API Equality-LA http://apiequalityla.org Asians and Pacific Islanders for LGBT Equality Wed, 15 Feb 2012 01:21:38 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Activist of the Month: Manny Cabacungan http://apiequalityla.org/blog/2012/02/14/activist-of-the-month-manny-cabacungan/ http://apiequalityla.org/blog/2012/02/14/activist-of-the-month-manny-cabacungan/#comments Wed, 15 Feb 2012 01:21:38 +0000 apieadmin http://apiequalityla.org/?p=2588 More...]]> A majority of API Equality-LA’s work is done through each of our all-volunteer committees. API Equality-LA wouldn’t be the leading API LGBT organization that it is today without the contributions of all of our volunteer activists. Most of that work happens without any reward. To recognize stellar volunteer activists, the media & website committee selects a monthly Activist of the Month. We feature them on our website by asking them to answer a few questions, some serious and some fun. Get to know some of the incredible people that devote their time and effort to advancing API Equality-LA’s mission.

We’re proud to present Manny Cabacungan as our February 2012 Activist of the Month!

What committee are you involved with in API Equality?
I am a member of API Equality’s Faith Committee.  I focus on outreach to the Christian faith communities and Filipino Roman Catholic communities.
 
How and when did you get involved? 
I attended my first API Equality Faith Committee meeting in January 2009 with my roommate, the person who initially introduced me to API Equality.  Coincidentally, I happened to know the Chair of the Faith Committee at the time, Pastor Jonipher Kwan.  We met in Hawaii.  He is my first LGBT+ affirming pastor.  My interest in working on the Faith Committee was heightened by the passage of Prop 8.
 
Why is it important to continue this fight for marriage equality?
In my opinion, the fight for marriage equality must continue until it is won because it is a basic human right. 
 
What is one sound that characterizes you? 
I am a huge Star Trek fan.  It may seem like the stereotypical trekkie’s answer to this question, but the theme song for Star Trek The Next Generation television series is the sound that I think characterizes me.  By the way, I was thrilled to meet George Takei in person through my friends at API Equality.
 
Where are you right now?
Right now, I am heartened by the brave judges in the 9th Circuit – their recent confirmation stating Proposition 8 is unconstitutional brings our community one step closer to the day on which we will finally have full marriage equality.
 
What is one thing about you that surprises people? 
Because of my generally quiet and non-confrontational demeanor, people are often surprised to learn of the extent of my passion and activism for the cause of marriage equality.  It is my nature to avoid arguments and steer clear of controversy, but when the issue of marriage equality is raised, I am eager and determined to challenge misinformation, bigotry and deception directly and with absolute clarity.
 
Hometown? 
My hometown is Waipahu, Hawaii.  I was actually born in Sinait, Ilocos Sur, the Philippines. My family moved to Hawaii when I was only a year old, but as the youngest of four children, I grew up in a household that was as proud of its Filipino roots as it was to establish itself with the American dream.
 
Occupation? 
I am an Interactive Developer for an international direct marketing advertising agency with an office in El Segundo.
 
Heritage?
My heritage is Filipino, and my family speaks Ilocano.
 
Facebook or Twitter?
I am an avid user of Facebook.
]]> http://apiequalityla.org/blog/2012/02/14/activist-of-the-month-manny-cabacungan/feed/ 0 Fundraising Committee Meeting http://apiequalityla.org/blog/2012/02/13/2540/ http://apiequalityla.org/blog/2012/02/13/2540/#comments Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:00:54 +0000 apieadmin http://apiequalityla.org/?p=2540 More...]]> The Fundraising Committee meeting is on Monday, February 13, 2012, 2012 at 6:30 PM.  Led by co-chairs Yvonne Teruya and Steven Truong, this committee organizes fundraising events (e.g., house parties, Bingo nights, restaurant mixers, etc).

The meeting is taking place at the APALC Non-Profit Center, located at 1137 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90017.  There is rooftop parking available (at the Asian Pacific American Legal Center, located at 1145 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90017) as well as street parking. If you’re entering the building from the rooftop parking, please go through the entrance OPPOSITE of the awning.  As a light dinner will be served, PLEASE RSVP.

Where:
APALC Non-Profit Center
1137 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90017 [Map]
[Note: New Location!]

When:
6:30 PM on Monday, February 13, 2012

RSVPS/Questions:
Brian Nguyen | 213-580-1800 | brian@apiequalityla.org

]]> http://apiequalityla.org/blog/2012/02/13/2540/feed/ 0 Public Education Committee Meeting http://apiequalityla.org/blog/2012/02/09/public-education-committee-meeting-11/ http://apiequalityla.org/blog/2012/02/09/public-education-committee-meeting-11/#comments Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:00:42 +0000 apieadmin http://apiequalityla.org/?p=2545 More...]]> The Public Education Committee meeting is on Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 7:00 PM.  Led by co-chairs Tran Le and Lori Lopez, this committee conducts speaker trainings (sometimes in multiple languages) to enable our volunteers to address the media, API organizations, conferences, classes, and churches. The committee also plans educational events to empower our supporters with information to build support for LGBT issues among their friends, families, and constituents.

The meeting is taking place at the APALC Non-Profit Center, located at 1137 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90017.  There is rooftop parking available (at the Asian Pacific American Legal Center, located at 1145 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90017) as well as street parking. If you’re entering the building from the rooftop parking, please go through the entrance OPPOSITE of the awning.  As a light dinner will be served, PLEASE RSVP.

Where:
APALC Non-Profit Center
1137 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90017 [Map]
[Note: New Location!]

When:
7:00 PM on Thursday, February 9, 2012

RSVPS/Questions:
Brian Nguyen | 213-580-1800 | brian@apiequalityla.org

]]> http://apiequalityla.org/blog/2012/02/09/public-education-committee-meeting-11/feed/ 0 Hooray–Prop 8, Go Away! http://apiequalityla.org/blog/2012/02/09/2559/ http://apiequalityla.org/blog/2012/02/09/2559/#comments Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:45:24 +0000 author http://apiequalityla.org/?p=2559  

API Equality-LA’s Noel Alumit joined the downtown press conference celebrating the court decision on Prop 8. The evening included speeches by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, actor Rob Reiner and Oscar winning writer Dustin Lance Black. Read more here.

]]> http://apiequalityla.org/blog/2012/02/09/2559/feed/ 0 Media and Website Committee Meeting http://apiequalityla.org/blog/2012/02/07/media-website-committee-meeting-11/ http://apiequalityla.org/blog/2012/02/07/media-website-committee-meeting-11/#comments Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:10 +0000 apieadmin http://apiequalityla.org/?p=2525 More...]]> The Media and Website Committee meeting is on Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 7 PM.  Led by Co-Chairs Noel Alumit and Alan Chan, this committee develops relationships with Asian journalists, places articles in ethnic media, and produces content for our website, Facebook, and Twitter pages.

The meeting is taking place at the APALC Non-Profit Center, located at 1137 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90017.  There is rooftop parking available (at the Asian Pacific American Legal Center, located at 1145 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90017) as well as street parking. If you’re entering the building from the rooftop parking, please go through the entrance OPPOSITE of the awning.  A very rough map is included.  As a light dinner will be served, PLEASE RSVP.

Where:
APALC Non-Profit Center
1137 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90017 [Map]
[Note: New Location!]

When:
7 PM on Tuesday, February 7, 2012

RSVPS/Questions:
Brian Nguyen | (213) 580-1800 | brian@apiequalityla.org

]]> http://apiequalityla.org/blog/2012/02/07/media-website-committee-meeting-11/feed/ 0 API Equality-LA Celebrates Federal Court Ruling against Proposition 8 http://apiequalityla.org/blog/2012/02/07/api-equality-la-celebrates-federal-court-ruling-against-proposition-8-2/ http://apiequalityla.org/blog/2012/02/07/api-equality-la-celebrates-federal-court-ruling-against-proposition-8-2/#comments Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:55:58 +0000 author http://apiequalityla.org/?p=2557 More...]]> Los Angeles – API Equality-LA applauds today’s Ninth Circuit court decision that Proposition 8 violates the basic constitutional rights of gay and lesbian couples.

As Marshall Wong, co-chair of API Equality-LA’s steering committee, states, “Proposition 8 harms loving gay and lesbian couples and their families, while helping no one. Today’s decision affirms the mainstream Asian American community’s support for marriage equality. In fact, many Asian American elected officials are strong supporters of marriage equality, including Congresswoman Judy Chu, Assemblymember Mike Eng, State Senator Ted Lieu, State Senator Carol Liu, School Board Member Jay Chen, and many others.”

Aquilina Soriano-Versoza, a Filipina American mother, says, “As a mother and someone who has been married for nine years, I am excited that gay and lesbian couples will finally enjoy the dignity of marrying someone that they love. Gay and lesbian people are part of our community; we need to embrace and support them.”

Members of the Asian and Pacific Islander faith community also support the decision, as Reverend Dr. Jonipher Kwong, an Asian American minister, explains, “Marriage is about love and commitment. Where love abides, God abides as well. You fall in love with the person and not the gender. We need to treat everyone the same in the eyes of God. I strongly believe that gays and lesbians deserve the same dignity of marrying the one they love.”

API Equality-LA Executive Director, Eileen Ma, also notes, “Although we are encouraged by the court’s decision, we remain committed to the mission of achieving full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. We encourage everyone to visit our website at www.apiequalityla.org and urge that all fair-minded people join us in our efforts to make sure all people can have the dignity of marrying the person that they love.”

Community leaders, such as Karin Wang, member of API Equality-LA’s steering committee and Vice President of Programs and Communications at the Asian Pacific American Legal Center, reminds us that, “as a community that has historically faced abrogation of our civil rights, like anti-miscegenation laws and wartime internment, we believe it is important that all people are treated fairly and have the same protections for their families.”

Today’s decision will affect many members of the API community. According to the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law, there are 66,000 Asian and Pacific Islander people who identify as gay or lesbian in California. The court’s decision upholds the principle of equal protection in the Constitution and affirms that the LGBT community must be protected from discrimination like other protected communities.

]]> http://apiequalityla.org/blog/2012/02/07/api-equality-la-celebrates-federal-court-ruling-against-proposition-8-2/feed/ 0 API Equality-LA Celebrates Federal Court Ruling against Proposition 8 http://apiequalityla.org/blog/2012/02/07/api-equality-la-celebrates-federal-court-ruling-against-proposition-8/ http://apiequalityla.org/blog/2012/02/07/api-equality-la-celebrates-federal-court-ruling-against-proposition-8/#comments Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:19:51 +0000 apieadmin http://apiequalityla.org/?p=2551 More...]]> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 7th, 2012

Contact:
Noel Alumit
noela@apaitonline.org

API Equality-LA Celebrates Federal Court Ruling against Proposition 8

Los Angeles – API Equality-LA applauds today’s Ninth Circuit court decision that Proposition 8 violates the basic constitutional rights of gay and lesbian couples.

As Marshall Wong, co-chair of API Equality-LA’s steering committee, states, “Proposition 8 harms loving gay and lesbian couples and their families, while helping no one. Today’s decision affirms the mainstream Asian American community’s support for marriage equality. In fact, many Asian American elected officials are strong supporters of marriage equality, including Congresswoman Judy Chu, Assemblymember Mike Eng, State Senator Ted Lieu, State Senator Carol Liu, School Board Member Jay Chen, and many others.”

Stella Wang, a Chinese American mother, says, “As a mother of a lesbian daughter and someone who has been married for many years, I am excited that my daughter will finally enjoy the dignity of marrying someone that she loves. Gay and lesbian people are part of our community; we need to embrace and support them.”

Members of the Asian and Pacific Islander faith community also support the decision, as Reverend Dr. Jonipher Kwong, an Asian American minister, explains, “Marriage is about love and commitment. Where love abides, God abides as well. You fall in love with the person and not the gender. We need to treat everyone the same in the eyes of God. I strongly believe that gays and lesbians deserve the same dignity of marrying the one they love.”

API Equality-LA Executive Director, Eileen Ma, also notes, “Although we are encouraged by the court’s decision, we remain committed to the mission of achieving full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. We encourage everyone to visit our website at www.apiequalityla.org and urge that all fair-minded people join us in our efforts to make sure all people can have the dignity of marrying the person that they love.”

Community leaders, such as Karin Wang, member of API Equality-LA’s steering committee and Vice President of Programs and Communications at the Asian Pacific American Legal Center, reminds us that, “as a community that has historically faced abrogation of our civil rights, like anti-miscegenation laws and wartime internment, we believe it is important that all people are treated fairly and have the same protections for their families.”

Today’s decision will affect many members of the API community. According to the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law, there are 66,000 Asian and Pacific Islander people who identify as gay or lesbian in California. The court’s decision upholds the principle of equal protection in the Constitution and affirms that the LGBT community must be protected from discrimination like other protected communities.

###

API Equality-LA is a coalition of organizations and individuals who are committed to working in the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities in Greater Los Angeles for equal marriage rights and fair treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) families through community education and advocacy.

]]> http://apiequalityla.org/blog/2012/02/07/api-equality-la-celebrates-federal-court-ruling-against-proposition-8/feed/ 0 21st Annual San Gabriel Valley Lunar New Year Festival http://apiequalityla.org/blog/2012/02/04/21st-annual-san-gabriel-valley-lunar-new-year-festival/ http://apiequalityla.org/blog/2012/02/04/21st-annual-san-gabriel-valley-lunar-new-year-festival/#comments Sun, 05 Feb 2012 01:06:02 +0000 apieadmin http://apiequalityla.org/?p=2513 More...]]> Lunar New Year celebrations aren’t over yet!

API Equality-LA will be doing outreach in Alhambra for the 21st ANNUAL LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVAL on Saturday, February 4th.  We have three shifts available throughout the day (starting from 10 AM – 5 PM), so sign up for one or more shifts and spend the day changing the hearts and minds of our community members for LGBT equality!   This is your chance to make a difference, meet fellow activists, and have an amazing time!

Are you a Chinese speaker whose LGBT-related vocabulary isn’t exactly stellar?  Have you never volunteered with us before?  No worries!  You will not only receive an awesome API Equality-LA T-Shirt and amazing new friends, but a thorough training at the beginning of your shift as well!

When
Saturday, February 4, 2012

Available shifts
Shift 1: 10 AM – 1 PM
Shift 2: 12 PM – 3 PM
Shift 3: 2 PM – 5 PM

*Trainings will be provided for all volunteers, so don’t worry if you’ve never done this before!

Where
Our booth will be located on Valley Blvd. between Chapel and Sierra Vista in Section B, Booth 18
[Map]

Questions/Volunteer
Brian Nguyen | brian@apiequalityla.org | 213-580-1800

]]> http://apiequalityla.org/blog/2012/02/04/21st-annual-san-gabriel-valley-lunar-new-year-festival/feed/ 0 Outreach and Recruitment Committee Meeting http://apiequalityla.org/blog/2012/02/02/outreach-recruitment-committee-meeting-14/ http://apiequalityla.org/blog/2012/02/02/outreach-recruitment-committee-meeting-14/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 03:00:39 +0000 apieadmin http://apiequalityla.org/?p=2521 More...]]> The Outreach and Recruitment Committee meeting is on Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 7 PM.   Led by Co-Chairs Ericson Herbas and Mimi Saidane, this committee plans our participation in parades as well our presence and outreach at community events, festivals, protests, demonstrations, etc. It is also responsible for reaching out to new community leaders, organizations, and celebrities.

The meeting is taking place at the APALC Non-Profit Center, located at 1137 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90017.  There is rooftop parking available (at the Asian Pacific American Legal Center, located at 1145 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90017) as well as street parking. If you’re entering the building from the rooftop parking, please go through the entrance OPPOSITE of the awning.  A very rough map is included.  As a light dinner will be served, PLEASE RSVP.

Where:
APALC Non-Profit Center
1137 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90017 [Map]
[Note: New Location!]

When:
7 PM on Thursday, February 2, 2012

RSVPS/Questions:
Brian Nguyen | 213-580-1800 | brian@apiequalityla.org

]]> http://apiequalityla.org/blog/2012/02/02/outreach-recruitment-committee-meeting-14/feed/ 0 Annual Lunar New Year Banquet! http://apiequalityla.org/blog/2012/01/28/annual-lunar-new-year-banquet/ http://apiequalityla.org/blog/2012/01/28/annual-lunar-new-year-banquet/#comments Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:06:50 +0000 editor http://apiequalityla.org/?p=2364 More...]]> Year of the Dragon Annual Lunar New Year Banquet

Annual Lunar New Year Banquet
January 28, 2012

API Equality-LA rings in the Year of the Dragon at our Annual Lunar New Year Banquet, to be held on Saturday, January 28, 2012.  Once again, members of API Equality-LA and our friends and allies will parade through the streets of Los Angeles’ Chinatown in the 113th Annual Golden Dragon Parade.  Following the parade, we will cap off the day’s festivities with a lavish nine-course banquet and celebration.

This year, the banquet will be held at the delicious CBS Seafood Restaurant, located at 700 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 [Map].  The banquet begins at 5:00 p.m. (though the time is subject to change based on when the parade concludes).

To reach us on the day of the banquet, please call Clayton Yeung at (213) 222-8259 or Alex H. Fukui at (310) 291-4849.  For more information on participating with API Equality-LA in the Golden Dragon Parade prior to the banquet, please click here.

This year’s menu includes:

  • Peking duck
  • Seafood soup
  • Honey walnut shrimp
  • Crab with ginger and green onions
  • Crispy deep fried chicken
  • Chinese broccoli with oysters sauce
  • Sweet and sour pork chop
  • Steamed Fish
  • Vegetable Fried Rice

The cost to attend is just $25.00 per person.  ALL R.S.V.P.’S MUST BE PREPAID TO GUARANTEE YOUR SEAT — NO EXCEPTIONS.  Walk-ins will only be accepted in the unlikely event space is still available.  Payments must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 27, 2012.

Don’t get left out – buy your seat now to guarantee your place at the banquet!

 

UPDATED: Online registration has ended.

If you’re feeling extra gracious and would like to make a donation, please click here!

Please note:  You do NOT need a Gmail account to purchase through Google Checkout. Simply use your current email address to register and purchase your tickets.

Furthermore, the Asian Pacific American Legal Center is the fiscal sponsor of API Equality-LA. As such, this payment may appear on your statement under the Asian Pacific American Legal Center (APALC) or under Google Checkout.

Refund policy:  Because API Equality-LA must guarantee and pay the restaurant for reserved banquet tables based on the number of paid r.s.v.p.’s received, we can only issue refunds if your cancellation is received by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 26, 2012, and we are able to sell your seat(s) to another guest.  Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

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