Dear Community,
Last year, I wrote in this newsletter about how, in order to come to terms with my queerness, I assimilated into mainland American LGBTQIA+ culture.
What I didn’t mention then was that since coming out, I have been apprehensive to engage with the Pacific Islander organizations in our region. Would those spaces be welcoming and affirming to me, a queer CHamoru looking to foster a deeper connection with people that share my heritage?
Recently, I had an interaction with an elder where they intimated that LGBTQIA+ identity is not part of our culture’s values. The emotions I experienced in the wake of this exchange was shock, sadness, anger, until eventually landing on confusion. Why would this person, an elder and cultural practitioner, reinforce homophobic ideals propagated by colonialism? These beliefs use tradition to reinforce exclusion and hate. Queer people work to reclaim cultural practice as a way of honoring the full spectrum of who we are.
In my experience, it has been queer people that are the caretakers of culture. Guma’ Gela’ is an art collective based in the Pacific Northwest that explores the stories of trans and queer CHamoru people. In April, local Lao organizers coordinated the second annual LGBTQIA+ celebration of Thai, Lao, and Cambodian New Year. It is important to them to honor their roots and create an inclusive event.
This AAPI Heritage Month, we hope that you know that queerness is essential to shaping and preserving cultural traditions. If you are interested in connecting with others that share your cultural values, we invite you to the QAPIMEDA Open House & Mixer. QAPIMEDA creates inclusive spaces designed to foster meaningful discussions about the intersection of individuals who identify as Desi, Middle-Eastern, Pacific Islander, Asian, and LGBTQIA+.
I feel inspired to continue seeking spaces that celebrate both my queerness and CHamoru identity, finding empowerment in the interconnectedness of our community. Our stories, when fully embraced and authentically expressed, are powerful reminders of resilience, belonging, and joy.
Joe Fejeran (he/him)
Pride Volunteer
San Diego Pride raises funds primarily through festival ticket and beverage sales, and through sponsorships, and exhibitor fees. These funds support San Diego Pride’s community philanthropy which has distributed more than $2.5 million in advancement of its mission to foster pride, equality, and respect for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities locally, nationally, and globally.
