At the Moment: Asian American News

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

admin@azi.media (Janrey Serapio, Sylvia Peng) — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 09:00:00 +0000

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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What You Need to Know About Anti-Asian Violence

admin@azi.media (Sylvia Peng, Janrey Serapio) — Tue, 9 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000

On February 27th, over three hundred people showed up to Foley Square in Manhattan’s Chinatown neighborhood to rally against the rise of anti-Asian hate incidents across the nation. Our hosts Sylvia and Janrey speak with people at the rally on why they attended and what solutions they want to see. Then, we hear from Professor Rosalind Chou of Georgia State University about the origins of anti-Asian racism and its roots in white supremacy. Finally, Jason Wu, a legal services attorney based in New York City, speaks on how to confront anti-Asian violence and take care of our communities through abolition.

Our guests this week were Dr. Rosalind Chou and Jason Wu (@criticalrace on Twitter).

Listen to Ep. 1 Pt. 2 “A Year of Reckoning Part 2: COVID’s Impact on Marginalized Asian Americans” to hear more on the history of Asian migration and the impact of colonization.

Check out With Chinese Characteristics podcast and their most recent episode about the 1871 LA Chinese Massacre and its tie to today's anti-Asian sentiment.

Mentioned in this episode:

Asian Americans on Campus: Racialized Space and White Power by Kristen Lee and Rosalind S. Chou
“More Policing Is Not the Solution to Anti-Asian Violence” (Truthout) by Jason Wu
“How I Became a Police Abolitionist” (The Atlantic) by Derecka Purnell
NYC-based organizations supporting Asian Americans:

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Democracy Speaks: Civil Disobedience in Myanmar

admin@azi.media (Janrey Serapio, Sylvia Peng) — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +0000

On February 1st, the Myanmar military raided and detained the country’s top officials—including democratically elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, President U Win Myint, and other senior figures from the National League for Democracy party—sparking protests that are still ongoing. Our hosts Sylvia and Janrey, along with producer Cynthia, spoke with activists and scholars to understand what’s happening in Myanmar, the historical context, and how Burmese Americans and the international community are responding to the coup. We also discuss the role of social media in the #CivilDisobedience movement, as well as what those of us not in Myanmar can do beyond sharing social media posts.

Follow our former reporter Aye Min Thant @the_ayeminthant on Twitter

Check Out International Campaign for the Rohingya's Consumer Activism Resources

#SaveMyanmar: Supporting #CivilDisobedience

The Kids are Alright: Teens of Small Asian Businesses

admin@azi.media (Janrey Serapio, Sylvia Peng) — Tue, 9 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +0000

COVID-19 has greatly impacted Asian-owned small businesses over the past year. Owners have struggled with keeping their businesses afloat during lockdown periods, a rise in anti-Asian sentiment and operational shifts during the pandemic. But who are the ones applying for PPP and negotiating with retailers during this time? Our reporter Alina and our producer Cynthia speak to 2 Asian American teenagers who had to balance school and their family businesses through this tough period.

Emily Zheng’s Family Business: Chopsticks Sushi Bar and Asian Cuisine

Nikki Dava’s Family Business: Antonik’s BBQ

A Year of Reckoning Part 2: COVID’s Impact on Marginalized Asian Americans

admin@azi.media (Janrey Serapio, Sylvia Peng) — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 10:00:00 +0000

We’re kicking off our launch with a look back at 2 key topics in 2020: BIPOC racial justice and COVID-19. In part 2, we examine how COVID-19 has impacted marginalized Asian American communities, namely Southeast Asians. We talk to Professor Catherine Ceniza Choy to give context to Filipino frontline worker histories and experiences during this time. Then, we talk to Chhaya Chhoum, the founder of Mekong NYC, about how Cambodian, Laotian, and Vietnamese refugee communities are coping with government neglect by providing mutual aid in Bronx, NYC.

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A Year of Reckoning Part 1: What's the injustice for you?

admin@azi.media (Janrey Serapio, Sylvia Peng) — Tue, 19 Jan 2021 10:00:00 +0000

We're kicking off our launch with a look back at 2 key topics in 2020: BIPOC racial justice and COVID-19. In part 1, we're sitting down with Kabzuag Vaj, a Hmong American activist and founder of Freedom, Inc to talk about a historic year of reckoning with police brutality, anti-Blackness, and anti-Asian hate.

Introducing: “At the Moment” Podcast

admin@azi.media (Janrey Serapio, Sylvia Peng) — Mon, 4 Jan 2021 10:00:00 +0000