A Queer Lunar New Year!

Celebrating GAPA’s 38th Anniversary

Dear GAPA Members, Friends, Guests, and Allies,

Happy Lunar New Year!

My heart is still full after a magical evening on Friday, February 20, 2026, as we celebrated the 38th Anniversary of the GLBTQ+ Asian Pacific Alliance (GAPA) alongside Lunar New Year in partnership with The Chan National Queer Arts Center.

A Meaningful Partnership

This special collaboration began when the team at the Chan Center approached GAPA to produce their Lunar New Year celebration. After witnessing the seamless production of our Runway pageant, they knew GAPA would be the right partner to bring this vision to life. What followed were months of thoughtful planning and coordination to create an evening worthy of both milestones.

Together, we celebrated two powerful occasions:

● GAPA’s 38th Anniversary

● Lunar New Year — the Year of the Horse

An Evening of Celebration and Community

The evening began with a lively mixer in the Chan Center’s beautiful lobby, where guests enjoyed drinks from one of three bars and captured memories in front of the GAPA banner.

When doors opened at 6:30 PM, attendees were greeted by a breathtaking moon installation glowing brightly as they entered the grand hall — a stunning and symbolic welcome to the celebration.

Guests were treated to small plates from three featured food vendors: Kusina Ni Javen Jasel, Fely’s Cuisine, and Dumpling House.

Each offered signature dishes that delighted the crowd and reflected the richness of our community’s culinary traditions.

Guiding us through the evening was our electrifying emcee, Mx Kiki Krunch, whose charisma and energy carried the magic forward as she introduced performers and honored our award recipients.

Contributing to an unforgettable evening were dynamic performances by our current reigning Royals, Miss GAPA 2025 Quinn Amann Krunch and Mister GAPA 2025 Seika Ryu, along with GAPA Dance Collective, GAPA Men’s Chorus, Nā Lei Hulu i ka Wēkiu, Mabuhay Bitches, Masala Mahal, Rice Rockettes, ROYALES, and SGI Dance Collective.

Their artistry, cultural expression, and vibrant energy brought the celebration to life and beautifully reflected the diversity and talent within our QTAPI community.

Honoring Our Awardees

We were proud to recognize the following individuals and organizations for their leadership and impact:

● Donald Masuda Vanguard Award — Patrick Makuakāne

● George Choy Award of Recognition — Connie Chan

● Doug Yaranon Community Ally Award — Bay Area Physicians for Human Rights (BAPHR)

● Lavender Godzilla “Godzy” Award — Jethro Patalinghug

Each awardee represents the courage, artistry, advocacy, and allyship that strengthen and uplift our QTAPI community.

Gratitude & Appreciation

This celebration would not have been possible without the dedication of the gala planning team: Jethro Patalinghug, Mx Kiki Krunch, John Maze, Dino Duazo, Dane Paul Andres, and Molly Sender and Jeff Stensberg of the Chan Center.

We are also deeply grateful to the staff and volunteers of the Chan Center, and to GAPA Board and volunteers: James, John, and Steven for their invaluable support.

Thank you to our presenting sponsors, Terrence Chan and Edward Sell, for supporting the Lunar New Year Celebration, and to Mark Porter for sponsoring GAPA’s 38th Anniversary.

Lastly, thanks to Estefany Gonzalez (Instagram:@estefancy), for being GAPA’s official photographer for the event. Please visit our website to see the pictures from the event at www.gapa.org/banquet

This celebration was more than an event — it was a powerful reminder of GAPA’s longevity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to uplifting and advocating for the QTAPI community. Despite the challenges we face as a nation, our community continues to gather, celebrate, and push forward together.

Thank you for celebrating and being a part of GAPA’s legacy.

With immense gratitude and pride,

Rowland Mendoza
GAPA Chair

For event Program Book, click here.