"The best thing is the struggle but the second best thing is the people who you struggle with." -Stewart Acuff

As Asian Pacific Heritage Month comes to a close and as we begin to celebrate LGBT pride in June, I am reminded of the importance of my identity as a gay Asian American/queer Pilipino. My story is only an example of the struggles of our broader community. However, I share it, with hopes of shedding light and speaking to some of your own personal stories.

The Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA) is proud to convene the First National Asian Pacific American Workers' Rights Hearing and the first event focused on Asian Pacific American workers co-hosted by the new leadership of the AFL-CIO.  Hear from Asian Pacific American workers about the challenges they face in exercising their right to organize - including employer abuse, immigrant exploitation, wage theft and union suppression - and strategies

Yesterday, after numerous press events on Capital Hill, I had the opportunity to meet with US Education Secretary Arne Duncan regarding student aid reform and his support of the Student Aid & Fiscal Responsibility Act (SAFRA), H.R. 3221 which will be voted on by the US House of Representatives Thursday.