JIAJIA FEI

GM: How do you think society should steer conversations about diversity and safety beyond the #StopAsianHate Movement?

JF: The #StopAsianHate movement was a specific moment in time where it seemed like nearly all Asian Americans united around their identity in solidarity. Unfortunately, this unity was reactive and incited by violence. This is not unlike the history of how the term “Asian American” came to be. “Asian American” was coined by activists Yuji Ichioka and Emma Gee in 1968 as a social and political identity to inspire activism in response to anti-Asian discrimination, and as a rejection of the derogatory term “Oriental.” As an Asian American, it’s a shame that conversations around identity are often born from hate. Instead, we need to celebrate everyday moments that center expansive joy and care, stand in solidarity with other BIPOC communities, and show the multitudes of AAPI identity. This was precisely the goal of our AAPI Solidarity campaign at For Freedoms, an organization I’ve worked with for the past several years. To imagine diversity and safety, we need to be visionary not reactionary.

GM: What are you currently working on?

JF: I’m currently working on a new digital brand identity and launch for a forthcoming book focusing on women artists, advising a few organizations on their websites, managing way too many social media accounts, and continuing to work with my clients to tell their stories online.