FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Black Asian Trans Solidarity Power Rally, Los Angeles, May 21, 2022
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The Blasian March, GYOPO, Stop DiscriminAsian, QueerX, and Invisible Men Calls on Los Angeles to Rally for Trans* Rights. The Black Asian Trans Solidarity Power Rally advocates for trans rights through the lens of Black-Asian solidarity.
* When referencing Trans identities, we also wish to recognize 2Spirit, Nonbinary, Genderqueer and all Gender Expansive identities with euphoric welcome.
“Trans people are magic and sacred! We are valid! We deserve to be loved and cared for.”
Luckie Alexander
LOS ANGELES — The Blasian March, founded by organizer Rohan Zhou-Lee as an initiative to build solidarity between Black, Asian, and Blasian communities, proudly presents the Black Asian Trans Solidarity Power Rally in Los Angeles in coalition with GYOPO, Stop DiscriminAsian, QueerX, and Invisible Men. First held in New York in 2021, the Los Angeles rally continues the celebration of the trans community and advocacy for trans rights through the lens of Black-Asian solidarity. With the increased spread of transphobic violence and anti-trans legislation throughout the United States, the Black Asian Trans Solidarity Power Rally calls for mutual support from local Black, Asian, and Blasian communities, demanding urgent attention for trans rights from the greater Los Angeles community. This action will occur May 21, 2022 at 4 PM in Pershing Square.
“Trans people are essential to Black, Asian, and Blasian communities,” says Zhou-Lee. “That means anything transphobic is a Stop Asian Hate issue. Anything transphobic is a Black Lives Matter issue. Our solidarity must always include trans people.” Featuring a speaker line-up of trans leaders and advocates, including Zhou-Lee, artist and activist YK Hong and LA trans community leader Luckie Alexander Fuller, we invite Los Angeles to join in amplifying and celebrating Black, Asian, and Blasian trans voices, demanding trans rights within all communities. Through organizing the Black Asian Trans Solidarity Power Rally, the Blasian March, GYOPO, Stop DiscriminAsian, QueerX, and Invisible Men aim to promote tangible action items for the wider community from trans speakers and other individuals to further uplift Trans, 2Spirit, Nonbinary, Genderqueer, and all Gender Non-Conforming folks of color.
“With love we choose each other. With purpose we hold the truth. We clarity we choose liberation.”
YK Hong.
The Los Angeles rally is set for May 21, 2022 with a march leading to the rally, a healing ceremony, speakers, voguing performances, a binder giveaway, among other celebrations. Press members are invited to attend and interview organizers and attendees. The Black Asian Trans Solidarity Power Rally is free and open to the public. Wearing a mask and social distancing is strongly encouraged. Free PPE safety material (COVID tests, masks, hand sanitizer, etc) will be provided by Gender Justice LA. The Blasian March, GYOPO, Stop DiscriminAsian, QueerX, and Invisible Men can also be found on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter; the day-of event will be livestreamed with subtitles for people who cannot attend. For any further questions about the livestream or anything else, please email blasianmarchla@gmail.com.
In remembrance this rally recognizes the painful history of the 1992 Los Angeles Uprisings – also known among the Korean community as Saigu – which occurred in April and May 1992. 30 years ago our Los Angeles Black and Korean communities were left to burn as media coverage amplified violent tensions and city services prioritized the wealthy in West LA. We hold space for this public history to honor past, present, and future solidarity between our Black and Asian communities. For more information on the Public History of the L.A. Uprisings, please read an upcoming article by Shengxiao “Sole” Yu in Mochi Magazine.
We are grateful for major support from GYOPO and Stop DiscriminAsian, made possible by funding from The Ford Foundation.
Pro Bono ASL Interpreters will be at the event
WHO: The Blasian March, GYOPO, Stop DiscriminAsian, QueerX, Invisible Men
WHAT: The Black Asian Trans Solidarity Power Rally
WHERE: Los Angeles. Pershing Square
WHEN: Saturday, May 21, 2022 4 PM
Partner Organizations: Blasian March, Stop DiscriminAsian, GYOPO, QueerX, Invisible Men
Supporting Organizations: APLA Health, Asians 4 Abolition, Bifurious Podcast, Keep Beyond, Militantly Mixed, Nectar, Pro Bono ASL, Sk8 and Meet Santana, among others
Invisible Men 