Two Girls Against the Rain

New Documentary from Cambodia. Produced by Filmmaker Sopheak Sao.

Synopsis: A true story about two girls struggling hard for their love. This documentary won the first price at Meta House Phnom Penh for the Gay Pride Festival in May, 2012.

They met during the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime, when coincidence led them to live in the same mobile unit. After a year Soth Yun (57) and Sem Eang (58) realized that they loved each other.

Two million people died during the Khmer Rouge years. Yun and Eang survived.

Today the lesbian couple live in a village in Takeo province in southern Cambodia like husband and wife. It has been a long fight to be respected by fellow villagers and their families. And the fight continues – now for their rights to marry.

The couple does not have children of their own, but have raised several nieces and nephew.

Check out the trailer!

Creating Change Conference 2013

Asian lesbians representing amongst other LGBTQ's at the Creating Change Conference in Atlanta, GA. 

Specifically Three Day-Long-Institutes to look forward to checking out: API Focus, Racial Justice, and Class. Check out Creating Change Conference 2013 website for more institutes. For scholarship information specifically for APIs to attend the conference, check out API Scholarship.

AAPI Focus: Building a Queer AAPI Movement 
Asian Americans, South Asians, Southeast Asians, and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) are the fastest growing minority group in the nation and constitute an emerging sector of the LGBT community. More and more LGBT AAPIs are coming out of the closet, yet they still face invisibility, isolation, and stereotyping. The needs and concerns of LGBT AAPIs are often overlooked in the LGBT community or marginalized in the AAPI community. To counter this, the National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA), API Equality-Northern California, and API Equality-LA are leading a coalition of organizations and individuals to present the daylong LGBT AAPI Institute. This will build on our successful AAPI Institutes in Minneapolis in 2011 and in Baltimore in 2012 and seeks to further the presence, visibility, and engagement of AAPIs at Creating Change and in LGBT social justice movements. The Institute is open only to LGBT AAPIs. Sessions will include a series of panels featuring experts in the field, proven activists and organizers, and interactive group discussions. Participants are very much encouraged to offer their own perspectives and opinions. We aim to create an AAPI movement space. Below are what the organizers hope participants can walk away with after attending the Institute. 

• A network of fellow LGBT AAPI activists around the country
• Concrete ways to overcome barriers that frustrate LGBT AAPI organizing
• Strategies on pressing public policy issues, how to increase the visibility of AAPIs, and ways to counter homophobia in the larger AAPI community
• An understanding of Asian American, South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Pacific Islander queer histories in the U.S. with a focus on immigration patterns
• Skills building in local organizing, leadership development, and capacity building
• A better understanding of the multiplicity of our communities across gender, nationality, religion, and other lines and how this affects our ability to build a national movement

The Racial Justice Institute
The Institute's primary purpose is to offer Creating Change participants a range of tools for working more effectively towards racial justice in our churches, communities, campaigns, and workplaces. This one-day institute provides a balance of self-reflection opportunities with engaging learning activities and deeper intersectional analysis of how racial justice and LGBT liberation connect in contemporary social justice movements. The Racial Justice Institute has a rich history at Creating Change. Very well attended and well regarded, this Institute has grown exponentially in size and scope. Facilitated by a team of seasoned racial justice trainer/facilitators, the Institute will be steeped in an anti-oppression lens that reflects the intersections of gender, sexuality, class, ability and race to offer sessions that are creative, thoughtful and give participants practical skills to make a difference through the work we do every day. 

CLASS MORE THAN EVER!
At a time of increasing crisis because of the current recession, the absence of an agenda for the LGBTQ movement that prioritizes class and race and the impact of the economic crisis on queer communities is deeply disturbing. This Daylong Institute, presented by Queers for Economic Justice, will help participants examine why queer poor and working class communities, often communities of color, remain invisible in most mainstream LGBT organizations. We will ask why class remains so hidden in the queer movement and explore how class bias and class assumptions determine the way that LGBT issues are deemed a priority or are not seen as "really" queer. To be more specific, economics and economic realities, fiscal policy and austerity measures, bank bailouts and bankruptcy, the dissections of social support services and the protection of others (read preservation of Social Security versus the dismantling of TANF), corporate welfare and welfare reform all have impacts that are specific to race, class, gender, gender identity, ability and sexual orientation. We want LGBTQ activists to think critically about the ways in which economic justice issues are embedded in every issue that the LGBTQ movement addresses and how this impacts LGBTQ people. 

Where's it at for New Year's Eve.

Reflect. Realign. Rejuvenate.

31st December | PHENOMENON 2013

New Year's Eve All Women Ceremonial Celebration (Alcohol Free)

DINNER + SHOW + CEREMONY

 

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

• Siren Project is fiscally sponsored by The Art Association of the East Bay, Inc. (AAEB), a public benefit non-profit corporation. Your contribution to The Siren Project is tax-deductible under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.  EIN# 20-8630049. 
• Accessibility | The venue is American Disability Act compliant, accessible by BART and buses (both, that day, running for the whole night) with easy street parking.
• Ambience | ALCOHOL and SCENT FREE, Lit by Lamps, Candles and Lights, Wellness Table, Art & Craft Area, Singles & Group Tables/Areas, Fireplace, Solitary Reflection & Relaxation Tents.
• Nourishment | Gluten, Dairy Free and Vegan options available for dinner. Dessert and Midnight Snacks. Non-Alcoholic beverages (cold and hot)
• Attire | Elegant but comfortable. We always appreciate costumes! 
• Discounted Tickets | We are providing 20 work- exchange positions. We also have an "at cost" discounted option for women who are truly financially challenged (trust based). We also have "Table for Ten" group discounts.
• Discounted Advance Online Ticketing ENDS ON December 26.

You can find all the information at http://www.sirenproject.org. If you have any question please call us at 510.681.9740 or email at sirenproject@gmail.com.

Ash by Malinda Lo: Book Review

I love reading, and the fiction novel is my favorite book genre. As I a refugee child, reading was integral to my learning and has strongly shaped my understanding and articulation of the English language. Indeed, my skill in “speaking English so well for being Asian” originates in reading as a means of escape from both mundane and harsh realities. Sadly, while it did not take much for me to become engrossed in a story, I also struggled to find relatable and likeable characters. Many fiction novels continue to be dispositioned to the white and patriarchal mainstream, with heroines akin to pining away for a male savior. The institutional standard of a happily-ever-after story. I am sure this was one of many contributing factors that stunted the process of growing into my Asian Lesbian identity.

This is why Malinda Lo’s novel, Ash, can be defined as extraordinary. Ash is a creative adaptation of the Cinderella love story, featuring iconic elements such as the evil step-mother and step-sisters, and of course a magical but fleeting evening tryst. Those factors are the furthest extent to which Lo parallels her story to the classic. In Ash, the prince becomes an inconsequential back character, only relevant to solidify the main character’s lesbian coming out process. Lo’s story boldly offers two lesbian perspectives weaved into a single love story. Feminist characters include an out lesbian huntress charged with leading a royal court tradition, and a head-strong and questioning young woman who rejects the traditional mores that are embedded in her household. Lo seamlessly incorporates some critical themes that many Asian Lesbians experience such as familial obligation, finding the path to one’s life purpose, resistance of compulsory heterosexuality, a natural but initially inexplicable attraction to women, all the way to the feeling of liberation and wholeness when the main character accepts herself. Lo was able to integrate all of these themes and more, without taking away the romantic and magical allure of a romantic fairy tale. Other interesting themes include an allusion to traditional Asian medicine such as the use of herbs and the harnessing of qi, as well as the concept of a shared energy from lineage and previous lifetimes. Awesome!

Ash simultaneously serves its purpose of providing a good read, while at the same time making a bold political statement in its story telling. It provides Asian Lesbians a fairy tale they can get lost in, pushing boundaries. It left me with a sense of gratification and the typical warm fuzzies people experience after finishing a good book, amplified with the audacious dream of our own happily-ever-after. I highly recommend Ash for those in desire of a non-cliché love story.

New Book! - Diary of Collective Heartbreak

Introducing up and coming author - Chai/柴. Born in 1987 in Taiwan, she currently resides in New York City, New York with two published books.  In 2006, she published poetry and short fiction collection "A Necessary Confession" (一則必要的告解) in 2006 in Taiwan.  Her latest book is a longer fiction collection called "Diary of Collective Heartbreak" (--集體心碎日記). Check out LesbeAsian's exclusive interview with Chai/柴 sharing the development of her writing and talks about her latest book about relationships, heartbreak, activism, lesbian casual hookups, finding of community and much more! 

For more info, check her links:

Diary of Collective Heartbreak 

Chai's facebook page

Chai's blog

Cheryl Chow, Seattle's API leader comes out!

Cheryl Chow being 66 years now is still making waves in the community.  What great news to wake up to. After thinking about my own coming out process and realizing at the Brandi Carlile (another local Seattle lesbian) concert a few nights ago that it has been 10 years since my coming out to myself. Now with political leader Cheryl Chow, who has been a well regarded and spokesperson for the API community, has come out  - its a big deal.

Out Lesbian Recommended for Federal Judgeship in New York

SOURCE: ADVOCATE
BY JULIE BOLCER

U.S. senator Charles Schumer of New York announced Wednesday that he has recommended Pamela Ki Mai Chen, a federal prosecutor specializing in civil rights, to serve on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

If confirmed, Chen would become only the second female Chinese-American in U.S. history and one of a handful of out lesbians and gay men to receive one of the nearly 900 lifetime appointments to the federal district and appellate courts. Last year Schumer recommended Alison Nathan, who was nominated by President Obama and confirmed for a judgeship on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Vietnam's First Gay Pride in Hanoi

SOURCE: Viet Pride


"The untold miseries must be told. The invisible faces must be made visible. The silenced voice must be heard. Equal rights must be given. All these goals cannot be accomplished overnight but require an undivided commitment, concerted effort, and collective action to make human rights and dignity for LGBT people a reality. For this reason, Pride has been celebrated annually since 1969 in all continents of the world to remind each and every one of us that we are born free and equal and it is not a crime or a sin to love the person we love.


This year, Viet Pride will be celebrated on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th August 2012 for the first time in Vietnam. The event will host a cultural diversity of film screenings, research presentation, and music live performance at Goethe Institute. The event serves to encourage people to come forward, to come out and to live openly with pride; to strengthen the sense of community that transcend group boundaries and differences; and to create an official and interactive forum where pro-gay organizations and beneficiary community come together, interact, and foster trust and collaborations.

In celebrating the first ever Pride in Vietnam, let us dedicate the first weekend of August to recognize and celebrate the pride in ourselves, the pride in our fellows who are fighting and striving for the truth they want to live, and ultimately, the pride in being on the right side of history."

Changing Perspectives on Same-Sex Marriage in SE Asia

From WIRE REPORTS

A gay couple in the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang recently exchanged wedding vows at a ceremony attended by their parents and hundreds of guests; a lesbian couple in Ca Mau Province only halted their wedding in February after authorities objected; a lesbian couple in Ha Noi and a gay couple in Sai Gon too grabbed headlines after photos of their weddings and celebrations went viral online.

Whispering Corridors 3, Wishing Stairs: Movie Review

We here at LesbeAsian would highly recommend this movie. In fact we give it a 4/5 star rating.

Wishing Stairs is the third installment of a series of Whispering Corridors Korean horror films. All of the stories are set in an all girls high school, with various inclusions of the creepy supernatural, suspenseful unexpected, as well as the gore that is expected in a good thriller. The most awesome aspect of the series however, are the overt lesbian relationships throughout each film.

Lesbian couple to take vows in Taiwan’s first public Buddhist same-sex union

Source: Taipei Times

Two devout Buddhist women are to hold the nation’s first gay Buddhist wedding next month as part of an effort to push for the legalization of same-sex marriages in Taiwan.

“We are not only doing it for ourselves, but also for other gays and lesbians,” Fish Huang said in a telephone interview.

The 30-year-old social worker at a non-governmental organization said that marriage never crossed her mind until she saw a movie last year.

New Lesbian Film from China: Sweet Eighteen

Sweet Eighteen

甜蜜１８歲 China

Contemporary lesbian drama

2012, colour, 2.35:1, 88 mins

Directed by He Wenchao (何文超)

Article on Lesbian couples likelier to influence healthier habits than hetero counterparts... DUH.

Although there was only one Asian respondent in the survey, the article was interesting.  Tawny is definitely the more health conscious one compared to Faith. 

-----

In a heterosexual marriage, women bear the brunt of being a health police but in homosexual relationships, the couples are more likely to mutually influence each other’s health habits for better or for worse, a new study has revealed.

New Film Offers a Rainbow of Jakarta Stories

Source: theJakartaGlobe.com

If the French have “Paris Je T’Aime” and Americans have “New York, I Love You,” Jakarta may soon have its own cinema-inspired motto exclaiming its love and celebrating its lovers.

“Sanubari Jakarta” (“Jakarta Deep Down”), a new movie featuring 10 short films by 10 different directors, opens today. The film portrays lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender relationships throughout Jakarta.

Produced by Fira Sofiana and actress Lola Amaria, “Sanubari Jakarta” is a collaboration between the Kresna Duta Foundation (a film organization), the Ardhanary Institute (supporters of diverse sexualities) and the Ford Foundation (social change advocates). Dimas Hary, from Kresna Duta, said “Sanubari Jakarta” championed the cause of the underrepresented and persecuted LGBT community in Jakarta.

Malaysia Bans LGBT Characters on TV, Allocates $32,600 For Therapy Curing LGBTQ "Disability"

Source: Queerty.com

Malaysia has decided to take a big ol’ shit on the gays this spring, and it’s a double whammy.

The Southeast Asian nation has banned all LGBT characters from shows, and also pledged to allocate $32,600 toward reparative therapy in hopes of turning its gays into heterosexual breeders.

15 targeted killings of lesbians in Thailand since 2006: IGLHRC report

By Sylvia Tan
Source: Fridae.Asia

The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) has compiled 15 documented cases of killings and rapes of lesbians; and demands an immediate police investigation into the pattern of the violent murders.

Its the first report of its kind that draws attention to what activists have described as hate crimes against lesbians and masculine-presenting women in Thailand a country commonly regarded to be one of the most LGBT-friendly in Southeast Asia.

Vietnamese Activist Vuong Nguyen to be Honored by APIQWTC

Source: ASIANWEEK

Oakland, CA – Considered the heart of the Vietnamese LGBT community in San Jose, community activist Vuong Nguyen will be honored as the 2012 Phoenix Award Recipient at the APIQWTC (Asian Pacific Islander Queer Women & Transgender Community, pronounced “API-Cutsey”) Lunar New Year Banquet. The 25th annual banquet will be held at the Legendary Palace Restaurant, 708 Franklin Street in Oakland, CA on Saturday, April 21, 2012.

Asian-Canadian gay youth face double discrimination

By Tara Carman
Source: Vancouver Sun

Gay, lesbian and bisexual Asian-Canadian teenagers in B.C. face a "double whammy" of discrimination that some-times leads to higher rates of substance abuse, says a study released Wednesday. These teenagers face harassment not only because of their sexual orientation, but also because of their race, said Elizabeth Saewyc, lead author of the University of B.C. study and professor of nursing and adolescent medicine at the UBC School of Nursing.

Happy 1 Month Anniversary LesbeAsian!

Wow, it's been exactly one month since we've launched LesbeAsian! Thank you to all of our visiters and supporters. We are blown away by the amount of positive feedback we've received in the short amount of time this site has been live. When we started building this website, we were unsure about how well it would be received. We just knew as Asian Lesbians ourselves that it was something we wished was out there. We're excited to say we've reached 50 countries and 243 cities from all around the world. Shout out to our sisters visiting from outside of the US: Anguilla, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Cambodia, Canada, China, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and Vietnam. We also want to send love to California, New York and our home state Washington for being the most frequent visitors within the US. The support is encouraging and we hope you continue to stick by us as we grow.

 <3 LesbeAsians Pho Lyfe!

Get the Scoop: New LesbeAsian Film

Thai movie producers are riding the wave of success from Yes or No, released in 2010 as the first lesbian movie from the land of smiles. There has been some Facebook activity and other online chatter about a Yes or No Part 2 due to come out sometime later this year. The details though, are unfortunately unbeknownst to LesbeAsian at the moment.

Hot off the reels however, is the new movie She เรื่องรักระหว่างเธอ (She and Her Love) (The Love Between You), scheduled to come out in Thai theaters next week. It is another romantic comedy with some drama intermingled. Hawt characters with some funny dialogue. Gotta check it out! Watch the trailer and read the synopsis HERE.