The National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA)

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Thriving Together: Queer APIs Building Community, Solidarity, & Movement

A National Conference of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Asian Americans, South Asians, Southeast Asians, and Pacific Islanders to network, organize, agitate, educate, and build capacity of the nation’s LGBTQ AAPI community.

August 6 - 9, 2015

Chicago, IL

Hosted by Invisible to Invincible: Asian Pacific Islander Pride of Chicago (i2i)and Trikone Chicago

Inside Front Cover

Thank You!

Conference Sponsors

Diamond

Alphawood Foundation

Gold

Ford Foundation

Jade

The Lloyd A. Fry Foundation

Toyota Financial Services

Lotus

Discover Card

HealthLink at CenterLink

TransJustice Funding Project

Jasmine

Advocates for Youth

Human Rights Campaign (HRC)

Ignatius Bau

Lambda Legal

Liberty Hill Foundation

National LGBTQ Task Force

RockIt Ranch Productions

Supporters

A&PI Wellness Center

Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (national)

Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy Chicago Chapter

George Cheung

Ken Ohashi

Our Tomorrow

PepsiCo

Seattle Pride Foundation

NQAPIA Supporters

Anonymous

Arcus Foundation

David Bohnett Foundation

Four Freedoms Fund/ Public Interest Projects

Walter and Evelyn Haas, Jr. Fund

Conference Planning Committee

ChristinaAdams

EArmea

Sungsub BillyChoo

Elise Griffin

RamonaGupta

I LiHsiao

Sam Hsieh

AjayJain

SravanKannan

RandyKim

AnuragLahiri

KevinLam

GlennMagpantay

ArnabMajumdar

JoyMessinger

JayNair

Kim Nguyen

Zhen Ou

Jae JinPak

ViRay-Mazumder

SalSalam

MelisaStephen

LakshmiSundaresan

RonSy

KristinaTendilla

JennieThai

LizThomson

RoTruong

JJUeunten

Ryan Viloria

DanWhittaker

JJWilliams

Lyk LeYoeun

Graphic Designer: TransTechSocial

Photographer: Corky Lee and ADD NAME

The National Queer Asian Pacific IslanderAlliance (NQAPIA) is a federation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ) Asian American, South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Pacific Islander (AAPI)organizations. We seek to build the organizational capacity of local LGBTQ AAPIgroups, develop leadership, promote visibility, educate our community, enhance grassroots organizing, expand collaborations, and challenge homophobia, transphobia, and racism.

Welcome Letter

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August 6-9, 2015

Welcome!

It’s a pleasure to have you all join us in Chicago for the National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA) National Conference. We’re in an especially great mood, collectively.

As co-hosts of this year’s conference, we have had the pleasure of organizing a packed program that celebrates, supports, and affirms many different aspects of the LGBTQ APIA experience. The NQAPIA National Conference provides a forum to highlight the intersecting identities within our growing communities, a mission each of our organizations constantly strives to uphold.

Created in 2005, Invisible to Invincible: Asian Pacific Islander Pride of Chicago (i2i) serves as a vital group dedicated to celebrating and affirming Asian and Pacific Islander Americans who identify as LGBTQ in the Chicagoland area. Strongly advocating for a variety of different social justice issues, i2i has also created a unique space for adoptees and multiracial/multiethnic individuals.

In 2008, Trikone Chicago began as a South Asian LGBTQ organization that continues to support the friends, family, and allies of its members. Trikone has made special contributions in the performing arts, as many of its founding members use artistic performance as a form of cultural commentary and critique. Together, i2i and Trikone Chicago are engaging in conversations and actions centered on inclusivity and positive change.

Our communities have already experienced many challenges this year, both in the U.S. and abroad. Earthquakes in Nepal claimed the lives of an estimated 8,583 individuals and affected thousands more. We have continued to witness acts of state violence against Black Americans, and our communities have marched in solidarity as part of #Asians4BlackLives. Here in Chicago, the future of many programs providing direct services to Asian and Pacific Islander communities is unclear, as a result of the recent state gubernatorial budget cuts. Through these difficulties, we continue to support one another, resist and speak out against injustice, and demonstrate solidarity within and outside of our communities.

We hope to press a progressive agenda that will bring all LGBTQ racial and ethnic minority groups into the full fold of society, the LGBTQ movement, and the API community.

We are honored to share this experience with you all and extend a special thank you to all of the volunteers, presenters, sponsors, and coordinating committee members in making this event a reality. We look forward to sharing a great conference with all of you.

Sincerely,

i2i and Trikone Chicago

About the Hosts

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About NQAPIA

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About i2i

Invisible to Invincible: Asian Pacific Islander Pride of Chicago (i2i) is a community-based organization that celebrates and affirms Asians & Pacific Islanders who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, and Queer in the Chicago area. i2i is a member organization of the National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance.

i2i was founded in 2005 as a multi-gender, multi-ethnic group where people of all sexual orientations and gender identities would be welcome. We strive to be a safe and inclusive space for adoptees and multiracial/multiethnic individuals.

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About Trikone Chicago

Trikone Chicago is an organization for queer South Asians and their family, friends, allies, and community. The broadly defined term "queer" is inclusive of (but not limited to) those individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual, transgender, queer, hijra, kothi, meti, MSM, WSW, and questioning. By "South Asian" we refer to those who trace their ethnic and cultural heritage to the areas currently known as Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, and the Maldives.

Trikone Chicago strives to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment, where LGBTQ South Asians can meet, make connections and proudly promote awareness and acceptance of their sexuality in society. Trikone Chicago works towards the following goals: bring people of South Asian heritage together; promote awareness, visibility and cultural and legal acceptance of people with alternative sexual orientations and gender identities; help people proudly affirm both their South Asian identity and their sexual orientation.

Conference Schedule at a Glance

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6

9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. – Pre-Conference Strategy Meetings

●Queer South Asian National Network (QSANN)

●Southeast Asian Freedom Network (SEAFN)

●Parents of LGBTQ AAPIs

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. – Pre-Conference Strategy Meetings

●Network for Religion and Justice (NRJ)

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – Welcoming Reception

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7

9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – Breakfast Plenary – Racial Justice

10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Session 1: Workshops

12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Lunch on your own

1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Session 2: Workshops

2:50 p.m. to 4:05 p.m. – Session 3: Workshops

4:25 p.m. to 5:40 p.m. – Session 4: Caucuses

7:00 p.m. to 12 a.m. - Community Catalyst Awards Banquet Dinner Dance

Off-site at Cai Restaurant in Chinatown, 2100 South Archer Avenue, Chicago, IL

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8

9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – Breakfast Plenary – Trans Justice

10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Session 5: Workshops

12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Lunch on your own

1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Session 6: Workshops

2:50 p.m. to 4:05 p.m. – Session 7: Workshops

4:25 p.m. to 5:40 p.m. – Session 8: Caucuses

6:00 p.m. – Dinner on your own / NQAPIA Coalition Membership Meeting

8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. – Arts and Cultural Community Performance

Off-site at UIC Latino Cultural Center, 803 South Morgan Street, Chicago, IL

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9

9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. – Session 9: Workshops and Caucuses

10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Brunch Plenary - Building a Queer Asian Movement

12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Session 10: Regional Caucuses

1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. – Closing Plenary: Report Backs, Next Steps, Evaluation, Thank Yous

Registration open all day Thursday, Friday, and Saturday morning

Exhibitors all day Friday, Saturday, and Sunday morning

Special Conference Statements

Caucuses

NQAPIA sees caucuses as a space where individuals can connect and build community with one another around self-identified ethnic, regional, and affinity based identities, experiences, and issues. An open call for caucus proposals went out, along with a call for session and performer proposals, through the planning process of this conference. The caucuses listed in the program reflect the proposals that came in, as well as those that were well attended in the previous conference. We acknowledge that in many cases, identities and experiences cannot be categorized or grouped together with all of their complexities. With that, we also recognize the extremely limited coverage that these listed caucuses have. We invite all participants to utilize the communications board, located at the conference site, as a space to call for caucuses they would like to be a part of that have not been represented.

Language

In order to maintain this open and welcoming environment, we encourage“safer space” rules: no racist, sexist, ableist, ageist, homophobic, or other anti-group language is allowed at the NQAPIA conference. The comfort and safety of attendees and presenters comes first and foremost.

Disability Justice

We affirm that our approach to disability is informed by the social model and minority model. This means that we see the environment and social structures as the barriers to people with disabilities. Thus, it is the responsibility for the environment/social to change, not the person with the disability. Additionally, we see people with disabilities as a minority group. When we use the term disability; this encompasses those with physical, mental, learning, and cognitive disabilities. Lastly, we all have multiple and intersecting identities and having a disability is one of those identities.

Some ways to be inclusive of those with disabilities:

●For presenters, use the accessible and Universal Design presentation guidelines we have offered;

●For conference participants, please acknowledge your privilege;

●Use "people first" language (“people with disabilities” or “person with a disability”) ;

●Know the word “disability” is not a bad or negative word; it is preferred to be used versus “ability;”

●Understand there is a disability identity, disability community, and disability culture;

●Understand some people who are d/Deaf do not identify as having a disability;

●Do not make assumptions; often, people have “invisible” disabilities;

●Is larger plenary rooms, a scent-free space will be designated; and

●Support people’s own self-care as they participate in the conference.

If you have any issues, complaints, or concerns around disability and/or accommodations, please contact any NQAPIA staff member or Planning Committee Member.

Transgender/Gender Non-Conforming Etiquette and Inclusion

Adapted from the National LGBTQ Task Force Creating Change Conference

To ensure that transgender and gender non-conforming (transgender, transsexual, gender non-conforming, genderqueer and more) members of our community and movement feel included by all who attend this conference, and to work against harmful systems that validate non-trans bodies over trans bodies, please read and act upon the following:

Pay attention to a person’s purposeful gender expression but remember that your interpretation of that person’s external appearance may not match their gender identity. You cannot know the gender or sex of someone by their physical body, voice, or mannerisms. We consider it polite to ask, “What pronoun do you prefer?” before using pronouns or gendered words for anyone. When you are unsure of a person’s gender identity and you don’t have an opportunity to ask someone what words they prefer, try using that person’s name or gender-neutral phrases like “the person in the red shirt,” instead of “that woman or man.” If you have met a person before, and their gender expression is now different, be open to the fact that they may now be identifying as a different gender and feel good about asking for their preferred gender pronouns.

One way of acknowledging transgender people’s needs is to designate restrooms gender neutral, which we have done here at this NQAPIA conference with educational signs. In bathrooms, many transgender people face harassment that can lead to anything from deep discomfort to arrest or death. Regardless of what bathroom you are in, please let everyone pee in peace. Each of us can decide for ourselves in which bathroom we belong.

Please listen to transgender people’s needs and stories when they are volunteered, yet please respect people’s privacy and boundaries. Do not ask questions that you wouldn’t ask of anyone else. Do not make assumptions about other people’s gender identity or expression. Do respect and call people what they ask you to call them.

If you make a mistake about someone’s pronouns, simply make a correction, and move on. Do not justify the misstep, over-apologize, or beat yourself up.

For non-trans conference participants, please educate yourself through books, web sites, and transgender-related workshops. Then, please join the many allies who are working to respond appropriately to transphobic situations. Respectful allies, who learn from and with transgender people and then educate others, are important for successful transgender liberation.

Thank you for your help, and have a great conference!

Quiet Space / Decompression Room - Room 15 in the Student Residence/ Commons

We know that that’s a lot going on and conferences can be intense. For anyone who needs some quite time, please go to Room 15 in the Student Residence/ Commons. For everyone else, please respect this special space.

Child Care Room - Rathskellar in the Student Residence/ Commons

NQAPIA strives to make the conference as accessible to everyone as much as possible, including parents who children. Free child care services are provided during the day on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Child care and children's play space will be in the Rathskellar in the Student Residence/ Commons.

EXHIBITORS

Please visit our exhibitors all day Friday, Saturday, and Sunday morning

U.S. Census Bureau

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service

U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

National LGBTQ Task Force

Dari Project

Chamchi Chamcha Design

Asian Pride Project

Moving Truth(s): Queer and Transgender Desi Writings on Family

Financial Literacy for Youth (FLY)

DeQH, the Desi lgbtQ Helpline

And others

Welcoming Reception

Thursday, August 6 at 6:30 p.m.

SCE East Terrace

Opening Oli by Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, a Kanaka maoli teacher and cultural practitioner

Emcee Kit Yan

Greetings by Bex Ahuja, NQAPIA Board Chair; Joy Messinger, i2i; and Jay Nair, Trikone Chicago

Special Video Presentation: NQAPIA conference 2009

Welcoming Remarks by Geneva Musgrave, Lambda Legal

Comedy by Fawzia Mirza, actor, comedian, playwright, from NBC’s Chicago Fire

Closing and Weekend Review of logistics by Ryan Viloria, NQAPIA Conference Coordinator

Reception generously sponsored by Lambda Legal

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Afterwards, continue the partying at the Kit Kat Club, 3700 North Halsted St, Chicago. Discounted food and drinks for all conference attendees. See ad.

Breakfast Plenary

Friday, August 7 at 9:00 a.m.

Illinois A & B

Introductory Remarks

Glenn D. Magpantay, NQAPIA Executive Director

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Racial Justice Panel

This plenary will explore the positionality of Asian Americans, South Asians, Southeast Asians, and Pacific Islanders as people of color, uncover the truth and myth of being a model minority, address anti-Black racism amongst AAPI communities, and discuss how we can all support #BlackLivesMatter.

Panelists:

Soya Jung, Model Minority Mutiny, Seattle, WA

Sasha W., NQAPIA Organizing Director, Founding Member, Queer South Asian National Network, Madison, WI

Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Kanaka maoli teacher and cultural practitioner, Honolulu, HI

Joo-Hyun, Director Communities United for Police Reform, New York, NY

Moderator

Mathilda de Dios, The Free Write Jail Arts & Literacy Program, Chicago, IL

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Evening Social Events – Off Site

Community Catalyst Awards Banquet Dinner and Dance

Friday, August 7 at 7:00 p.m.

Cai Restaurant in Chinatown

2100 South Archer Avenue, Chicago, IL 60616

Every year, NQAPIA honors groups and leaders who have improved the lives of LGBTQ AAPIs. Join us for cocktails, a ten (10) course banquet dinner, and dancing afterwards. All proceeds benefit i2i, Trikone Chicago, and NQAPIA.

Celebrity Emcee

Maulik Pancholy from NBC's 30 Rock

Awardees:

Marsha and Tad Aizumi, proud parents of a transgender son, Los Angeles, CA

Freedom Inc., working to end violence against people of color, Madison, WI

I Li Hsiao, longtime activist and trailblazer for LGBTQ & AAPI gender & sexual liberation, Chicago, IL

Liz Thomson, educator, organizer, and photographer at the intersections of race, gender, disability, adoption, and sexuality, Chicago, IL

Special Remarks

Phillip Ozaki, Board Member, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, New York, NY

Music by

DJ Voxbox

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Arts and Cultural Community Performance

Saturday, August 8 at 8:00 p.m.

UIC Latino Cultural Center

803 South Morgan Street, Chicago, IL

Join us for an evening of laughter, music, cultural dance, spoken word, and song to celebrate our cultures and to recharge.

Performers to be announced.

Breakfast Plenary

Saturday, August 8 at 9:00 a.m.

Illinois A & B

Video Presentation of AAPI Parents Who Love their LGBTQ Kids
Elena Chang, Co-Director, Asian Pride Project, New York, NY

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