APAP Calendar

LGBT/Pride Week

June is LGBT pride month. We have a variety of queer AAPI's, friends, families and allies posting about their experiences. Thanks to Be DeGuzman, one of APAP's 2009 Unsung Heroes, for coordinating this special week of posts.

To help with our upcoming hate crimes/Vincent Chin week (June 21) or Pacific Islander week (Aug), please let us know. If you have a topic you or your agency would like to coordinate, email us.

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Items tagged: japanese american

A Parent’s Perspective: Give Back Our Daughter’s Right to Marry

Fri, 06/04/2010 - 12:27
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By Harold and Ellen Kameya

Twenty-two years ago, our then 20-year old daughter Valerie told us she was gay. As Sansei from Hawaii, raised in a socially conservative Japanese American culture, Valerie’s announcement devastated us. At that time, we were woefully ignorant on issues of sexual orientation, including that being gay is not a choice. As part of that ignorance, we were saddened that we would never see our daughter get married or have a family.


  • karinwang's blog
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My Japanese American Identity

Wed, 03/17/2010 - 11:38

I get asked time and again if I speak Japanese. I suppose it is a natural question from those that see my full Asian face, and think “she must speak her native tongue”. But, to answer the question, I don’t speak Japanese. My parents don’t speak it. Oh, and to add to the shock and awe, my grandparents don’t speak it, either. This surprises everyone, sometimes even my Asian American acquaintances.

I am fifth generation Japanese American.


  • Carly H.'s blog
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Kendee Yamaguchi to lead commission on Asian Pacific Americans

Tue, 10/27/2009 - 20:09

Here's some cool news out of Washington state. Long-time community leader Kendee Yamaguchi has been named the executive director of the Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs. Here is the official press release:


  • curtis's blog
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Colleen Hanabusa set to run for Congress

Wed, 09/16/2009 - 09:15

Here's some exciting news out of Hawaii. Democrat Colleen Hanabusa, the state Senate president, is expected to soon announce her candidacy for the First Congressional District in Hawaii. That's the seat being vacated by current Representative Neil Abercrombie who is stepping down to run for Governor.


  • curtis's blog
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Alaska Hearts Dan Inouye

Mon, 09/14/2009 - 08:02

When it comes to Washington, the Congressional delegations of Hawaii and Alaska have always been close. Perhaps it has something to do with the two of them being the new kids on the block. For instance, when former Senator Ted Stevens was taking heat for his Bridge to Nowhere up in Alaska, it was Senator Dan Inouye who came to his support. Now it seems the state is returning the favor.


Warren Furutani elected Chair of API Legislative Caucus

Tue, 09/01/2009 - 18:30

Starting Sept. 11, California Assemblymember Warren Furutani takes over as the new Chair of the Asian Pacific Islander (API) Legislative Caucus in Sacremento. Founded just nine years ago, it's the second largest ethnic Caucus in the California legislature. From an email Warren just sent us:


  • curtis's blog
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Lloyd Hara running for King County Assessor

Fri, 08/28/2009 - 11:05

In Seattle, former City Treasurer Lloyd Hara has filed for the vacant King County Assessor post. From his press release, Hara, who is a moderate Democrat, stressed the need for new leadership:

“I pride myself on being a watchdog, not a lapdog,” said Hara.  “For nearly 20 years, the same folks have run the Assessor’s office.  It is time for a change and some proven leadership.”


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Dear Pixar, Thanks for an Asian American hero!

Mon, 06/15/2009 - 23:00
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(picture credit: Michael Tran, FilmMagic)

As a long time feminist, I was totally feelin' Linda Holmes' plea to Pixar for a female heroine that wasn't a princess, entitled Dear Pixar, From all the Girls with Band-Aids on their Knees.  True that it would be really great for girls to be able to go to a Pixar or Disney flick and relate to the main character as a girl.


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