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GAPSN in 1999
| GAPSN in 2002 | GAPSN in 1999 | GAPSN in 1990 | GAPSN in 1988 |
By Myron Quon
October, 1999
The Gay Asian Pacific Support Network is an organization that represents a revolution in history, since its inception in the 1980s. At that time, formalized networking among gay Asian men was unheard of or rare. The first and only community social organization for Asians and Pacific Islanders, Asian Pacific Lesbians and Gays, was a fertile breeding ground for the gay API leaders that felt there should be a new beginning - "the chip off the old block" - for greater structure and for an organization that would empower, represent, and groom leadership for gay API men.
GAPSN began in October 1984, then known as GARP (Gay Asian Rap). GARP was founded to offer a supportive environment for gay Asian Pacific Islander men to meet and network. In 1990, responding to the need for additional programs, advocacy work, and greater structure, GARP became GAPSN. Over the next decade, GAPSN grew tremendously, began to provide many programs, and is recognized as the leading gay API organization.
- Coming Out
Providing a supportive environment, which has been GAPSN's continued mission, required organized focus on members's needs such as the formation of "A Place for You," GAPSN's support group for newly coming out API members, and "GAPSN Classic," GAPSN's group for mature-minded gay API men. GAPSN also created coordinator roles for specific efforts in social planning, community awareness, and contributions.
For the Millennium, GAPSN will continue with its efforts to meet its mission - to provide a supportive environment for gay and bisexual API men, in order for them to meet, network, voice concerns, foster self-empowerment and advocate on issues of significance to the gay API community. GAPSN welcomes gay and bisexual API men to become members. Folks from the larger community that support GAPSN and its mission statement can join as supporters.
- Networking
Want some legal advice? How about free computer lessons? A free trip to Disneyland? Pick up a new hobby or learn how to have a complete make-over? These are just a few things you can have if you know the right person. Unfortunately, making the right connection is often difficult. The key is networking. Networking in a supportive environment provides a powerful framework in which to bring gay Asian Pacific Islanders and supporters together to share information, knowledge, interests and resources.
- Empowerment
As individuals, our voices are often unheard, and our resources and opportunities are limited. As a group, our voice is strong, our resources abundant and the potential endless. On a personal level, sharing stories or experiences and bonding with individuals from similar backgrounds validate and enrich our lives. On a community level, we become a substantial political presence that cannot be ignored.
The Gay Asian Pacific Support Network empowers the entire queer API community. GAPSN advocates on issues of importance to the mainstream queer community and the mainstream API community. GAPSN provides the grassroots organizational infrastructure to disseminate information efficiently. People become aware of issues more effectively, raising the chances of protecting our constituencies and procuring those rights that are denied to us. GAPSN serves as a resource to funnel important information concerning policy and political issues to its members and the rest of the community. GAPSN also endorses political candidates and initiatives. GAPSN now is invited to speak with state and national politicians. GAPSN provides a voice for the gay and bisexual male API community.
- Individual Members
While GAPSN offers support and networking, GAPSN is also about people like you and me. GAPSN recognizes that every individual has something to offer and every individual has unmet needs. While GAPSN doesn't promise solutions to every problem you might have or the fulfillment of your every wish, GAPSN provides something infinitely more important: the potential to make your life a better one.
- Monthly Discussions
The organization holds monthly meetings that provide conversations in a relaxed atmosphere. The meetings, or "Rap," provide a sense of intimacy with fellow gay and bisexual Asians. The topic at the rap involves issues beyond those found in most non-gay discussions. The raps are also a good way of receiving information about community events and just keeping in touch with fellow members.
- Singles Events
As well as the raps, there are scheduled socials such as skating, holiday parties, camping, amusement parks, and more that bring GAPSN members together. At the socials, just like the raps, you get to know the members, but in a different atmosphere. Some of the social events are joint collaborations with other gay organizations. When these brother organizations come together, you meet a larger segment of the gay community.
- Political Awareness
GAPSN has contributed significantly to the advancement of civil and human rights. Fundraising, outreach, petitions, lobbying, and publications are some of the venues that GAPSN uses to voice our opinion on issues of importance to our community. By informing our members and the community about gay issues as well as API issues, we catalyze change and leadership that makes a difference.
- Cultural
Not only has GAPSN played a big role in political issues, GAPSN promotes awareness of our Asian heritage. By participating in cultural events, we are reminded of our API pride and history. Sponsoring movies, plays, conferences, and Asian Pacific American Heritage Month are only some of the ways that GAPSN brings us closer to our Asian roots.
