The Gay Asian Pacific Alliance (GAPA) in San Francisco Bay Area, 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:
- 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.
