May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, a time to honor the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of the AANHP community. AANHPI folks have been a crucial part of the fabric of the United States from its beginning, from Indigenous people to immigrants seeking a new life to bold innovators and brave leaders.
This celebration is a powerful opportunity to reflect on the rich tapestry of experiences that make up this community, including the often underrepresented voices of LGBTQ+ AANHPI individuals. Fenway Health is proud to celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month and honor our staff, patients, and community members of AANHPI descent.
A Legacy of Resilience and Innovation
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month began in 1978 as a weeklong celebration before being extended to a full month in 1992. The month of May was originally chosen because the first documented Japanese immigrant to America arrived in May of 1843 and two decades later, the golden spike was driven into the first transcontinental railroad, which was completed largely by using the exploited labor of Chinese immigrant railroad workers. In 1893, a coup against the Queen of the Hawaiian Kingdom led by five Americans, one Scotsman, and one German led to the annexation of the those islands by the United States.
It is essential that we recognize the systematic racism faced by AANHPI communities, both in the past and in the present, and commit every day to fight against that bigotry.
LGBTQ+ AANHPI Trailblazers
From those roots to the political activism of figures like Yuri Kochiyama and Grace Lee Boggs, AANHPI history is a story of resilience, innovation, and progress. Yet, within this history, the contributions of LGBTQ+ AANHPI individuals have often been overlooked, despite their pivotal roles in shaping art, activism, and culture.
LGBTQ+ AANHPI people often navigate multiple layers of identity, balancing cultural expectations with the pursuit of authenticity. This intersection can create unique challenges but also powerful opportunities for connection and self-discovery. For example, artists like Martin Wong and Dr. Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio and poets and storytellers like Ocean Vuong and Kevin Lionga Aipopo use their craft to explore the intersections of queerness, race, and heritage, offering a voice to those who have long been marginalized.
Pauline Park is a Korean American transgender activist whose work has transformed policies and attitudes around gender identity. Similarly, the groundbreaking filmmaker Alice Wu, known for Saving Face and The Half of It, has pushed boundaries in queer Asian representation on screen, creating nuanced narratives that resonate deeply with those navigating the intersections of identity.
Or consider the impact of Chella Man, a deaf, transgender, and Jewish Chinese American artist and advocate, who uses his platform to explore the complexities of intersectional identity and redefine what it means to be visible in mainstream media. These trailblazers remind us that the AANHPI experience is far from monolithic — it’s a kaleidoscope of stories that defy easy categorization.
Moving Forward with Pride and Purpose
As we celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month, let’s commit to uplifting and amplifying these often unheard voices. Whether through supporting queer AANHPI creators, engaging in advocacy, or simply educating ourselves about the challenges and triumphs of this community, every action counts.
In a world where our identities are continually questioned and challenged, embracing the full spectrum of our communities is both a radical and necessary act. This month, let’s honor the past, celebrate the present, and work toward a future where every AANHPI voice can thrive authentically and unapologetically.
Resources and Ways to Support:
- Volunteer or donate to organizations like supporting the queer AANHPI community, like National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance or the Asian Pride Project
- Support LGBTQ+ AANHPI artists and creators
- Share stories that highlight the diversity within the AANHPI community
Together, let’s continue to push for a world where all AANHPI voices — in all their beautiful diversity — are heard and valued.