From InformAsian, GARP (GAPSN) Monthly Newsletter, July 1988

Founded in Long Beach in October 1984, GARP was a pioneering organization because it was set up to meet the needs of Gay Asian men. Even now, almost four years later, the only similar organization in the United States is GAPA in San Francisco, which was started in January 1988. GARP recognizes the two of the most important factors that shape our lives: our sexual orientation and our race.

Majoritarian society in America exerts very strong assimilationist influences on each of us. It encourages everyone to pass as straight and to think as white men. Therefore, joining GARP creates the opportunity to become more aware of our Asian heritage and to come to terms with being a member of America'' most oppressed minority. Recognition of what it means to be a gay Asian can lead to the affirmation of oneself as being simultaneously gay and Asian.

As a special committee works on formulating goals for our organization it will need the help of all interested persons so that the traditional goal of support can be supplemented by other objectives that will appeal to the diversity of needs and interests that exists among our members.