When we think about social activism, Asian American women, transgender, and gender nonconforming individuals often don’t come to mind—and that’s a loss for all of us. I have to admit that before diving deep into the histories and contributions of Asian and Asian Pacific Islander Desi Americans (APIDA), I was unaware of their significant roles. I mistakenly believed activism was solely the domain of Black and Brown communities. I couldn’t have been more mistaken.
In celebration of the remarkable women who have paved the way for change, here are 11 Asian American women activists to inspire us and future generations, just in time for International Women’s Day.
1. Mei Lin Zhang
Mei Lin Zhang, a pioneering Chinese American activist, earned her Ph.D. in 1940 but faced barriers to academia due to her race and gender. She relocated to Chicago, where she began working at a philosophy library and was introduced to the struggles of the African American community, becoming an advocate for tenants’ rights.
2. Aiko Tanaka
In her twenties, Japanese American activist Aiko Tanaka was forcibly relocated to internment camps alongside her family. After World War II, she settled in New York City, where she hosted weekly activist gatherings in her home. Tanaka fought tirelessly for civil rights across marginalized communities and sought reparations for Japanese Americans impacted by internment.
3. Rina Patel
Rina Patel is a celebrated community organizer, social worker, and educator. As a global educator on anti-oppression, she advocates for decolonizing sexuality and promoting fat-positive wellness. Patel co-owns the Radical Therapy Center in Philadelphia, where she draws from her experiences as a fat, bisexual, nonbinary Indian American domestic violence survivor.
4. Anjali Singh
Anjali Singh is a Dalit filmmaker and activist, currently leading Equality Labs, an organization focused on combating caste discrimination, Islamophobia, and white supremacy. Singh’s work highlights casteism within the Indian diaspora, shedding light on its prevalence in U.S. institutions.
5. Kaimana Nahele
Kaimana Nahele is a Native Hawaiian transgender woman and community leader who founded the Kulia Na Mamo project, focusing on transgender health. Known as Kumu Hina, she has been a powerful advocate for marriage equality and cultural recognition of queerness in Hawaiian society.
6. Linh Tran
Award-winning Filipina-American author Linh Tran has made her mark as a poet and essayist, particularly in gender and LGBTQIA+ advocacy. She writes a column addressing cultural and political issues for Rappler.com while working in the financial sector.
7. Moana Kealoha
Moana Kealoha is a queer Samoan American poet and community leader who has been active for over a decade. In 2012, she received President Obama’s Champion of Change Award for her efforts in uplifting the Pacific Islander community and advocating for climate justice.
8. Nadia Alavi
Formerly the executive director of the Arab American Association of New York, Nadia Alavi is a Palestinian Muslim American activist fighting for racial justice and civil rights. As a co-founder of MPOWER Change, she has been at the forefront of issues like police surveillance of Muslims and broader civil rights initiatives.
9. Lila Chen
Chinese American activist Lila Chen has been a strong voice for human rights and LGBTQIA+ rights for more than two decades. As a transgender woman living with HIV, she combats systemic inequalities and advocates for the health of marginalized communities.
10. Bo Thao-Urabe
Hmong American activist Bo Thao-Urabe heads the Coalition of Asian American Leaders (CAAL) in Minnesota and served under the Obama Administration’s White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Her advocacy for gender equity is deeply influenced by her experiences as a refugee.
11. Maya Kim
Maya Kim is a trailblazer in the Asian American movement, known for her contributions to women’s rights and LGBTQIA+ advocacy. She played a crucial role in mobilizing the Asian American community following the tragic murder of Vincent Chin in 1982.
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Summary
This article highlights 11 influential Asian American women activists who have made significant contributions to social justice and civil rights. From addressing issues of race and gender to advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and community health, these women serve as inspirations for future generations.
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