On the Shoulders of Giants: Queer/Trans Asian Legacies in the US

Our host Janrey and reporter Sahil explore the long history of Asian American queer and trans activism. We begin by talking about some queer and trans activists in US history such as Crystal Jang, Kiyoshi Kuromiya, and Kitty Tsui. Then, we speak with South Asian activist, writer, and podcaster Priya Arora about queer representation in pop culture, while also recognizing histories within our communities. We also speak with activist Pauline Park about creating queer community spaces beginning in the mid-90s and rethinking identity. Finally, Janrey and Sahil reflect on their ancestral lineages, rediscovering queerness in pre-colonial cultures, and reclaiming their identities.

Our guests this week were Priya Arora (@thepriyaarora on Twitter and Instagram) and Pauline Park (@paulinepark on Twitter).

Listen to our previous episode on anti-Asian hate, Ep. 4 What You Need to Know About Anti-Asian Violence.

Mentioned in this episode (and more):

• APIQWTC (Asian Pacific Islander Queer Women & Transgender Community)
• Red Envelope Giving Circle (based in the San Francisco Bay Area)
• Listen to Priya’s podcast Queering Desi on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!
• Desi Rainbow Parents & Allies Inc.
• “‘I Had to Prove That I Exist’: Transgender Anchor Makes History in Bangladesh” (New York Times) by Geneva Abdul
• Satrang (based in Los Angeles)
• SALGA NYC (South Asian Lesbian and Gay Association)
• “The Multiple Migrations of a Transgendered Korean Adoptee” by Pauline Park
• Queens Pride House
• NYAGRA (New York Association for Gender Rights Advocacy)
• “In Search of Queer Ancestors” by Sarah Ngu
• Unruly Immigrants by Monisha Das Gupta

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