By David Hong & P Chow
From InformAsian, GAPSN monthly newsletter, Febuary, 1989

Dear Members,

1988 was a pivotal year for the GAY ASIAN RAP. We began our membership with 31 members and ended our year with 41 members. We accomplish this through interesting topics, such as, "Swing the closet door open and jumping out with gusto", "AIDS on a personal level", "Asian and Asian Relationship", "Masculinity and Femininity in Gay Asian Culture", and other related topics of interest.

June marked our emergence in our first gay pride parade. Not only did we march, but also we marched in style in purple T-shirts emblazoned with our GARP logo. More than 30 strong marched in unity. This united effort was coordinated by Dennis Akazawa who persuaded our members of the need for visible positive gay Asian role modes. He stressed that the GAY ASIAN RAP should be a proud visible and vocal group encouraging gay Asians to come out. Indeed we were visible carrying our signs and banner that read "RIGHTFULLY PROUD GAY ASIANS". In doing so, we claimed our right to be recognized in both the Asian and gay communities.

In the summer, we began organizing for the future of GARP. We brainstormed and felt the need to expand. Our first "coming out" effort into the gay community was our very first successful Halloween Dance Party Extravaganza well attended by over 300 guests. We thank the "Last Empress" himself for the success of the fundraiser. We raised over $400.00 for the "MINORITY AIDS PROJECT" and a "few dollars" for GARP as well.

In the fall of 1988, a contest was held to rename our Newsletter with a title that was fitting for our group. Over 22 names were submitted with the winning title, "INFORMASIAN" submitted by our "Last Empress", Leo Hsu.

The remainder of the year was spent developing our newly formed interim committees. They are as follows: AIDS, Publication, Social/Fundraising, and Support/Outreach. These committees are chaired respectively by our level-headed Ed Yee, conscientious John Chen, Leo "Last Empress" Hsu/John "Fun Boy" Matsubara, and concerned Ross Hirabayashi. Leading the effort this year are tow very handsome happily attached but eligible and very humble interim Co-Chairs, P Chow and David Hong.

Closing the year, we held a Holiday Party for GARP members and their friends, If you didn't make it, you missed an excellent dinner and an abundance of desserts prepared by each of us.

We welcome the New Year with much anticipation and optimism. 1989 can prove to be another growing year for GARP. Expanding our Outreach program, providing AIDS education, networking with other gay Asian groups from across the globe, fundraising, and hosting an upcoming film festival are just a few of our prospective plans.

Sadly, 1989 began with the passing of our long-time member, confidant, artist, and friend, Dennis Akazawa. Dennis, AKA Miss Yoo-Hoo and the Dragon Lady was a visible and outspoken Asian man who always made a point that he was to be referred to as a gay Asian man. His honesty and visibility has always been inspirational. Dennis will always be remembered as a role model for gay Asian men.

With love,

P Chow and David Hong