 Letter from the Director: A Month of Celebrations |
Dear API Equality-LA Volunteers and Friends,
 This month officially kicks off Pride festivities around the country, but we are particularly proud of our accomplishments this year as API Equality-LA is honored by the Christopher Street West Parade here in Los Angeles with the Connie Norman Award. This goes to an organization that makes an impact within people of color communities as well as organizations that make a concerted effort to reach out to people of faith. I may be biased, but I think API Equality-LA lives up to the spirit of Connie, who was a transgender activist and a person of faith who fought for AIDS healthcare services in her time.
We also celebrate our own Alex Fukui, co-chair of our Faith Committee, as one of KCET's Local Hero during LGBT Pride month. Congratulations, Alex, on this distinction.
Finally, we celebrate the launch of our Summer Internship Program. Along with the Koreatown Immigrant Workers Alliance (KIWA), we are reaching out to Korean youth in Koreatown, followed by a convening of key Koreatown leaders in the Fall. API Equality-LA doesn't just believe in staying where it's safe or continuing to "preach to the choir." We believe in changing hearts and minds where it matters most and forging relationships with unlikely people. Stay tuned for more information on this groundbreaking program.
None of these accolades would be possible, of course, were it not for the continued support of people like you. We are including in this newsletter the names of founding donors who have made a difference and invested in our organization. If you have not had a chance to do so, it's not too late. Our fiscal year ends June 30. Best, 
Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong
Director, API Equality-LA
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Founding Donors
Major Donors - $500+
Bill Irhke
Dolores Wong
Doreena Wong
Gerry Tan
Greg Matsunami
Jeff & Curtis Chin
Jonipher Kwong
Jury Candelario
Karin Wang & Jeff Matsuda
Marshall Wong
Sanjay Chhugani
Sharlene DesRochers
$100 - $499
Aaron M. Saenz
Bonita Stern
Brian W Shen
Chris Webber
Clayton Yeung
Deanna Kitamura
Diana Wong
Eileen Ma
Ericson Herbas
Guillermina Alvarez
Harold & Ellen Kameya
Hoa S. Su
Joanne Wong
Noel Alumit
Noel Martinez
Phil Lam
Rose Viniegas
San Weng
Stacie M Shaheen
Steven Truong
Tarrence Frierson
Terry Gock
Torie Osborn
Vernon A Rosario II
Under $99
Andy Gio
Bowen Close
Carmen Yu
Chris Hauck
Chris Thompson
Christopher T. Kakimi
Danton Tseng
Diana Nakanishi
Elizabeth Singleton
Eric Nakano
Erin Haley
Fidel Calderon
Henry Thach
Jamal Mazyck
Jeff Fukuhara
Jeremy McCrary
Jevon Lam
John Brady
Jorge Amaro
Katherine Adams
Kathy Khommorath
Katrina Fargas
Keith DesRochers
Kelli DesRochers
Keo Xiong
Kirk Burke
Kirstyn Chun
Kristine Vo
Malissa Romero
Meredith Galemore
Michelle Petrossi
Mili Nguyen
Rachel Andersson
Raymond New
Rebecca Shea
Rick Luo
Scott Lee
Seng Xiong
Seyron Foo
Shelley D Wong-Pitts
Terrenz Vong
Tina Pham
Tommy Lam
Trini Tang
Vivien Hao
Wilson Chiu Lee
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06/08/2011
Legendary Bingo with API Equality-LA!
Celebrities, drag queens, food, drinks, and bingo -- what more can you ask for? Bingo it out with API Equality for a riveting night of fun and friends! There will be ten rounds of bingo, each with an amazing prize. Not only that, our celebrity ball caller is the absolutely gorgeous Sheila Ferrari, former cast of Miss Saigon and former Miss Philippines USA (for more information, visit her website at http://www.sheilaferrari.com/). When: 9:00 PM (come early as seats fill up quickly!) | Wednesday, June 8, 2011 Where: Hamburger Mary's | 8288 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA [Map] Cost: $20 Suggested Donation (includes 10 regular bingo game cards (for nine regular games) and two grand prize bingo game cards (for one grand prize game)) Questions: Brian Nguyen | contact@apiequalityla.org |
06/12/2011
CSW LA Pride Parade!
This year, CSW LA Pride is honoring API Equality-LA with the Connie Norman Award for its work in diverse communities! As a result, API Equality will be marching near the head of the parade AND be riding in a convertible! Please join API Equality-LA who will be marching alongside with other members of the Asian Pacific Islander Pride Council (APIPC) in the LA PRIDE Parade on Sunday morning. We will meet at the traditional APIPC pre-parade breakfast between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. The breakfast isCOMPLETELY FREE to paraders and will feature a generous spread of sandwiches, pastries, coffee, juice, and water, as well as an opportunity to meet and mingle with other members of API Equality-LA and APIPC.
The parade will step off at 11:00 a.m. If you miss the breakfast and want to meet us in the staging area, please call Tran Le at (818) 292-6922 after 10:00 a.m. for the location.
Please wear your API Equality-LA t-shirt. Or if you are joining us for the first time, we will provide you with a FREE API EQUALITY-LA SHIRTat the breakfast (Note: To ensure you get a shirt, please email us!). You may also want to bring sunblock and comfortable walking shoes. When: 9:00 AM, June 12, 2011 Where: David Hong's house on 1032 N. Ogden Drive, West Hollywood [Map] Questions/RSVP: Tran Le | contact@apiequalityla.org | (818) 292-6922 |
06/11/2011 - 6/12/2011
CSW Los Angeles Pride Festival!
It's Pride time again! We will tabling and and marching, so we need volunteers like you! Please email Brian Nguyen to sign up for a shift. We have a limited number of free tickets, so please sign-up to volunteer with us ASAP!
Please wear your red API Equality-LA t-shirt! If you don't have one, email Brian Nguyen at contact@apiequalityla.org with your t-shirt size (we carry unisex S-XXL and women's S-L) and you will be given one for free at the festival.
Saturday shifts: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
3:30 PM - 7:30 PM
7:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Sunday shifts:
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
2:30 PM - 6:30 PM
6:00 PM - 10:30 PM When: 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM on Saturday, June 11, 2011 and 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM on Sunday, June 12, 2011 Where: West Hollywood Park | San Vicente Boulevard between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue [Map]
Parking:Parking will be extremely limited. Suggested parking areas include East of Fairfax, Pacific Design Center, the Kings Road parking structure, and the Beverly Center. Questions/Volunteer: Brian Nguyen | contact@apiequalityla.org |
07/07/2011
API Equality-LA's 6th Anniversary/Aloha Celebration
Please join us as we commemorate API Equality-LA's 6th anniversary and send off our Founding Executive Director Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong to Hawaii. With a full-course Hawaiian buffet, entertainment, and drinks, it is a party you surely cannot miss. Aloha!
When: 5PM - 9PM, Thursday, July 7, 2011
Where: Asian Pacific American Legal Center (APALC) | 1145 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90017
Suggested Donation: $20 regular | $15 Students
Questions: Brian Nguyen | contact@apiequalityla.org
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06/06/2011:
Public Education Committee Meeting
Join us! This committee conducts speaker trainings (sometimes in multiple languages) to enable our volunteers to address the media, API organizations, conferences, classes, and churches. The committee also plans educational events to empower our supporters with information to build support for marriage equality among their friends, families, and constituents. A light dinner will be provided, so PLEASE RSVP!
When: 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM | Monday, June 6, 2011 Where: Asian Pacific American Legal Center (APALC) | 1145 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90017 [Map] Questions/RSVP: Greg Matsunami & Lori Lopez | contact@apiequalityla.org
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06/14/2011
General Coalition Meeting
Join us for our general coalition meeting! This is a great opportunity to learn about our upcoming work as well as meet other members. As a light dinner will be provided, PLEASE RSVP!
When: 6:45 PM - 8:00 PM | Tuesday, June 14, 2011 Where: Asian Pacific American Legal Center (APALC) | 1145 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90017 [Map] Questions/RSVP: Brian Nguyen | contact@apiequalityla.org
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06/20/2011
Fundraising Committee Meeting
Join us! We organize fundraising events (e.g., house parties, Bingo nights, restaurant mixers, etc). A light dinner will be provided, so PLEASE RSVP!
When: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM | Monday, June 20, 2011
Where: Asian Pacific American Legal Center (APALC) | 1145 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90017 [Map] Questions/RSVP: Yvonne Teruya & Steven Truong | contact@apiequalityla.org
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06/28/2011
Pioneers Project Planning Meeting
Join us to help plan the Pioneers Project! The Pioneers Project aims to document the oral history of API LGBT pioneering activists. As a light dinner will be provided, PLEASE RSVP!
When: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Tuesday, June 28, 2011 Where: Asian Pacific American Legal Center (APALC) | 1145 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90017 [Map] Questions/RSVP: Brian Nguyen | contact@apiequalityla.org
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07/05/2011:
Outreach & Recruitment Committee Meeting
Join us! This committee engages in planning our participation in parades as well our presence and outreach at community events, festivals, protests, demonstrations, etc. It is also responsible for reaching out to new community leaders, organizations, and celebrities. A light dinner will be provided, so PLEASE RSVP!
When: 7:00 - 9:00 PM | Tuesday, July 5, 2011 Where: Asian Pacific American Legal Center (APALC) | 1145 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90017 [Map] Questions/RSVP: Mimi Saidane | contact@apiequalityla.org
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07/06/2011:
Media & Website Committee Meeting
Join us! This committee develops relationships with Asian journalists, places articles in ethnic media, and produces content for our website, Facebook, and Twitter pages. A light dinner will be provided so PLEASE RSVP!
When: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Where: Asian Pacific American Legal Center (APALC) | 1145 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90017 [Map]
Questions/RSVP: Noel Alumit & Alan Chan |
contact@apiequalityla.org
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06/22/2011
Faith Committee Meeting
Join us! We will discuss our work to engage API Christian and Buddhist congregations. A light dinner will be provided, so PLEASE RSVP!
When: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Wednesday, June 22, 2011 Where: Asian Pacific American Legal Center (APALC) | 1145 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90017 [Map] Questions/RSVP: Alex H. Fukui & Ezra Evangelista | contact@apiequalityla.org
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Upcoming Community Events
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06/19/2011
Flash Mob for Japan Fundraiser
On June 19th, join LA Fun-Raising and Flash Mob America for an event you'll never forget! Surprise unsuspecting Angelenos as you and hundreds of flash mobbers burst into a choreographed dance to the shock, confusion, and delight of the crowd. 100% of proceeds from the sale of the flash mob t-shirts will go to the Japanese Red Cross.
When: 11:00AM - 3:30PM | Sunday, June 19, 2011 Where: Undisclosed Location in Los Angeles Questions/To Participate: For more information, visit their Facebook page
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LDIRs in Health Program 2011-2012
This year, the LDIR program is celebrating its 20th anniversary of facilitating movement building. Since 1991, LDIR has worked to raise consciousness, promote collaboration and power sharing, and provide practical skills and tools for effective strategies for social change.
In its twentieth year, LDIR is proud to announce the 3rd launch of the LDIRs in Health training program in Los Angeles this fall. LDIRs in Health grew out of LDIR's commitment to help community leaders support holistic community health by promoting food justice, peace, safety, and inclusive, culturally competent health practices. Through the 6-month LDIRs in Health training program, LDIR supports health advocates in deepening their analysis around the root causes of health disparities within their communities. Participants also develop skills to work collaboratively to create sustainable, community health projects.
Application Due Date: June 13, 2011 To Apply: Online: Click here | Fax: 213-977-7595 | Mail: 1145 Wilshire Blvd., 2nd Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90017 Questions: apply@ldir.org |
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Internship / Employment Opportunities
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| Director
API Equality-LA
Job Summary
The Director will oversee the overall work and growth of the organization, including fund development, the development of its short and long-term strategic plan, the implementation of its work plan, and support for various administrative and programmatic functions with emphasis in the areas of public education, outreach and recruitment (i.e., the API, faith, and youth communities), leadership development, and communications. The Director will work closely with the Steering Committee and Co-Chairs in carrying out these responsibilities and will be responsible for the overall functioning of the organization, including the supervision of staff, interns, or other volunteers. The Director will also serve as a spokesperson to media, help maintain external relations, and represent APIELA in coalition efforts, and oversee volunteer recruitment.
Title: Director
Reports to: Co-Chairs and Steering Committee (advisory board comprised of the APIELA Co-Chairs, committee leadership, and at-large members) of API Equality-LA
Location: Asian Pacific American Legal Center - Downtown LA
Status: Exempt, full-time, with benefits
Salary: $60,000-$65,000 (depending on experience)
Desired Start Date: July 1, 2011
Questions/Application Submission: Please email a resume and a cover letter to Marshall Wong at MWong@css.lacounty.gov.
For more information, please click here.
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Note: If you would like API Equality-LA to include an upcoming event or employment opportunity on our next newsletter, please email contact@apiequalityla.org by the 24th of the month. |
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About API Equality-LA
MISSION API Equality-LA advocates in the Greater Los Angeles API Community for the fair treatment of LGBT people and marriage equality.
VISION To create a society that celebrates the loves and lives of all people--free from discrimination and injustice. |
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Donate to API Equality-LA!
Help support and continue our work by donating to API Equality-LA! API Equality-LA is a fiscal project of the Asian Pacific American Legal Center (APALC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible.
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Internship/Employment Opportunities
API Equality-LA Director
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Contact
API Equality - LA
1145 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 107
Los Angeles, CA 90017-1900
Phone: (213) 290-5535
Fax: (213) 977-7595
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