GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
Presented by La Cima Summer 2020
Contents Global Perspective Issue 01 | Summer 2020
Culture
09
The Fight for Equality Continues Celebrating Pride During a Revolution & a Pandemic
Feature
14
Revolution of Our Times Tracing the Hong Kong Democracy Movement
Opinion
25
Now Save the Stage America’s Independent Venues & Their Battle Against COVID-19
04: Our Staff 05: Note from the Editors Published by: La Cima Magazine Photos: Front & Back Cover Keith Tsuji Photography Table of Contents top & Bottom - Megan De Lara Middle - Keith Tsuji Photography
Our Staff
Clarissa Martinez Culture Writer, Editor
Ethan Huang Feature Writer, Editor
Megan De Lara Opinion Writer, Editor
Note from the Editors To our readers, On behalf of Global Perspective, we would like to thank you for taking time to read our stories. There is so much going on in the world during this time, we wanted to provide readers with insight on some of the events occurring globally. It’s important for us to be able to connect to one another, and to always stay informed. This is what brings us closer together. We would like to thank La Cima for helping us in bringing this magazine to life. We hope to not only inform, but to spread messages of hope and resilience. Each of our stories talk about ongoing issues society is currently facing, but they also talk about us resisting and fighting something bigger. We see the world more connected than ever because we know that we are not alone. We hope to inspire and to ignite a fire within readers. We can overcome any obstacle if we stick together in this fight. We will continue to spread awareness. We will continue to amplify voices that may go unheard. We will continue to spread hope and joy. Thank you for being a part of this journey and for listening to us.
With love and hope, The Editors of Global Perspective
la cima: Global Perspective | 05
The Fight Against Injustice Continues
Celebrating Pride During a Revolution and a Pandemic
story by Clarissa Martinez
I
photos by Amanda Kugwu Albert Navarro
n celebration of Pride Month, Global Pride 2020 took place on Saturday, June 27. It was the kickstart of a 24-hour live-stream festival for the LGBTQIA+ community. The event was curated by InterPride, the European Pride Organizers Association, and various National Pride Networks. They work to ensure that everyone can participate in celebrating Pride safely during the pandemic. With Pride events being canceled worldwide, people from all over will be able to participate in this online festival and celebrate inclusivity and equality. The virtual festival will include musical performances, celebrity appearances, speeches and messages from human rights activists and more. The site was launched on April 1 and is led by volunteers from all over the world. Global Pride 2020 will serve as a platform and safe “queer-space� for individuals from around the globe, including those who may not yet be out of the closet. The launch of this festival comes during a time when the LGBTQIA+ community is still facing heavy discrimination. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Monday June 16 that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects gay and transgender workers from workplace discrimination. There are
la cima: Global Perspective | 09
still over 70 countries in which samesex relations are considered illegal. The platform is an outlet for those that feel they have no place in the outside world. Global Pride 2020 should be a reminder of how communities can come together virtually during the darkest of times. Pride
events attract millions of people every year. The worldwide accessibility of this global event is something that Pride has never done before making it a historical moment for the LGBTQIA+ community. Global Pride 2020 strives to
la cima: Global Perspective | 10
uplift and send a message of hope when the world needs it most. Protestors have flooded the streets demanding change and justice for the lives that have been taken at the hands of a corrupt system that is built on white supremacy. The Black Lives Matter movement has seen tremendous support worldwide. However, there are countless reports of black trans women being brutally murdered and
beaten today and yet nothing has been done. There has been no justice for so many lives. Black queer and trans people face discrimination not only for the color of their skin, but also for how they choose to identify and live their lives. The movement for black trans lives has finally been getting more attention, sparking more pro-
tests around the world. This year, Pride month has served as a way for the black queer community to spread awareness on issues of transphobia, homophobia, oppression, domestic violence, murder and so many other injustices. Pride month is not only a time to celebrate, but also a time to show the world just how strong the LGBTQWIA+ community is. Dana Marsh, President of FiertĂŠ Canada
Pride, describes Pride as “not just a celebration, but a homage to our origins; the defiance and resistance against all systems of oppression. We acknowledge the intersections that join us in the global fight against homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, gender discrimination, racism, sexism, classism, and colonialism.� Global Pride 2020
aims to amplify black voices during this time. The event will also be working with the founders of the black lives matter movement to continue the fight for racial justice. This Pride month comes in the midst of a pandemic and a revolution. It also comes at a time in which the queer community needs
each other the most. There is so much left to fight for, but there is also so much to celebrate. Let this be a time to reflect, to educate, to fight, to uplift, and to stick together as a community. We are all human, and we are all equal.
la cima: Global Perspective | 11
6728 Bright Avenue, Whittier, CA. 90601 Phone : 562.945.2891
REVOLUTIO OF OUR TIME
Tracing the Hong Kong Democracy Mo Featuring an Interview with Photographer Kei
ON ES
ovement ith Tsuji
story by Ethan Huang
O
photos by Keith Tsuji
n June 9, 2019, one million citizens took part in a protest that broke out in Hong Kong in response to the extradition bill proposed in March by the Chinese government. One week later, the number had doubled. The bill would essentially allow the People’s Republic of China to extend their influence to Hong Kong’s judicial system, one that for many years, has been run independently from the PRC’s policies. The sudden power grab after more than 20 years of autonomy (following another century and a half under British rule) under the “one country, two systems” policy sparked massive outrage across the city. The policy was a SinoBritish agreement registered with the United Nations allowing Hong Kong to remain a part of mainland China, while maintaining a level of independence politically and economically. For more than a year, civilians have been actively protesting the bill as well as the PRC’s influence on Hong Kong in general. A divide between not only the people and the state, but also among citizens has
la cima: Global Perspective | 16
widened, a divide that began to form back in the 2014 Umbrella Movement (one that tackled the issue of suffrage in Hong Kong). The yellow ribbon often symbolizes the pro-democracy protesters, those advocating for Hong Kong’s existence separate from the influence of the PRC. The blue ribbon on the other hand, belongs to those who show their support for the police and authorities, urging to keep the status quo. What started as a peaceful movement would eventually bring protesters face-to-face with police
forces, leading to growing tensions that would develop into conflict. Photographer Keith Tsuji describes his experience on the frontlines, “The conflicts, tensions between the police and the protesters were just sunk down deeper and deeper, every event was just filled with heavy curse words here and there... non-stop from police to the protesters.” Soon, violence would break out in the streets, with multiple accounts of civilian injury, the use of tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets, and the storming of universities acting as bases for the movement. This wave of protest is seen by members of the movement as a push for independence and against the confines of tyranny, an ideal they value to the extent that many are willing to place their lives on the line for their freedom. Tsuji shares a testimony from one of the protests. “On December 1, 2019, thousands of pro-democracy protesters took part in a rally from the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier to Hung Hom in Hong Kong. The protests were already into its sixth month and protesters continued to call for Hong Kong’s government to meet their 5 demands. That rally was mostly peaceful, and at the end of the
day when most of the participants left, some frontline protesters remained. When police started closing in, getting ready to disperse them on the overpass, everyone started to panic because on that overpass there was nowhere to escape. The only way out was to climb over the center divider to the other side of the road. Within a split second, the protesters scrambled all over the divider, some even risking their life trying to jump between two bridges. It was a chaotic and heartbreaking scene, it kind of reminded me of the Berlin Wall when it was still dividing East and West Germany, people were risking their life and fleeing for freedom.” In some cases, the 2019 movement seems to be much more powerful compared to its predecessors, as members began to adapt to their obstacles using the idea of being “like water.” In 2014,
the police were much more capable of suppressing the movement by targeting central Hong Kong, where most protests occurred and arresting specific leadership. In comparison, recent protests have decided not to have any single “leader” in the movement, and chose to hold protests wherever they can. This makes them much more difficult to crush and have a greater influence, now that they are more widespread. In such a short span of time, the events in a tiny island off the coast of Asia captured the attention of the entire world. This opened the door for activists Joshua Wong, Denise Ho, and Sunny Cheung to appear before the United States Congress urging for the reintroduction of the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act. With the backing of the United States, it seemed that nothing could stop the movement.
However, everything came to a screeching halt as the COVID-19 virus appeared in November of 2019. The virus would spread throughout the nation of China and then across the world as the infected and carriers alike attempted to escape the hotspot in Wuhan, China. The Hong Kong protests were forced to pause temporarily in compliance with various legislation attempting to control the spread of COVID-19. “The social distancing and gathering bans have kept people from staying out, and many people decide to put their health in priority,” as Tsuji explains. For many months, the fate of Hong Kong was uncertain, as even with the extradition bill being shot down due to backlash, tensions were high between the city and the mainland. Then, on May 21, 2020, Hong Kong, a center of Western progress in Asia, fell under China’s full control. la cima: Global Perspective | 17
A national security law was passed denouncing foreign influence and suppressing any and all subversion from their people. This restricting law was met with outrage, as it was seen as China taking full control of Hong Kong, despite a supposed 27 years left under the “one country, two systems” policy. As Tsuji explains, “Many Hong Kongers believe their freedom, human rights, democracy, the rule of law and clean governance which hold the core values of Hong Kong are slowly fading away. People are breaking down emotionally, mentally, and physically.” In addition to this, United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo officially declared Hong Kong “no longer autonomous” following the passing of the security law. With the national security law in place, Hong Kong will soon lose economic support from one of its strongest democratic allies. It would revert Hong Kong to a shaky position it held prior to 1992, when the U.S. established relations with the city. Today, many people ask “What now? Is this the end for Hong Kong?” According to Tsuji, “It may be too early to say this is the end of the Hong Kong that we’ve known... but, la cima: Global Perspective | 18
the national security laws are once again alarming many other countries that China is ending ‘one country, two systems.’ It could be seen as an attempt by Beijing to silence Hong Kongers’ critical voices with force and fear, leaving many feeling hopeless and having no other choice but to just accept it.” In light of the law becoming active on July 1, 2020, several activist groups and political parties have opted to disbanding, including Joshua Wong’s Demosisto party following his decision to leave the organization himself to campaign independently. June 30 has become a date many call the “last day of Hong Kong,” fearing the end of everything they knew. Meanwhile, others positively embrace the change.
When asked regarding what image he feels best captures the spirit of Hong Kong and the movement, Tsuji commented on a photo taken on Hong Kong’s Lion Rock Hill, “It was a shot where the protesters formed a human chain with their flashlights on, and it illuminated the top of Lion Rock Hill. I thought that was quite significant because Lion Rock Hill has been connected to the “Lion Rock Spirit,” which referred to Hong Kong as a whole and was inherited by the people from generation to generation.” Even without the level of independence the region has held for decades, we can believe that the Lion Rock Spirit lives on, a symbol of unity and identity for many in the city of Hong Kong.
“Many Hong Kongers believe their freedom, human, rights, democracy... are slowly fading away.” - Keith Tsuji
Keith Tsuji is a photographer currently based in Hong Kong. He was born in Taiwan, but grew up in Hong Kong. After graduating secondary school, he moved to Los Angeles where he pursued a degree in graphic design. Eventually, he moved back to Asia and would become a photographer, actively working in both Japan and Hong Kong.
© 2020 All Photos by Keith Tsuji Photography
la cima: Global Perspective | 19
OPINION
Now
Save the
Stage
With strict enforcements and indefinite closures due to COVID-19, 90% of America’s independent music venues are at risk of closing for good. Should we be worried?
25 story & photos by Megan De Lara
la cima: Global Perspective
N O W S AV E T H E S T A G E
T
here’s something invigorating about concerts. The faint smell of cigarettes weaved into the air outside the venue, unexpected comradery while waiting for the headliner, the sticky floor by the bar. Top it off with that rush of adrenaline you get once the band takes the stage and your night is complete. It may sound like a nightmare to most, but for some, it’s a second home – a rhythmic sanctuary. Music is one of the few mediums that possesses the power to shatter barricades. It’s a universal language that stretches far beyond speakers and streamed data packets, not only meant to be heard, but also seen and felt – because, yes, you can feel music. But that world is now in distress. Heavy financial blows brought on by the coronavirus pandemic have put some of these sanctuaries in jeopardy, and inevitably, the subcultures that thrive on their entertainment. With a halt in consistent income and no federal aid, many independent music hot spots across the United States face the possibility of keeping their doors shut for good. Famous venues such as The Wiltern in Los Angeles, New York’s The Bowery Room, and Antone’s in Austin, Texas remain closed. Across the U.S., various states took part implementing strict guidelines to help
slow the spread of COVID-19, including the shutdown of non-essential businesses in early March. Venues were some of the first to cease activity, stopping shows entirely. In April, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a news briefing that events as such went “against everything that we need to do to fight back the coronavirus.” Fast forward to the present and many businesses have been given “the-go” to reopen with modifications, but concerts are still off-limits. From an economic standpoint, this is enough to prompt concern even outside the music industry. Independent venues provide lucrative opportunities for surrounding businesses, including restaurants and hotel services. The Chicago Tribune stated, “for every $1 spent on a ticket, a total of $12 in economic activity [is] generated,” which would bring the estimated direct annual economic impact from independent venues to local communities to almost $10 billion. The financial repercussions are only half of what is at stake. The closure of these structures would also mean the end of a decades’ worth of music history and breeding grounds for future cultural phenomena. Many of the venues in limbo are responsible for kickstarting careers of mainstream musicians, both past and present. A young Elton John played his first American show at West Hollywood nightclub the Troubadour Aug. 25
W “It gives opportunities to local bands to get their music out to new people and a place to jam out that won’t get shut down by cops.” Brayan Altamirano, Los Munchies
“I must admit, I do miss performing,” lead singer of the Rhythm Shakers, Marlene Perez, recently said on her Instagram page. The band often performed at Alex’s Bar in Long Beach, CA. (pictured), which is now temporarily closed. The venue is also a NIVA member. 1970. It was the first in what would turn out to be a sold out six-night stay. “My whole life came alive that night, musically, emotionally . . . everything,” John reminisced to the Los Angeles Times in 1998. “It was like everything I had been waiting for suddenly happened. I was the fan who had become accepted as a musician. It was just amazing.” Stories like John’s are many when it comes to the Troubadour. Glenn Frey and Don Henley met at the nightclub during a concert, and eventually formed rock band The Eagles, penning the song “Sad Café” which is an ode to the venue itself. Eighties metal band Guns N’ Roses also made
history as Geffen Records signed the group after an executive saw one of their shows at the club. And the list goes on. Even with its rich history, the Troubadour is one of the main music focal points in California that may not survive. Now, instead of buzzing with excited fans, the building is boarded up and quiet. Current owner Christine Karayan recently spoke to Rolling Stone about her growing concerns and the possibility of becoming another “footnote in history.” Without any income or corporate funding to help ease the incoming bills, Karayan had to lay off most of her staff. As of now, the
venue is staying afloat, but only “by chipping away every single overhead” available, Karayan said. By doing so, the Troubadour will hopefully make it to the end of the year, and possibly into early 2021, but nothing is certain. Regardless of the setback, venues and promoters have not been stagnant in the fight to receive assistance. Many have come together to join the recently established NIVA, the National Independent Venue Association, in April. Founded by First Avenue (Minneapolis, Minn.) CEO Dayna Frank, Pabst Theater Group (Milwaukee, Wis.) Gary Witt, and Marauder Managing (New York, la cima: Global Perspective | 27
N.Y.) Rev Moose, the organization aims to spread awareness of the obstacles these venues face in the midst of the pandemic. By doing so, they fight for not only stages, but the livelihood of each company’s employees and artists, in addition to the preservation of music communities fans cherish. Within its first few days, NIVA reached 450 members across 43 states. Now, the number is nearing 2,000 across all 50 states in the U.S. Not only has the organization gained outside support (fans and such who sent out more than 500,000 emails to Congress asking for help on the behalf of these venues), but it has also received mainstream attention. Over 600 major artists – including Lady Gaga, Dave Grohl and Billie Eilish, to name a few – also sent a letter to Congress asking to la cima: Global Perspective | 28
fulfill NIVA’s requests for financial assistance and relief in order to give these businesses a chance to survive. “We will know America is ‘back’ when our music venues are filled with fans enjoying concerts safely,” the letter stated. “Independent venues give artists their start, often as the first stage most of us have played on. These venues were the first to close and will be the last to reopen… Independent venues are asking for an investment to secure their future, not a handout.” At the core, these stages provide a vital element: nourishment. Monetary reasons aside, independent venues allow new musicians to find their footing and refine their sound. The crowds they attract open doors to companionships, the atmosphere they produce is full of a unique jubilance.
“These venues are like families to the people who work there and play there, and the patrons that come there become like family,” Karayan explained to Rolling Stone. “You see the happiness when their favorite band plays. You see that ‘aha moment’…You cannot stream that, you cannot go to the Staples Center for that. I’m not saying you can’t have a good time at Staples, however that moment that you feel, that camaraderie you feel, you cannot experience anywhere else like a small venue.” The feeling is mutual for the artists who play these stages as well. Markie Medina, lead singer for Orange County-based rock band Stormhouse, has played a number of the venues on NIVA’s list, including The Continental Room in Fullerton and Alex’s Bar in Long
Beach. Since a young age, live shows have been a major part of Medina’s upbringing. Today they provide not only a networking outlet, but more importantly a means to connect with fans and fellow music-enthusiasts. To Medina and her bandmates, these stages are a home away from home. “These venues have given us a platform. There is nothing more beautiful than sharing a piece of your art, giving the best performance possible, and being able to communicate with people through music,” she said. “These venues and the music that comes out of them gives us purpose and makes us feel connected to each other. That’s a bond that nobody can take away from us.” In similar fashion, Brayan Altamirano, bassist la cima: Global Perspective | 29
N O W S AV E T H E S T A G E for San Gabriel Valley-based rock band Los Munchies, expressed almost identical feelings. Growing up, Altamirano found his niche in music. The art created a force within him to stay motivated. “[Music] speaks to the soul. It shaped my life,” he said.
With Los Munchies, Altamirano hopes to help others the way music has helped him. Playing live shows is vital in establishing a connection. “[Independent venues] give opportunities to local bands to get their music out to new people and a place to jam out that won’t get shut
down by cops,” he said. “It’s also a place where bands create memories with their fans by continuing to offer a close experience… No one wants to see a band more than 40 feet away.” America’s independent venues are slates worth keeping full. Now’s the time to save the stage.