This Gum Saan Journal of the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California is focused on the life experiences of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, trans, questioning and others because LGBTQIA+ are part of our Chinese American family – historically and now. 685,000 adults self-identify as queer and Asian Pacific American.[1]
Of concern, according to The Trevor Project, about 1.8 million – or 45% of LGBTQ youth between 13 and 24 – seriously consider suicide each year. The suicide attempt rate amongst Asian American LGBTQ youth is at 12%.[2]
We are learning concepts like allyship, identity sphere, gender expression, biological sex, and sexual orientation. The glossary entitled “LGBTQ Terminology” from State University of New York at Geneseo may be helpful (https://www.geneseo.edu/lgbtq/glossary-terms).
Here is a partial list of other valued resources:
- API Equality–LA (Asian and Pacific Islanders for LGBTQ Equality) https://www.apiequalityla.org/
- API PFLAG (Asian Pacific Islanders of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) https://pflag.org/asianpacificislander
- GSA Network (Genders and Sexualities Alliance) https://gsanetwork.org/
- Asian American Psychological Association’s “AAPI LGBTQ Resources” https://aapaonline.org/resources/lgbtq-aapi-resources/
- UCLA School of Law Williams Institute’s “AAPI LGBT Adults in the U.S.”, 2021 Report https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/lgbt-aapi-adults-in-the-us/
The Chinese Historical Society of Southern California is truly grateful that our friends: Doreena, Young, Matt, Karen, Danielle, Curtis, Russell, and Jih-Fei, generously and honestly shared their individual experiences. But our guest editor, Eric Wat, deserves special appreciation for his guidance and support on this project.
Also in this issue, Calvin’s submission is a loving tribute to his father, Bing Get Yee, a pioneer insurance broker and a Charter Member of our CHSSC. This is Calvin’s gift to Bing’s grandchildren and great-grandson.
Dr. Benjamin Chang (1976-2022) served as our GSJ editorial conscience for many years – and we really are better for it. Heartfelt thanks, Benji.
[1] Soon Kyu Choi et. al. “AAPI LGBT Adults in the U.S.,” May 2021, UCLA School of Law Williams Institute. https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/lgbt-aapi-adults-in-the-us/
[2] Source: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/explore/. Accessed July 2022.