Connection 2.1 Dec 2008

December 2008 - Vol.2 - issue 1

Illustration: Gina Nam

Contents 6

ACAS Banquet

Contributions: The ACAS Connection was produced by the ACAS Media and Arts Group (MAG): Aries Cheung • JK Gye • Duncan Lau • Alex Li • Eric Poon • Gina Nam • John Manalo • Ryan Tran Lorenz Gayle Baguinan • Leo Wong •

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ACAS at PRIDE

Joyce Yeh • Ernie Harris. We like to thank the staff and volunteers who contributed their time and hard work.

We rely on volunteers’ contribution, and if you like to help out in future

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Banboo Shoot Gala

issues, please feel free to email us at publicity@acas.org © 2008 www.acas.org All rights reserved.

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QAY & I

Volunteer Feature

acas.org

qay.ca

iRice.org

Asian Community AIDS Services

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Staff Feature

Q&A

33 Isabella St., #107 Toronto, ON M4Y 2P7 Tel 416-963-4300 Fax 416-963-4371 Email info@acas.org Website www.acas.org

Editor’s Message It has been six months since the last issue of Connection. Boy! What six months it has been !

First we held our video contest – Bamboo Shoot. With so many positive feedbacks, we decided to make it an annual event! Then as usual, Pride week was always a busy time. This year, with the launch of two new programs (Settlement and Queer Asian Women), it was even more so. However seeing all these new people coming to ACAS, it did make all the work worthwhile. The Internationa AIDS Conference was held in Mexico this summer, and ACAS was well represented there. AIDS Wal For Life might seem like a routine, but as I said with all the new people coming to ACAS, we actuall had a big team, and it was very energetic and inspiring.

Our annual general meeting was right behind it and with a last minute change of venue, it made things quite chotic. However with a team like ACAS, we pulled it off with flying colors! Then it came the annual banquet with the youth theme. this year Many youths were actually involved with the early planning, and they did an awesome job.

As you are reading this, we are out there for the “Red Ribbon Human Link”, which is ACAS’ World AIDS Day activity this year. After that we can probably take some time off for the holiday season. I am pretty sure we’ll be right back at it in the New Year. I like to take this opportunity to thank all the hard working volunteers, and wish everyone a safe and joyful holiday. Peace.

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President’s Message Hello everyone. As you know, ACAS celebrated its 14th anniversary this year, with a focus on youth. As a founding member of ACAS and a returning President (I feel a Clinton moment coming …), I have always thought and believed that our focus has to always include and promote the issues, needs, and challenges from a youth perspective.

One of the reasons that I believe this is because times are changing, the voices of youth are different, the challenges of yesterday are less significant today, and the voices of youth will be the leaders of tomorrow. I am a example of how, as a youth, I was encouraged, given a voice and involved in strategic decision making. It allowed me to grow but also to remember where I was able and allowed to grow.

And so ACAS is also growing. It is the bridge between cultural gaps and bureaucratic red tape, the link for so many, and a home to so many generations of Asian. Even with today’s older and experienced Asians, (some a little more seasoned behind the ears and others a little more experienced in verbal judo), the experiences of yesterday’s youth and the roadless travelled taken is only one part of ACAS’s evolution and growth.

Youth and youth issues have and always will be a key strategy of ACAS. In 2000, ACAS started Smart Cookies, now Taro Buddies, a youth peer HIV educational project. ACAS has reached out to E/SE Asian youth about HIV/STI prevention from downtown to suburbs, in schools, community groups and workshops.

ACAS’s “Queer Asian Youth” is another – a safe, social and cultural space. Annual QAY events, conferences and Pride Show have been one of most youth-friendly and highly prized events.

For the last eight years, hundreds of LGBTIQ E/SE Asian youth have benefited from such programs. And the benefits of these youth initiatives are the rise of youth as leaders or mentors in organizations and communities. It is the on-going and dedicated educational work with and by youth that bridges and prevents.

Finally, within our many communities, the perspectives of youth are absolutely essential to building workable futures. It is the building on learned cultural experiences that keeps us relevant, current and in-tuned.

Thank you.

Andre Goh ACAS Board President

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Volunteer Feature 1. Since when and what made you start volunteering for ACAS?

A: I started attending workshops when I was about 10 or 11

Lorenz Gayle Baguinan

years old but I believe I started volunteering when I was 13 or 14. The reason was because my mother Carmen Subibi got me involved and she's been working with ACAS since 1998 I think.

But luckily she got me nvolved in such a young age because it made me realize how important it is to be educated about our sexuality and sex in general and learning about different culture/background/community. It's teaching me to become a better person because I've become more open minded to things and other perspectives.

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2. Tell me three things that are unforgettable as a volunteer

A: My 3 unforgettables are: A) the pride events 2008 summer, B) this year's woman's bathhouse was an experience and C) when I was doing the outreach program as I was handing out some flyers for the white tiger with Kaya and Tv; Kaya was so shy to distribute the flyers to people but when Tv and I were handing them out we gave it with such attitude as if we were seriously promoting the event and guest performers like the local dj's.

3. Do you belongs to the twenties youth age range? And if so, why do you think it is important for young people to volunteer for ACAS?

A: I believe the younger age group should volunteer or get involved with ACAS because it will give them the opportunity to gain knowledge about different cultures or ethnicities, HIV/AIDS, interact with amazing people, great way for building connections or networking. And also being part of a community.

4. If ACAS would accept any new ideas at this moment, what kinds of changes would you propose to ACAS? What would you like to contribute achieve that goal?

A: I like where ACAS stands right now. I feel like they are approaching to different age groups. Although I believe that we should encourage the younger groups from early teens to volunteer or get them involve with workshops so they can get education.

5. Any other feelings, thoughts, experiences or comments that you always want to tell everyone.

A: I've always enjoyed volunteering with ACAS because I feel like they've become part of my family. People at ACAS are so much fun and outgoing and very welcoming and that's the best part of it.

1. Since when and what made you start volunteering for ACAS?

A: I started volunteering in 2005 for the youth program. A friend recommended going to one of the QAY meetings and even though it was just a meeting, it was very fun. Everyone was really nice and easy to get along with. I enjoyed it so much I kept coming back.

2. Tell me three things that are unforgettable as a volunteer?

A: The people and friends I've made at ACAS and QAY are one of the most unforgettable things about working as a volunteer.

I've made many close friends through QAY, and others are just so inspiring and hardworking. Everytime I walk through ACAS' doors I'm always greeted by everyone. It's really nice.

Another unforgettable moment was a QAY event called Asians Can Dance. It was a dancing night for queer Asian youth held at the Croissant Tree. It was one of the bigger events and required a lot of planning and preparation, but it was also very exciting. I would get really hyped up when we would go over the details of the night. I wasn't expecting a lot of people, but on the day of the place was packed!

We couldn't even let everyone in. The night went smoothly and I think everyone had a good time.

3. Do you belongs to the twenties youth age range? And if so, why do you think it is important for young people to volunteer for ACAS?

A: Yes, I just turned 20 this year. I think it's important that young people volunteer for ACAS because it really brings you out to the world. It lets you face the realities of our society and confront them. Volunteering with ACAS also helps build your confidence and work ethic. It helps you gain responsibility and working with others.

I think ACAS is a great place to volunteer at because while you can develop all these working habits, you can do so in a supportive and welcoming environment.

4. If ACAS would accept any new ideas at this moment, what kinds of changes would you propose to ACAS? What would you like to contribute achieve that goal?

A:

Buying a venue with a lot of space just for events and parties. And I would contribute by buying it..... if I won the lottery.

5. Any other feelings, thoughts, experiences or comments that you always want to tell everyone (as an ACAS volunteer).

A: I love acas.

Ryan Tran

The moments I can never forget are the first couple QAY meetings I've been to. It was always something I looked forward to. I would laugh and laugh so much. Even though we'd be planning the next event there was always something funny. Those meetings were what made me want to keep coming back and help out.

ACAS Banquet 2008

Celebrating Our Youth!

Friday, Oct 17th, 2008 Bright Pearl Seafood Restruant

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On October 17, 2008, ACAS had its Annual Banquet Fundraiser with a special focus on the contributions of its Asian Youth. It was an honour to witness the opening celebrations of the banquet as the youth made noise with confetti boosters. While the eight course meal proceeded, opening remarks were made by the ACAS President, Andre Goh, the Executive Director, Noulmook Sutdhibhasilp, and Youth group leaders of QAY. The speeches were heartfelt and even more skin-moving were the dance performances of contemporary, belly and hawaiian styles. Neither the musk of calarmari nor the shrimp balls were enough because the Thai kick boxing demonstration was extremely air-transforming with muscular power and sexual prowess. Speaking of prowess, Jazzmine Manalo in her beautiful evening gown, persuaded bidders during the live auction of art pieces to raise money for ACAS. There was much asian persuasian amongst the 30 tables of attendees and many dollars raised with laughter. As the evening was coming to an end, the audience was treated to yam and cookie desserts from Bright Pearl Restaurant and a raffle draw to win half the jackpot value. It was a successful evening of food, fun and delight and definitely would not have been possible without the supporters and volunteers!

Photo:

Lorenz Gayle Baguinan, Ernie Harris, John Manalo and Duncan Lau. Text: John Manalo

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A DIALOGUE ABOUT THE BAMBOO SHOOT GALA

By Leo Wong and Alex Li Alex: What’s up, Leo? Leo: kool kool, just taking a break from work.

Alex: So how did you like our first ever bamboo shoot?

Leo: Being one of the volunteers for the event, I initially felt nervous but seeing how enjoyable everyone got out of it. I felt we accomplished something great. What about you Alex?

Alex: I think it was an awesome event, LOL. I'm really happy about the turnout, over 50 people came to the event. I also find Good Handy’s to be a great venue; they were very accommodating.

Leo: 50 ppl, I must have lost count. How did you feel about the films?

Alex: We had a few talented individuals who submitted their work; they include, Hisayo Horie, J. Yeh, and Ryan Tran.

I really like Hisayo's “Taking Root”, who was our winner that night. As an immigrant myself, I find her story to be very personal and interesting, and I think she did an amazing job with the claymation.

Leo: My favorite was Ryan's piece in which he asks young Asian people from diverse background on how they feel on identity, family, and culture.

Alex: I was very glad Richard Fung, Jo SiMalaya Alcampo, and Patrick Truong were able to be the judges of this event.

Leo: Yeah, me too. The judges were the friendliest ppl I ever met. Not only were they fair in their decisions, they offered valuable advices to the participants too.

Alex: I hope our second annual Bamboo Shoot will be just as great! If you have any friends who might be interested in entering the contest, please let them know.

Leo: Yeah, I would also like to add that we need more volunteers to help out, if you know anyone who might be interested, we would love to hear from them.

Alex: Great! Dude, I gotta go… I think I hear my manager is coming!

Leo: TTYL, Peace out!

Ed: Bamboo Shoot is ACAS’ short video contest. The next contest will be coming in the summer 2009. Watch for more info on ACAS’ web site.

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Staff Feature

NAME: Chi Ching Hui

POSITION: Youth Program Coordinator

Birth Place: Hong Kong

Birthday: May 30....yes I am a Gemini

Education: University

Hobbies: Bowling, Watching Sports

Favourite Color: Pink

Favourite Song: Amazed by Lonestar

Favourite Movies: Beauty and The Beast, Brokeback Mountain, Love Story (basically any romantic movies) Favourite Food: Chicken wings Favourite Favorite TV Series: Sex and The City Favorite Reality TV Show: Dancing With The Stars Favorite Book: Comfort and Joy by Jim Grimsley Favorite Quote: "No Day But Today" from Rent The Place that I would like to visit if I have a chance: Sydney, Australia The Place that I would like to visit again: Paris, France

Season’s Greetings from All of us @ACAS

Personal Goal: Live my life to the best I can Thing People Might Not know About Me: I was a choir boy when I was young

Chi Ching Hui

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QAY & I

remember feeling nervous. And who wouldn’t be nervous. A friend was dragging me downtown to an event filled with people I didn’t know. And at the age of 17, going to a Queer Asian Youth (QAY) Bubble Tea Lounge event was extremely intimidating. But that night would introduce me to new opportunities and new friends.

Through A Youth’s Eyes This year’s annual ACAS’s banquet is focused on Celebrating Our Youth. Being a member of the youth program, I feel honored in being able to speak in front of everyone regarding my experiences on volunteering for the youth program and how I got benefitted from it as well.

How has ACAS helped me (in no particular order)?

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

It helped me to come out of my shell.

Be it in the promotion of sex positive issues, or just the simple going-out and meeting people in general.

It helped me find my niche and support network especially when I first immigrated to Canada. This support network has helped me in more ways than one because it has provided me with friends that I can trust to share my joy and pain with.

This also helped my networking skills within and outside of the community.

It helped me increase my awareness of HIV/AIDS and other STIs, which were once major taboo subjects from where I came from. By gaining more knoeledge and understanding, I am now able to make informed decisions and educate others.

It helped me gain more knowledge and information of the services, programs, and other organizations available in the community. In doing so, it has helped me to strengthen my sense of my effort to help community.

It helped me grow as a person by opening up my mind to different perspectives, beliefs, and ideas.

For all of these, I thank ACAS and others who are sponsoring the youth program. This will all turn into a good karma chain in the future when the positive seed planted upon the youth now would be reaped in heaps and bounds in the future.

Jacquiline Uy is currently a volunteer with QAY

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Eventually, I began volunteering with QAY to help out at social events and develop the QAY website. I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to volunteer with QAY because it allowed me to acquire the experiences that has shaped my life and career. My decision to volunteer was to give back to my community, but there were perks to volunteering. I encourage everyone to volunteer in order to network, gain new skills, and to increase your chances in succeeding in job hunting, especially during these tough economic times. As a person who has had to interview young people for job placements at my company, I can tell you that candidates who have some volunteer experience always stand out amongst the piles of resumes.

Although there were many events that were organized by QAY, the most memorable one was the F3 Conference. This conference brought Asian youth together for workshops on sexuality and other social functions. The immense amount of planning and organizing culminated in 4 days of fun times and greater awareness of some the issues facing Asian youth. Some of the workshops included learning how to perform erotic massages or flirting 101. At night, there was a film night and of course, a Bubble Tea Lounge event.

For me, the biggest take-away from the conference was there is a large amount of support for Asian youth out there. There are obstacles such as racism, sexism and homophobia that many Asian youth have to face.

But no matter the barriers, QAY and ACAS has the support and resources available.

Being part of QAY was an amazing experience and I encourage people who are interested in volunteering or supporting ACAS in other capacities to do it. I am thankful to the staff of ACAS and volunteers I’ve had the pleasure to Season’s work with for being a positiveGreetings influence in my life. from

All of us @ACAS

Kenny Khoo was a QAY volunteer and held summer student positions with ACAS. An engineering graduate from the University of Western Ontario, he is currently working at Trojan Technologies in London, Ontario.

Q&A on volunteering

Got questions?

We got answers!

by Eric Poon

Q: A:

Who can be a volunteer in ACAS? Do I have to be gay?

Of course you don't have to be gay. If you have to, we will probably get sued by being sexual orientational-ist. (if that is a word). Since ACAS mostly serve the LGBT community, being a volunteer would be expected to be gayfriendly and have a positive attitude to towards PHAs (people living with HIV/AIDS). Other than that, basically anyone can be a volunteer at ACAS. And one of the mandates for ACAS is to break these kinds of stereotypes.

So don’t assume anything.

Q:

What is it like to volunteer at ACAS? Is it fun or just going to be some dull tideous work like mopping the floor or picking up gabage?

Volunteer is our core assets, for sure we will make people enjoy their volunteer experience. ACAS has many different kinds of programs and events that require volunteer help. Pick something you’re interested in!

A:

Q: A:

Where would the volunteer work be? Out on the street or hiding in the backdoor?

There is no fun hiding in the backdoor! Well, sure there are some behind the scene work. However, you can choose to help with doing outreach, the AIDS walk, promoting ACAS, fundraising, special events, etc. And so the sites vary from the ACAS office, out in the community, at clubs and bars, or even at bathhouses.

Q: A:

When do I need to apply to be a volunteer? Do I need to line up overnight?

Thanks to the word of mouth in the community, ACAS volunteer is one of the most sought after position. To avoid long line up and waiting time, we recommend applying during the low season. Seriously, ACAS usually recruiting volunteers twice a year, in Spring and Fall. Check our web site for more details. If you can’t wait, you can come and ask for a volunteer application form during office hours or apply online anytime at www.acas.org, it’s convenient!

Q:

Why would I want to be a volunteer for ACAS? why don't I spend the time sleeping, playing games or whatever else?

Two words: Asian food! It sure beats the boring coffee and donuts! Seriously, sure you can go sleep or play games, but wouldn't you want to meet new people, new friends and have some fun and exciting experience? Being a volunteer in ACAS would give you that. You can expand your social network and earn some valuable volunteering experience. And for you high school students just remember you’ll have to do your volunteer hours to get graduated. If you have to do it anyway, why not do it the fun way.

A:

If you have any questions, anything at all, please email us at connection@acas.org

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ACAS @ PRIDE 2008

Next Issue - June, 2009!