brunch at a restaurant.Twenty people showed up and MASALA was formed.Contact PersonDecision-makingCoreVolunteersMembership/CommunityOrg/ProgramStatusAnnnualBudget SizeSources ofFundingAmit DixitSteering CommitteeChairperson/One Individual;Committees5546 SubscribersNot incorporated;fiscally sponsored as nonprofitby MAP for Health$1,001 - $2,500Special Fundraising Events/Asks 100%We Have ArrivedA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations73

Massachusetts Area South Asian Lambda Association (MASALA)Boston, MANew EnglandSocial Support Education Outreach PoliticalAnnualMovie-mainstream,Movie-cultural,Movie-educational/documentary, Moviefilmfestival, DanceParty, Cultural dance,Cultural song/music,Cultural performanceLegal advise andservice referrals; Immigrationassistancereferrals; Family/AbusereferralsOpen communityforumsParticipate in annualLGBT Pride events,March in LGBT Prideparade, Participate inAPI culture-specificevents; Host InformationTable (general),Table at API culturespecificfestival,Organization brochure,Organization/eventpostcardsQuarterly Potlucks Health/AIDS/HIV-relatedservice referralsCo-sponsor othergroups eventsUpdate OutreachMaterialsWrite Letters to theEditor (mainstreampress); Write Letters tothe Editor (LGBT communitypress); WriteLetters to the Editor(Asian ethnic/languagepress); Forwardemail notices to members;Participate inrallies, protests, lobbydays; Publish politicalnews/stories/articles inorg newsletter; Publishpolitical news/stories/articles in org listservMonthlyNewsletter (electronic)WhenNeededBar nights/Happy hour,Club night, Musical,Outdoor/ hikingPeer support group,open to all members;Formal workshops;Counseling services;General ReferralsWorkshops for members,Guest speakersHold Workshops/Community forums,Participate in SpeakersBureau, Forwardemails from othergroups, Post events onwebsiteParticipate in politicalfundraisers for candidates(per IRS rules);Participate in politicaladvocacy groups (perIRS rules); No/Littlepolitical activities asan organization, butindividual membersdo so voluntarily74NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

Q-WaveNew York, NYGreater New York AreaQ-WaveWomen & TransMailingAddressQ-WAVEP.O. Box 1896New York, NY 10013GeneralContactInfoEmailWebsiteinfo@q-wave.orgsc@q-wave.orgwww.q-wave.orgPublicInterfacesGroupBloghttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/q-wavehttp://qwavedisco.blogspot.com(Private Blog, email subscription required,please send request to sc@q-wave.org)Org/Program MissionQ-Wave is dedicated to strengthening the voices of lesbian/bisexual/queer womenand transgender/gender variant people of Asian descent. We strive to build a supportive,progressive community by promoting visibility and empowerment throughsocial, political, and educational organizing.History Year Established 2004The genesis of the group was at the Queer Asian Pacific Legacy Conference, heldat New York University in March of 2004. This was the first gathering of its kind onthe east coast in over a decade. The conversations focused on a long-recognizedabsence in New York City for a group that addressed the needs and issues ofqueer API women. Earlier attempts had been short-lived or had been narrowlyfocused, solely on social or political agendas, for example. That June, the Women’sCaucus from the QAPL conference and Gay Asian Pacific Islander Men of New York(GAPIMNY) hosted a “Gender and the Queer A/PI Experience” workshop. Attendeesdiscussed their experiences and then formed working groups–men’s, women’s,and multigender. Participants in the women’s group decided to march together inthe upcoming Dyke March that month. We used that opportunity to publicize ourqueer A/PI organizing. We set up an online mailing list, found some meeting space,and spread the word: there was a new organization in town! Our first meeting washeld in late July at NYU. It drew nearly thirty women and has since continued as amonthly meeting in various locations throughout New York City. As a loose structureto guide our activities, we have established four central pillars to represent ourneeds and interests as a community: social, empowerment, visibility, and support.Facts & FiguresContact PersonDecision-makingCoreVolunteersBoard Members 4Membership/CommunityOrg/ProgramStatusAnnnualBudget SizeSources ofFundingAries LiaoSteering Committee MemberBoard;Event by event;As a community organization1560 Members261 SubscribersNot incorporated;fiscally sponsored as nonprofitby Project Reach$1,001 - $2,500Selling Items (t-shirts, etc.) 10%Personal Donations/Asks 5%Membership Fees 0%Special Fundraising Events/Asks 85%We Have ArrivedA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations75

Q-WaveNew York, NYGreater New York AreaSocial Support Education Outreach PoliticalAnnualPotlucks, Movie-filmfestival, Musical, DanceParty, Games (includingvideo), Culturalsong/music, Poetry,Performance art/ spokenwordParticipate in annualLGBT Pride events,March in LGBT Prideparade, Host InformationTable (general),Table at API culturespecificfestival, Tableat LGBT Pride festival,Organization/eventpostcardsQuarterlyRestaurants/Dim Sum,Movie-mainstream,Movie-cultural, Movieeducational/documentaryFormal workshopsWorkshops for members,Guest speakers,Co-sponsor othergroups eventsHold Workshops/Community forums,Participate in APIculture-specific eventsParticipate in rallies,protests, lobby days;Participate in politicaladvocacy groups (perIRS rules); Co-sponsorpolitical events (perIRS rules)Monthly Discussion Groups Hold Membershipmeetings, Post eventson website, WebsiteupdatesPublish political news/stories/articles in orglistservWhenNeededGeneral Referrals76NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

Queer Asian Pacific Alliance (QAPA)Cambridge, MANew EnglandQueer Asian Pacific Alliance (QAPA)MULTI-GENDERMailingAddressQAPA20 Chestnut St, Unit 307Cambridge, MA 2139GeneralContactInfoEmailWebsiteqapa@qapa.orgwww.qapa.orgPublicInterfacesSocialNetworkingGroupBlog/Otherwww.facebook.com/group.php?gid=7470436127http://groups.yahoo.com/group/qapahttp://qapa.wordpress.comOrg/Program MissionFacts & Figuresounded in 1979, QAPA, formerly AMALGM, is the oldest Asian queer organizationin the United States. QAPA is committed to providing a supportive social,political, and educational environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, andquestioning people of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage (this is inclusive of A/PIs,A/PI Americans and those who are of mixed A/PI heritage) in the Boston and NewEngland area. We currently have over 200 active members in the New Englandarea, plus many more ex-members spread around the world.Contact PersonDecision-makingCoreVolunteersSarav ChithambaramBoard memberBoard;volunteer organizationand not incorporated10History Year Established 1979Founded in 1979, QAPA, formerly AMALGM, is the oldest Asian queer organizationin the United States. QAPA is committed to providing a supportive social,political, and educational environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, andquestioning people of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage (this is inclusive of A/PIs,A/PI Americans and those who are of mixed A/PI heritage) in the Boston and NewEngland area. We currently have over 200 active members in the New Englandarea, plus many more ex-members spread around the world.Board Members 8Membership/CommunityOrg/ProgramStatusAnnnualBudget SizeSources ofFunding200 Members300 SubscribersNot incorporated$251 - $500Personal Donations/Asks 90%Special Fundraising Events/Asks 10%We Have ArrivedA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations77

Queer Asian Pacific Alliance (QAPA)Boston, MANew EnglandSocial Support Education Outreach PoliticalAnnualParticipate in annualLGBT Prideevents, March in LGBTPride parade, UpdateOutreach Materials,Organization brochureQuarterlyMonthly Potlucks Post events on website,Website updatesWhenNeededRestaurants/Dim Sum,Movie-mainstream,Movie-cultural, Movieeducational/documentary,Movie-filmfestival, Bar nights/Happy hour, Clubnight, Outdoor/ hiking,Poetry, Cultural performance,Performanceart/ spoken wordPeer support group,open to all members;Formal workshops;General ReferralsWorkshops for members,Guest speakers,Open communityforums, Blogs/e-discussiongroups,Discussion Groups, Cosponsorother groupseventsHold Membershipmeetings, Hold Workshops/Communityforums, Participate inSpeakers Bureau, Participatein API culturespecificevents; Marchin API culture-specificparades, Host InformationTable (general)Write Letters to theEditor (mainstreampress); Write Letters tothe Editor (LGBT communitypress); WriteLetters to the Editor(Asian ethnic/languagepress); Forwardemail notices to members;Participate inrallies, protests, lobbydays; Publish politicalnews/stories/articles inorg newsletter; Publishpolitical news/stories/articles in org website;Publish political news/stories/articles in orglistserv; Co-sponsorpolitical events (perIRS rules)78NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

Queer Philadelphia Asians (QPA)Philadelphia, PAMid-Atlantic / Metro DC AreaQueer Philadelphia Asians (QPA)MULTI-GENDERPublicInterfacesSocialNetworkingGroupQueer Philadelphia Asianshttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/QueerPhiladelphiaAsiansOrg/Program MissionQPA (Queer Philadelphia Asians) is a grassroots organization whose goal is to empowerGay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Asian and Pacific Islanders througha variety of social, educational, peer-support, cultural, and political activities. Wecollaborate with other community organizations to help educate the API and LGBTcommunities on issues of race, sexuality, and gender.Facts & FiguresContact PersonDecision-makingBoard Members 4Nicholas DerooseBoard memberConsensus;BoardHistory Year Established 2005QPA was founded back in 2005 with the intention of raising queer Asian visibility inPhiladelphia. However it was only in 2008 with the award of a grant that QPA wasabout to hold a launch party to officially launch the group. Some of QPA’s activitiesinclude a monthly dim sum outing as well as collaborating with PURE club inPhiladelphia to hold a monthly Asian party. Some of the milestones of QPA wouldbe participating in the prop 8 rally held in Philadelphia as well as being a member ofthe People of Color Coalition which is an umbrella organizations consisting of LGBTpeople of color organizations.Membership/CommunityOrg/ProgramStatusAnnnualBudget SizeSources ofFunding134 SubscribersNot incorporated;fiscally sponsored as nonprofitby ASIAC$0 - $250Grants 80%Personal Donations/Asks 20%We Have ArrivedA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations79

Queer Philadelphia Asians (QPA)Philadelphia, PAMid-Atlantic / Metro DC AreaSocial Support Education Outreach PoliticalAnnualQuarterlyMonthlyRestaurants/Dim Sum,Club nightFormal workshops;Health/AIDS/HIV-relatedservice referralsGuest speakers, Cosponsorother groupseventsHold Membershipmeetings, Hold Workshops/Communityforums, Participatein Speakers Bureau,Forward emails fromother groups, Postevents on website, Participatein annual LGBTPride events, Marchin LGBT Pride parade,Participate in APIculture-specific events;March in API culturespecificparades, HostInformation Table(general), Table atAPI culture-specificfestival, Table at LGBTPride festival, UpdateOutreach Materials,Website updates,Organization brochure,Organization/eventpostcards, Newsletter(paper), Newsletter(electronic)Write Letters to theEditor (mainstreampress); Forward emailnotices to members;Publish political news/stories/articles in orgnewsletterWhenNeeded80NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

SatrangLos Angeles, CASouthern CaliforniaSatrangMULTI-GENDERMailingAddressSatrang605 W. Olympic Blvd Suite 610Los Angeles, CA 90015GeneralContactInfoTel 888-370-9569 Email contact@satrang.orgpresident@satrang.orgWebsite www.satrang.orgPublicInterfacesGroupSoCalSatrang@yahoogroups.com(Closed group)Org/Program MissionSatrang is a social, cultural and support organization providing a safe space toempower and advocate for the rights of the South Asian LGBTIQQ (Lesbian, Gay,Bisexual, Trans, Intersex, Queer and Questioning) community in Southern Californiathrough education, networking, and outreach.History Year Established 1997Since before 1997, one person was organizing potluck get togethers for theSouth Asian queers in Los Angeles and surrounding areas and a group of 20-30attendees decided to take off the burden off this person and form a formalorganization. An initial meeting was held in December 1997 to found the organizationand work on formalizing it. By June 1998, we had a name, a board of 5members and loosely formed By-Laws in place. Our connection to a South Asianqueer organization in the Bay Area helped us get connected to other SouthAsian queers living in Southern California and we started holding monthly/semi-monthly social events and discussion groups. After several annual strategicplanning meetings we decided to apply for grant funding from foundations fora needs assessment and outreach and since then the organization has grown tooffer more than just a safe space. Over the past eleven years, our membershiphas grown from 40 to over 400.Facts & FiguresContact PersonDecision-makingCoreVolunteersBoard Members 7Membership/CommunityOrg/ProgramStatusAnnnualBudget SizeSources ofFundingRashmi ChokseyBoard Chair/PresidentBoard80Donors 20430 Members98 SubscribersNot incorporated;fiscally sponsored as non-profit bySpecial Service for Groups$30,001 - $50,000Grants 90%Special Fundraising Events/Asks 10%We Have ArrivedA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations81

SatrangLos Angeles, CASouthern CaliforniaSocial Support Education Outreach PoliticalAnnualMovie-cultural,Movie-educational/documentary, Moviefilmfestival, Musical,Games (includingvideo), Performanceart/ spoken word; culturaland faith basedevent for Eid/DiwaliFormal workshops Attend 2 conferences Participate in annualLGBT Pride events,March in LGBT Prideparade, Participate inAPI culture-specificevents (Table at nonqueerevents); Table atLGBT Pride festivalQuarterlyPotlucks, Club night,Outdoor/ hiking,Dance Party, Culturaldance, Cultural song/music, Cultural performanceMonthlyPost events on website,Website updates,Newsletter (electronic)WhenNeededGeneral ReferralsBlogs/e-discussiongroups, Co-sponsorother groups eventsHold Workshops/Community forums,Participate in SpeakersBureau, Forward emailsfrom other groups,March in API culturespecificparades, Tableat API culture-specificfestival, Update OutreachMaterials, OrganizationbrochureForward email noticesto members; Participatein rallies, protests,lobby days; Publishpolitical news/stories/articles in org listserv82NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

Shades of YellowSt. Paul, MNMidwestShades of YellowMULTI-GENDERMailingAddressShades of Yellow (at HAP)379 University Ave. W #204St. Paul, MN 55103GeneralContactInfoTel 651-291-1811x201EmailWebsitexiongkevy@aol.comkevinxiong.shadesofyellow@gmail.comwww.shadesofyellow.comOrg/Program MissionFacts & FiguresTo provide support, education, cultural awareness, social gatherings, and advocacyto Hmong GLBT, SOY members, families, allies and the Hmong community in theTwin Cities.History Year Established 2003Contact PersonDecision-makingCoreVolunteersKevin XiongExecutive DirectorBoard4It was founded by Phia Xiong and Xeng Lor to have a space for Hmong GLBTindividuals to come together and have safe conversations about issues they faceat home, work, school and/or in the community.Board Members 4Membership/Community200 SubscribersOrg/ProgramStatusAnnnualBudget SizeSources ofFundingNot incorporated;fiscally sponsored as non-profit byHmong American Partnership$50,001 and aboveGrants 98%Activities/Events 1%Fundraising letters 1%Donors 5We Have ArrivedA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations83

Shades of Yellow (SOY)St. Paul, MNMidwestSocial Support Education Outreach PoliticalAnnualMovie-mainstream,Sports teamParticipate in annualLGBT Pride events,Table at LGBT Pridefestival, OrganizationbrochureQuarterly Potlucks Workshops for members,Open communityforumsHold Membershipmeetings, Hold Workshops/Communityforums, Post events onwebsiteMonthlyBar nights/Happy hour,Club nightWebsite updatesWhenNeededOutdoor/ hiking,Games (includingvideo)Guest speakers,Discussion Groups, Cosponsorother groupseventsParticipate in SpeakersBureau, Forward emailsfrom other groups,Participate in APIculture-specific events;March in API culturespecificparades, HostInformation Table(general), Table atAPI culture-specificfestival, Organization/eventpostcards,Newsletter (paper),Newsletter (electronic)Write Letters to theEditor (mainstreampress); Write Lettersto the Editor (LGBTcommunity press);Write Letters to theEditor (Asian ethnic/language press); Forwardemail notices tomembers; Participatein rallies, protests,lobby days; Participatein political fundraisersfor candidates (perIRS rules); Participatein political advocacygroups (per IRS rules);Publish political news/stories/articles in orgnewsletter; Publishpolitical news/stories/articles in org website;Publish political news/stories/articles in orglistserv; Co-sponsorpolitical events (perIRS rules)84NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

South Asian Lesbian & Gay Association of New York City (SALGA NYC)New York, NYGreater New York AreaSouth Asian Lesbian and Gay Associationof New York City (SALGA NYC)MULTI-GENDERMailingAddressSALGA NYCThe LGBT Center, 208 W13th St.New York, NY 10011GeneralContactInfoTel 212-620-7310 Email salganyc@hotmail.comsalganyc@gmail.comWebsite www.salganyc.orgPublicInterfacesSocialNetworkingBlog/Otherwww.facebook.com/people/Salga-Nyc/1075546469www.myspace.com/salganychttp://salganyc.org/blogOrg/Program MissionFacts & FiguresSALGA-NYC is a social, political and support group for lesbians, gay men, bisexualand transgender people who trace their descent from countries such as Afghanistan,Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Tibet as wellas people of South Asian descent from countries such as Guyana, Trinidad andKenya. To support, empower and build a sense of community for the LGBTQ demographicthat traces its origin from the region known as South Asia.History Year Established 1991Contact PersonDecision-makingCoreVolunteersLakshman KalasapudiSteering Committee Member(Youth Coordinator)Co-Chairs;Multiple Chairs (more than 2);Committees25The South Asian Lesbian & Gay Association, otherwise known as SALGA, was bornin 1991 as the South Asian Gay Association (SAGA). The organization was createdto organize and support a theretofore under-recognized and under-served community:the South Asian lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and queer (LGBTQ)community of New York City and New Jersey. In 1994, the name of SAGA wasamended to reflect a more diverse constituency and thus became the SALGA oftoday. Some major milestones include marching in the annual Manhattan GayPride parade in 1991, marching in the India Day Parade in 1992 and holding thefirst dance party targeted at the South Asian LGBTQ community in 2000.Board Members 11Membership/CommunityOrg/ProgramStatusAnnnualBudget SizeSources ofFunding1000 Members1500 Subscribersfiscally sponsored as non-profit byvarying organizations$10,001 - $20,000Activities/Events 35%Personal Donations/Asks 5%Special Fundraising Events/Asks 60%Donors 10We Have ArrivedA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations85

South Asian Lesbian & Gay Association of New York City (SALGA NYC)New York, NYGreater New York AreaSocial Support Education Outreach PoliticalAnnualParticipate in annualLGBT Pride events,March in LGBT Prideparade, Participate inAPI culture-specificevents; March inAPI culture-specificparadesQuarterly Restaurants/Dim Sum Formal workshops Workshops for members,Co-sponsor othergroups eventsHold Membershipmeetings, Organization/eventpostcardsMonthlyBar nights/Happy hour,Club night, DancePartyForward emails fromother groups, Newsletter(electronic)Forward email noticesto membersWhenNeededPotlucks, Movie-mainstream,Movie-cultural,Movie-educational/documentary, Moviefilmfestival, CulturalperformancePeer support group foryouth only; GeneralReferrals; Immigrationassistance referralsGuest speakers, Opencommunity forums,Discussion GroupsHold Workshops/Community forums,Organization brochureWrite Letters to theEditor (mainstreampress); Write Lettersto the Editor (LGBTcommunity press);Participate in rallies,protests, lobby days;Publish political news/stories/articles in orgwebsite; Publish politicalnews/stories/articlesin org listserv; No/Little political activitiesas an organization, butindividual membersdo so voluntarily86NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

South Bay Queer & Asian (sbQA)San Jose, CANorthern CaliforniaSouth Bay Queer & Asian (sbQA)MULTI-GENDERMailingAddresssbQAP. O. Box 28713San Jose, CA 95159-8713GeneralContactInfoTel 408-293-2429 Email info@sbqa.comwebmaster@sbqa.comWebsite www.sbqa.comPublicInterfacesGrouphttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/sbqaOrg/Program MissionsbQA is San Jose’s premiere support/social organization for gay, bisexual, lesbianand transgender Asians and Pacific Islanders in the South Bay! With a safe place to“come out of the closet” and feel comfortable with their sexual identity and race.Our rap sessions serve as a forum where individuals can freely discuss issues relevantto being gay/bisexual/lesbian/transgender and Asian in a relaxed and friendlyenvironment! sbQA’s social events give members opportunities to meet others ofsimilar backgrounds and interests and to make lasting friendships.History Year Established 1992sbQA was founded in February 1992. Roger C was one of the original founders ofsbQA. Some of the early members included Joe L., Bert L., Tim P., Dan C., and Jim C.They started meeting at the Asian Americans for Community Involvement centerevery week as a discussion group for Asians. The meetings later moved to the BillyDeFrank Center in San Jose to ensure confidentiality. The purpose of the meetingswas to deal with the unique cultural issues that affect LGBT Asians and PacificIslanders (APIs). The group added activities and social events in addition to thesupport groups.Signature events include Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chinese New Year’s parties andannual potluck at a local park, which draw over 100 people at each event. Thanksgivingand Christmas parties were like an annual homecoming where almost allof sbQA’s members attend the event. Other events include game nights, movienights, and hikes. In the past year, participation in sbQA events and activities hasdramatically increased.Facts & FiguresContact PersonDecision-makingCoreVolunteersBoard Members 7Membership/CommunityOrg/ProgramStatusAnnnualBudget SizeSources ofFundingEdward TangBoard Chair/PresidentConsensus;Board;Tax ID number only,has not filed the paper work yet.20678 MembersNot incorporated$2,501 - $5,000Activities/Events 100%One of the basic tenants of sbQA has been the ‘safe place to come out’ conceptthat allowed a lot of Asians to discover their identity and grow in their self confidenceand leadership. Over the years, the group has migrated from a discussionoriented group with some social events, to being more of a socially orientedgroup that has maintained it’s grounding in the discussion group.We Have ArrivedA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations87

South Bay Queer & Asian (sbQA)San Jose, CANorthern CaliforniaSocial Support Education Outreach PoliticalAnnualQuarterlyPotlucks, MusicalMonthlyWhenNeededHold Membershipmeetings, Hold Workshops/Communityforums, Post events onwebsite, Participatein annual LGBT Prideevents, Participate inAPI culture-specificevents; March inAPI culture-specificparades, Websiteupdates, Organizationbrochure, Newsletter(electronic)Write Letters to theEditor (Asian ethnic/language press); No/Little political activitiesas an organization, butindividual membersdo so voluntarily88NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

Southeast Asian Queers United for Empowerment & Leadership (seaQuel)Providence, RINew EnglandSoutheast Asian Queers United forEmpowerment and Leadership(seaQuel)MULTI-GENDERMailingAddress669 Elmwood Avenue, Box 19Providence, RI 02907GeneralContactInfoTel 401-383-7450 Email prysm@prysm.uskohei@prysm.usWebsite www.prysm.usPublicInterfacesSocialNetworkinghttp://myspace.com/providence_movementOrg/Program MissionseaQuel is a supportive space for LGBTQQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered,Queer and Questioning) and Straight youth of Southeast Asian descent wherethey can address the issues affecting their lives, develop their leadership potentialand become involved in making changes within their community, which includesthe commitment to ending sexual and gender oppression. This mission upholdsPrYSM’s vision to end state, street and interpersonal violence affecting SoutheastAsian Americans in Providence by providing support and resources for those inneed. As a program we work all year long to support the community and alsocelebrate our differences.History Year Established 2005seaQuel has spent the past 3 years building a strong base of GLBTQ SEAAs andallies. From Lowell, MA to Stockton, CA, to Newport News, VA, GLBTQ SEAAs haveflocked to seaQuel to find refuge and a family who can understand and support allof our multiple identities and struggles. We have been able to build a critical massof GLBTQ SEAA leaders who now stand poised to challenge patriarchy and sexism inthe SEAA community and expand ideas of diversity and inclusion in the mainstramGLBTQ community.Facts & FiguresContact PersonDecision-makingBoard Members 10Membership/CommunityOrg/ProgramStatusAnnnualBudget SizeSources ofFundingLatdaly SinouthasyStaffConsensus;Board;Committees;Includes core membership50 Members500 SubscribersIncorporated as a 501(c)3$50,001 and above(parent organization)Grants 80%Activities/Events 5%Personal Donations/Asks 5%Donors 100We Have ArrivedA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations89

Southeast Asian Queers United for Empowerment & Leadership (seaQuel)Providence, RINew EnglandSocial Support Education Outreach PoliticalAnnualOutdoor/ hiking,Games (includingvideo), Cultural dance,Cultural song/music,Cultural performance,Performance art/spoken wordMarch in LGBT Prideparade, Participate inAPI culture-specificevents; Table at APIculture-specific festival,Table at LGBT PridefestivalQuarterly Potlucks Hold Membershipmeetings, Participatein annual LGBTPride events, UpdateOutreach Materials,Newsletter (paper)MonthlyMovie-educational/documentaryPeer support group,open to all members;Peer support groupfor women/trans only;Peer support groupfor youth only; FormalworkshopsWorkshops formembers, DiscussionGroupsForward email noticesto membersWhenNeededRestaurants/Dim Sum,Movie-cultural, DancePartyLegal advise andservice referrals; Immigrationassistancereferrals; Counselingreferrals; Family/AbusereferralsGuest speakersHold Workshops/Communityforums, Postevents on website,Host Information Table(general), WebsiteupdatesWrite Letters to theEditor (mainstreampress); Write Lettersto the Editor (LGBTcommunity press);Write Letters to theEditor (Asian ethnic/language press);Participate in rallies,protests, lobby days;Publish political news/stories/articles in orgnewsletter; Publishpolitical news/stories/articles in org website90NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

TrikoneSan Francisco, CANorthern CaliforniaTrikoneMULTI-GENDERMailingAddressP.O. Box 14161San Francisco, CA 94610GeneralContactInfoTel 415-418-7725 Email trikone@trikone.orgWebsitewww.trikone.orgOrg/Program MissionTrikone offers a supportive, empowering and non-judgmental environment, whereLGBT South Asians can meet, make connections and proudly promote awarenessand acceptance of their sexuality in society. Trikone works toward the followinggoals: 1) bring people of South Asian heritage together 2) promote awareness, visibilityand cultural and legal acceptance of people with alternative sexual orientationsand gender identities 3) help people to proudly affirm both their South Asianidentity as well as their sexual orientation Trikone actively works against all formsof oppression based on race, gender, religion, class, sexual orientation, and otheridentities. Through our award-winning magazine, our website, conferences, culturalnights, film festivals, dances, pride celebrations, and a host of other collaborativeprogramming, Trikone has worked hard to nurture and empower the LGBT SouthAsian community in the Bay Area and across the globe.Facts & FiguresContact PersonDecision-makingCoreVolunteersBoard Members 9Org/ProgramStatusAnnnualBudget SizeRakesh ModiBoard Chair/PresidentBoard20Incorporated as a 501(c)3$20,001 - $30,000History Year Established 1984Trikone is the first ever organization for LGBTQ South Asians. It is a registered nonprofit. It was started by Arvind Kumar and Ashok Jethanandani. Trikone has grownover the years, has produced the award winning “Trikone” magazine/newsletter, hasorganized an international conference in San Francisco in 1995, 2000 and 2006.Sources ofFundingGrants 70%Activities/Events 15%Selling Items (t-shirts, etc.) 3%Personal Donations/Asks 3%Workplace Donations 2%Fundraising letters 7%We Have ArrivedA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations91

TrikoneSan Francisco, CANorthern CaliforniaSocial Support Education Outreach PoliticalAnnualMovie-film festival,Dance Party, Performanceart/ spokenword; Kulture Kulcha -cultural performances,art, spoken word,banquet, dance party.Dance party for Pride,New Year’s eveParticipate in annualLGBT Pride events,March in LGBT Prideparade, Participate inAPI culture-specificevents; Table at APIculture-specific festival,Table at LGBT PridefestivalQuarterly Guest speakers Newsletter (paper)Monthly Potlucks Open communityforums, DiscussionGroupsWhenNeededMovie-cultural, Movieeducational/documentaryWorkshops for members,Co-sponsor othergroups eventsHold Workshops/Community forums,Forward emailsfrom other groups,Organization brochure,Organization/eventpostcardsForward emailnotices to members;Participate in politicaladvocacy groups (perIRS rules)92NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

Trikone AtlantaAtlanta, GAThe SouthTrikone AtlantaMULTI-GENDERGeneralContactInfoTel 404-869-8618 Email trikonesteering@yahoogroups.comWebsitewww.trikoneatlanta.orgOrg/Program MissionTrikone Atlanta is a social and support group for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgenderpeople of South Asian heritage and their friends in the Southeastern UnitedStates. South Asia comprises of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, India,Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tibet and the Diaspora.History Year Established 1993In its early years, Trikone had existed exclusively on the solid, unstructured commitmentof a handful of volunteers. These key volunteers provided a communityof South Asian Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Trans, and Questioning (SA GLBTQ) peoplewith whom to connect and talk. They started what has become the defining socialevent for Trikone, the monthly socials. Through these socials, as well as otherevents such as the Pride parade, coordinated events with other organizations, andoutreach, Trikone has grown into an organization of over 70 members. Most of thisgrowth has happened in the past 3 or 4 years. In July 2002, discussions began torefocus mission and activities to better foster a safe space for members. Trikonehas participated in every Pride parade since 1993, and has never missed a monthlysocial since its initial event. Trikone Atlanta was also a major contributor to theGeorgia marriage amendment fight, donating 95% of the campaign’s office equipment,much volunteer time, and thousands of dollars.Facts & FiguresContact PersonDecision-makingCoreVolunteersBoard Members 5Membership/CommunityOrg/ProgramStatusAnnnualBudget SizeSources ofFundingOutreach CoordinatorConsensus;Committees;Event by event;Not incorporated — all volunteer75Donors 10075 Members200 SubscribersNot incorporated$501 - $750Special Fundraising Events/Asks 100%We Have ArrivedA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations93

Trikone AtlantaAtlanta, GAThe SouthSocial Support Education Outreach PoliticalAnnualParticipate in annualLGBT Pride events,March in LGBT Prideparade, Table at LGBTPride festivalPhone banking todefeat CaliforniaProposition 8;National Coming OutDay March with collaborator;“Women only”event which includestrans membersQuarterlyDistribute condomsand materials regardingsafe-sex, HIV/AIDS and STDs; Attendtrainings provided byour fundersMonthlyPotlucks; Bollywoodnight; Outdoor/ hiking;Dance Party; Culturaldance; Cultural song/music; Cultural performance;Educational/advocacy componentto all our social eventsCoalition meetingsand with collaborationsto strategize onvisibility and educationand advocacyWhenNeededMental Health Referrals;Asylum Referrals;General HealthReferrals; Peer supportgroup, open to allmembers; Health/AIDS/HIV-relatedservice referrals; Legaladvise and servicereferrals; Immigrationassistance referrals;Counseling referrals;Family/Abuse referrals;Drugs referralsOpen communityforumsHold Membershipmeetings, Forwardemails from othergroupsForward email noticesto members; Participatein rallies, protests,lobby days; No/Littlepolitical activities asan organization, butindividual membersdo so voluntarily94NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

Trikone-NW (TNW)Seattle, WAPacific NorthwestTrikone-NW (TNW)MULTI-GENDERMailingAddressTNW1122 Pike #1174Seattle, WA 98122GeneralContactInfoEmailWebsitetnw@trikonenw.orgwww.trikonenw.orgPublicInterfacesGrouphttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/trikone-northwestOrg/Program MissionFacts & FiguresTo provide a supportive, empowering, and affirming community for differentlyoriented South Asians.Contact PersonVega SubramaniamBoard Chair/PresidentHistory Year Established 1997Trikone NW had a very modest beginning, when five people met at a restaurantin Seattle. Since then, it has grown and addressed many important social,cultural and political issues of concern to South Asian LGBTQ communities in thePacific Northwest.Today, Trikone Northwest is a vibrant, diverse group of individuals creating asocial, supportive, educational, and political space for differently oriented SouthAsians and their family, friends and community.By differently oriented we mean those individuals who identify as lesbian, gay,bisexual, transgender, or queer and those who choose not to accept a label orprefer other identities such as hijra, kothi, meti, men who have sex with men(MSM) or women who have sex with women (WSW).Decision-makingCoreVolunteersBoard Members 2Membership/CommunityOrg/ProgramStatusAnnnualBudget SizeBoard;No formal decision-making process100Donors 5065 Members110 SubscribersNot incorporated;fiscally sponsored as non-profitby Seattle LGBT Center$5,101 - $10,000We Have ArrivedA Descriptive Directory ofLGBTQ AAPI organizations95

96NationalQueer AsianPacific Islander Alliance

NQAPIA P.O. Box 65238 Washington, DC 20035-5238 www.nqapia.org