Asian & Pacific Islander Family Pride

Family is a central concept in Asian and Pacific Islander cultures. APIs are raised in extensive family and social networks and grow up with corresponding expectations about identity, mutual aid, and interdependence. Belonging to a family and being socially accepted beyond the family are important and vital attributes of an API’s worldview. API LGBTs, therefore, do not readily come out to their families fearing that the stigma attached to a different sexual identity may bring their families shame and isolation. Many API parents and other family members have difficulties dealing with this sensitive topic. Belinda Dronkers-Laureta, API Family Pride’s Executive Director, has famously said: “When API LGBTs come out of the closet, their families go in.” Many families struggle with their own “coming out” process, grappling with conflicted feelings and fearing harsh judgment from other family members and the community as a whole. Sadly, some API families reject their LGBT members once they disclose their alternate sexual orientation. For API LGBTs this contributes to the trauma during what is already an emotionally and socially challenging period in their lives.

Fortunately, there are examples where the opposite happens: where love, loyalty, and courage combine to overcome homophobia and silence threadbare traditions.  Many API LGBT people have the open love and acceptance of parents, siblings and relatives, but often these families’ “coming out” struggles and successes remain private ones, kept close to heart and home. It is important that these private stories of love and courage come to be shared by others to serve as an inspiration to the API community and most especially to young API LGBTs who are just coming out to their families.

API Family Pride’s Family Presentation Banquet to honor those who have supported API LGBT individuals through their journey of self-discovery and coming out.  We invite API LGBT individuals to nominate family members to honor at our Annual Family Presentation Banquet.

Who may be honored? Any person or organization that in the eyes of the nominator, has provided support throughout an API LGBT individual’s journey of self-discovery and coming out. They may be living or deceased and may be of any race or ethnicity.

How to honor:

1. Provide your name, address, email, telephone and other contact information.
2. Provide the name and relation of the person or organization you are honoring.
3. Provide a written summary of 100 words maximum describing the love, support, and acceptance the honored person(s) or organization has provided throughout your journey of self-discovery as an API LGBT individual.
4. Include a 30-word bio of the person(s) or description of the organization being honored.
5. Provide one (1) photograph suitable for publication of the person(s) or group photo of the organization being nominated. A high resolution digital photo is preferred.
6. Contact Belinda  Email belinda@apifamilypride.org Call 510-818-0887

NOTE: Unless otherwise requested, it is understood that if accepted, the names & stories of the honorees will be used in future A&PI-Family Pride printed and internet publications.

Nomination Deadline: The written summary, brief bio, and photograph must be received no later than 4 weeks before the banquet.

Next Steps:
You will be notified via telephone or email if your nomination has been accepted.
You will receive two (2) complimentary tickets for your honorees to attend the annual Family Pride Banquet as our guests.
We ask that you and any additional honorees purchase a Banquet ticket to attend.