Activist of the Month: Ericson Herbas
We're proud to present Ericson as our July Activist of the Month!
What committee are you involved with in API Equality-LA?
Outreach & Recruiting Committee
How and when did you get involved?
I discovered API Equality-LA via another group called the API Pride Council (APIPC) around January 2007. I was the GAPSN representative at the time and was helping coordinate APIPC's participation in the Lunar New Year festivities, which API Equality-LA sponsored. Also, my friends Marshall Wong, Jury Candelario and Alex Fukui were active volunteers of API Equality-LA and they convinced me to become more involved. Eventually I got sucked-in (in a good way) just by common associations and friends inside API Equality-LA.
Why is it important to continue this fight for marriage equality?
As a whole, it's a simple matter of civil rights that filters down to your day-to-day living, and how people treat you differently. But on a personal level, I probably won't be getting married anytime soon (I prefer having boyfriends - keeps me feeling young - just look at Marshall).
Where are you right now?
At home recovering from a July 4th stomach flu. After I finish typing this, I'm going to CVS to buy more TUMS.
Occupation?
I've been graphic designer for the past 18 years. But when I was little, I wanted to become an entomologist (study of insects), specializing in spiders and related groups such as centipedes and scorpions. Seriously.
What is one sound that characterizes you?
1420 MHz (google it!)
What is one thing about you that surprises people?
I'm totally into cosmology (no, not the study of "make-up" but the study of the universe and humanity's role in it). Think Dr. Stephen Hawking as a reference. At the moment, I'm taking some online astronomy courses via iTunes U. Ask me anything about large-scale structures in the cosmos! I also like radio astronomy (see my 1420 MHz answer above).
Hometown?
I was born in Makati, Philippines and immigrated to the US at the age of 12 with my family. I grew up in Daly City (that's a suburb just outside San Francisco). I moved to Pasadena for a job on January 1, 2004. I'm now living in San Gabriel.
Heritage?
I'm a Filipino mutt for the most part. My mom is Ilocano and my Dad is Bicolano and they both met during college in Manila.
Facebook or Twitter?
I'm a Facebook stalker.
Coffee or tea?
I prefer tea because it has anti-oxidants that keep my skin supple and pimple-free. Sometimes I drink coffee too, specially during long drives or if I'm working late.