Queers Asians took over the Asian American Arts Alliance for a remarkable evening. Some organizers were only thinking that 20 people would show up, but 115 people came out to hear from queer immigrants, the Pennsylvania Immigrant and Citizen Coalition, and Philadelphia Queer Asians. Philadelphia Gay News ran a photo of the event.
Chicago, IL I2I, Trikone–Chicago and Akabaka productions put on a great discussion in Congressman Luis Gutierrez’s (D-IL) backyard. It was a perfect backdrop to discuss the bill he introduced on immigration reform. The Windy City Times covered the event, and organizers announced two buses of LGBT “Rainbow Riders” headed to the national March for America in Washington, DC.
Atlanta, GA The Georgia Voice LGBT newspaper ran a story previewing the Atlanta LGBT Immigration Forum, the Phillip Rush Center was filled to capacity as leading voices in Atlanta’s Asian American and Latino communities spoke about both national politics on reform, as well as current local and state initiatives.
Recognizing NQAPIA’s work, The White House invited NQAPIA and several national LGBT organizations for an LGBT Immigration Meeting on March 19. They met with key policy and outreach staff, including White House Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Cecilia Munoz and Office of Public Engagement Director Tina Tchen. NQAPIA began the discussion around family immigration and the need to ensure family immigration fixes. For Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in May, NQAPIA held a national press conference to raise the voices of AAPI LGBT undocumented immigrants as part of its recognition of AAPI Heritage Month. Coverage of the event was featured on www.365gay.com
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The packed house listened to narratives from undocumented immigrants and a panel of experts, including: NYC Councilman Daniel Dromm (D-Queens), the openly gay Chair of the City Council’s Immigration Committee; Miriam Yeung of NAPAWF and Trishala Deb from Arcus. The Forum was recorded and uploaded in its entirety by the program OutFM, and was also covered by media outlets such as the WBAI Asia Pacific Forum, Sing Tao and Asian Journal.
Additional forums are planned for cities such as: Washington, DC; Houston; Minneapolis; Seattle; Portland; and Honolulu.
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Philadelphia, PA
We need a path to citizenship for all immigrants including those who are LGBT
New York, NY
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N QAPIA N ews summer 2010
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