API Equality-LA Announced Their Formation With Overwhelming Community Support
In response to attacks on domestic partnership and restrictions on same-sex marriage, API Equality-LA, a new coalition of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) individuals and organizations, formed to advance marriage equality rights. API Equality-LA includes both lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) organizations as well as groups that serve the API community more broadly, including civil rights, advocacy and social service agencies.
At a press conference held at the Asian Pacific American Legal Center, API Equality-LA co-chair Tawal Panyacosit said, "We are part of a statewide coalition of organizations and individuals who are committed to working in the API communities for equal marriage rights and the fair treatment of LGBT families through community education and advocacy. Here in LA, we already have over 50 community and religious organizations, elected officials, and community leaders on record in support of equality!"
Some of those supporters included key community leaders such as Assemblymember Judy Chu and actor and community activist George Takei. Both spoke publicly in favor of equal rights for all members of the API community.
Assemblymember Chu said, "Today is a momentous occasion. Today Asian and Pacific Islander lesbians and gays will no longer remain silent or hidden in the community." Ms. Chu has worked tirelessly to ensure fair treatment for all people. She stated, "No one should be victimized for who they are."
Actor George Takei, probably most familiar for his role as Mr. Sulu in the iconic Star Trek series, recently announced he was gay and has been in a relationship with his partner Brad Altman. "Brad Altman and I have been together for 18 years as partners, as lovers, as ones who care for each other. Our union is true and strong and authentic," said the actor.
According to a recent interview, he chose to "come out" due to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's September veto of a same-sex marriage bill. Mr. Takei continued, "We are here to affirm the core ideals of marriage: to love each other, to care for each other, and to be responsible for each other. We want to make that part of what California stands for."
Members of the faith community also showed their support. Pastor Nestor Gerente and Reverend Lisa Gay Santiago enthusiastically endorsed API Equality-LA.
Response to API Equality-LA has been overwhelmingly positive with long-standing community organizations, respected community leaders, and religious leaders pledging support. Some of the organizations and individuals who endorse the coalition include: ACLU of Southern California, Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, Asian Pacific American Legal Center of Southern California, Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council (A3PCON), South Asian Network, Visual Communications, Theater Director Tim Dang, Actress Margaret Cho, Entertainer Harlemm Lee, Civil Rights Attorney Angela Oh, Reverend Alexia Salvatierra, filmmaker Renée Tajima-Peña and many others.
For more information on API Equality, call Tawal Panyacosit at 323-860-7358; or email apiequalityla@lagaycenter.org.
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