When we think about individuals fighting for social change, Asian American women, transgender, and gender nonconforming folks often come to mind last — which is unfortunate. I must confess that until I took the initiative to explore Asian and Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) history, I wasn’t aware of many activists in this community either. I mistakenly believed that activism was primarily a cause for Black and Brown individuals, but I was completely mistaken.
In celebration of the fearless women who have paved the way and continue to inspire change, here are 11 Asian American women activists whose stories deserve recognition, especially as we approach International Women’s Day.
1. Mei Lin Chen
Mei Lin Chen, a Chinese American activist, earned her Ph.D. in 1940 but faced barriers to academic employment due to her race and gender. After moving to Chicago, she became involved in tenant rights activism and dedicated her life to advocating for the African American community.
2. Aiko Tanaka
Aiko Tanaka, a Japanese American civil rights leader, was forcibly relocated to incarceration camps during World War II. After the war, she and her husband settled in New York City, where she hosted activist meetings in her home and campaigned for reparations and justice for Japanese Americans, as well as opposing racial profiling against marginalized groups.
3. Priya Sharma
Priya Sharma is an award-winning community organizer and social worker who focuses on anti-oppression education, including decolonizing sexuality and disability justice. She co-owns a therapy center in Philadelphia, where she draws from her experiences as a bisexual, nonbinary Indian American survivor of domestic violence.
4. Kavita Rao
Kavita Rao is a Dalit artist and activist who leads Equality Labs, a group dedicated to fighting caste discrimination and promoting social justice. Her work addresses issues of casteism within the Indian diaspora and its impact on various American communities.
5. Moana Kaimana
Moana Kaimana is a Native Hawaiian transgender woman and community leader, known for her advocacy in transgender health. She played a pivotal role in the marriage equality movement in Hawaii and educates others about the historical acceptance of queerness in Hawaiian culture.
6. Lara Santos
Lara Santos is a Filipina-American author and poet who has received multiple awards for her work on gender and LGBTQIA+ issues. Currently in the financial sector, she also writes about culture and politics, contributing weekly columns to various platforms.
7. Leilani Tui
Leilani Tui is an acclaimed poet and community figure who has spent over a decade advocating for Pacific Islander rights and LGBTQIA+ issues. She received the Champion of Change Award for her significant contributions to her community and continues to fight for climate justice and education.
8. Sara Nuri
Sara Nuri is a prominent Palestinian Muslim American activist and co-founder of a major digital organizing platform for Muslims. Known for her work in civil rights, she has championed numerous causes, including immigration reform and racial justice.
9. Mei Wong
Mei Wong is a Chinese American activist and author whose significant contributions to the Asian American movement have made her a leading figure in advocating for human rights. She was instrumental in mobilizing the community for justice following the tragic murder of Vincent Chin in 1982.
10. Jaya Kumar
Jaya Kumar is a dedicated activist for LGBTQIA+ rights who has spent over two decades working to address discrimination against the transgender community. As a former head of a major LGBTQ+ organization, she has advocated for health equity and the rights of those living with HIV/AIDS.
11. Asha Thao
Asha Thao is a Hmong American activist, social entrepreneur, and leader in her community, focusing on gender equity and family violence prevention. Her experiences as a refugee have shaped her advocacy work, leading her to create initiatives that empower Hmong families.
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In summary, these remarkable Asian American women activists have made significant contributions to social justice, civil rights, and community empowerment. Their stories inspire us to recognize and honor the diverse voices within the activism landscape.