Standing in solidarity with the Asian community

Across the nation, we continue to see an increase of the hate crimes targeting the Asian community. From the attacks on elderly Asian people on the streets to the recent mass shooting in Atlanta, anti-Asian hate crimes continue to spike across the US. The use of racist and xenophobic terms like “Chinese Virus” have stoked dangerous, violent anti-Asian attitudes and attacks, tearing apart our communities and leaving America deeply divided.

I came to the United States in 2012 to pursue my “American Dream,” just like many other Asian immigrants. I used to “just let it go” when I was made fun of for my Asian identity, but things have worsened over the last couple of years. Last year, while visiting a friend in Beverly Hills, I was verbally assaulted on the street by a stranger with a loudspeaker. With recent hate crimes and incidents against our Asian community, I realized that remaining silent is no longer an option. It is time for us to unite to fight for racial justice and to protect our community. 

The SF LGBT Center stands with the Asian community. As a board member at the Center, I urge you to join this fight for racial justice in our community. It will take tremendous time and effort to build equality and equity, and now it is time for us to come together on this journey to build a society with liberty and justice for all.

In community,
 
Jack Chen
Board Member
SF LGBT Center