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what is GAPA?

The Gay Asian Pacific Alliance (GAPA), is an organization dedicated to furthering the interests of gay & bisexual Asian/Pacific Islanders by creating awareness, by developing a positive collective identity and by establishing a supportive community. GAPA was formed from the need for an organization to address, through a democratic process, social, cultural and political issues affecting the gay & bisexual Asian/Pacific Islander community.

In July 1987, several members from the Asian Gay Men's Support Group at Berkeley's Pacific Center met and discussed the need to integrate and nurture a growing gay & bisexual Asian/Pacific Islander identity and to foster positive role models within our community. After several monthly meetings and a business retreat, the Gay Asian Pacific Alliance was formally organized in January 1988.

Although based in San Francisco, members come from all parts of the Bay area and beyond. GAPA was created for men of all Asian/Pacific Islander backgrounds. Whether we are immigrants or American-born, gay or bisexual Asian/Pacific Islander men, we all share common areas. They include:

• Sexual Identity
• Racial and cultural bond
• Familial background and values

our purpose

The purpose of GAPA is to provide a progressive forum where we can develop an agenda by actively pursing and addressing issues that directly affect gay & bisexual Asian/Pacific Islanders. In addition, we are building a community for gay & bisexual Asian/Pacific Islander men where we can be supportive of each other and achieve empowerment for ourselves by developing leadership.

our goals

GAPA members are working toward these goals:

• Provide resources, role models and visibility for gay & bisexual Asian/Pacific Islander men.
• Establish communication and network with local, national and international groups to share our concerns and visions.
• Enhance the participation of gay & bisexual Asian/Pacific Islander Islanders in the lesbian/gay,Asian/Pacific Islander and other communities.
• Counter homophobia, racism and
• HIV/AIDS through community education and positive actions.

benefits include

... developing friendships with other gay & bisexual Asian/Pacific Islander men.

... enjoying the variety of social, cultural and political events.

... volunteering in community efforts with other gay & bisexual Asian/Pacific Islander.

... voicing your issues as an avenue to make things happen.

... exploring your organizational skills and enhancing your leadership potential

... participating in various workshops presented by dynamic speakers on gay & bisexual Asian/Pacific Islander issues.

... receiving discounts to most of GAPA's events.

... subscriptions.

... and much more.

why should you join?

Some of the reasons for becoming a part of GAPA are:

• Join a support network if you are just "coming out."
• Explore your options for involvement in this ever growing and supportive "family"
• Meet and work with other gay & bisexual Asian/Pacific Islanders on issues that affect you.
• Stay in tuned with current political and social issues.
• Develop a positive self-image.
• For the love of men.

There are many other reasons members have in joining GAPA. Ultimately, the decision to join is a personal one. GAPA is an excellent place to start integrating all the gay & bisexual and Asian/Pacific Islander sensibilities.

what are you into?

social

Working in conjunction with Cafe Godzilla, this committee provides a social outlet for members and supporters to meet new friends in a more informal and relaxed setting. It organizes dance, sporting events, parties, banquets, picnics and outings.

cultural

To encourage artistic growth, awareness and empowerment among members, this committee organizes cultural events designed to showcase talents in the arts--from Cafe Godzilla (in small, intimate settings) to full-length productions (in large venues). It also aims to increase gay & bisexual Asian/Pacific Islander visibility in the arts through collaborative projects with artists in the community. The GAPA Men's Chorus, GAPA Dance Company, and GAPA Theatre provide a nurturing artistic environment for singers and dancers, and have won recognition since their founding (the Dance Company was the recipient of the 1992 Cable Car Award for Outstanding Dance Group).

special events

In addition to our ongoing activities, members also participate in a number of special events: GAPA's Annual Banquet provides an important opportunity for the group to present itself to the larger lesbian/gay/bisexual and Asian/Pacific Islander communities. Runway, featuring the Miss GAPA and Gay Asian Pacific Man Pageant, encourages individuals to flaunt their most create inclinations. And our year-long flurry of activity is capped by our outpouring of pride during the Lesbian and Gay Freedom Day Parade, not to mention the Chinese New Year Parade and the Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival.

membership

This committee plays a liaison role between GAPA and gay & bisexual Asian/Pacific Islanders who share our concerns. It provides information and helps prospective members understand our goals and vision. Within the organization, it encourages and coordinates the existing members to participate in the various activities of GAPA. Another important tasks is to maintain an information system for member, supporters, subscribers and prospective members.

publications

Lavender Godzilla is meant to give voice to the concerns and interests of GAPA. The bulletin is published monthly and contains articles and announcements of interest to members and supporters. The Magazine provides a showcase for the literary and artistic talents of gay & bisexual Asian/Pacific Islander men, featuring fiction, personal experience, poetry, interviews, critiques, photography and artwork.

membership & support

* Our monthly Lavender Godzilla newsletter is available at www.gapa.org. Members/supporters receive an email each month to alert them when the newsletter is posted. If you would like to receive a hard copy in the mail, please add a $10 mailing surcharge per year. International members/supporters, add $25 per year.

Please download this GAPA Membership form (PDF) and mail to:

GAPA, P.O. Box 421884, San Francisco, CA 94142-1884

You may contact us by sending an E-mail message to: