Sadness, yet resilience mark AAPI groups reaction to election

Several Asian American civil rights groups expressed their determination Wednesday to fight hate and spread love in the wake of the presidential election.

All the groups acknowledged it is a difficult time for many who see the world differently from the President-elect.

“We know this outcome has sparked fear, anxiety and sadness for many Asian American and Pacific Islanders, women, immigrants, people of color, LGBTQ+ communities, and others too often targeted with hateful rhetoric and policies. In this moment, know that you are not alone,” said Mankusha Kulkarni and Cynthia Choi, co-founders of Stop AAPI Hate.

Southeast Asia Resource Action Center picked up on that theme saying “our ancestors remind us during the hardest of days that there is always light in the darkest of times…As future ancestors, we will continue to hope and build toward a brighter future. Today we grief; we love; and we heal. Tomorrow, we organize.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice vowed to “continue to be vocal about the rights and dignity of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.”

It pledged to defend civil liberties for all and “demand lawmakers practice humane immigration policies, expand Asian language access, eliminate hate and bigotry.”

“Though times ahead may seem difficult, we must not lose sight of our shared strength and power,” said National Korean American Service and Education Consortium Co-Director and DACA recipient, Jung Woo Kim. “We organized strong against the previous Trump administration, and we will again.

Stop AAPI Hate released information about a series of listening sessions designed to allow people to heal.

•  Listening Sessions (National AAPI Mental Health Association)
  Free and virtual sessions are available for all AAPI participants on Nov. 6, Nov. 13, or Jan. 15.
•  Peer-Led Wellness Circles (Asian Mental Health Project)
  Virtual events for queer people, caregivers, and other cross-sections of the Asian American community.
•  Queer Support Group (UTOPIA Washington)
  A monthly peer support group for LGBTQIA+ individuals of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and cultures.

For more mental health resources, head to the Community Resources page on our website.

 “History continues to prove we are a resilient community, always trying and never giving up. When we give up, they win. We move forward with the fierce hope inspired by our everyday community members and will organize with them here in Pennsylvania and nationally to protect our rights,” said Mel Lee, Executive Director of Woori Center.