Each year in May, organizations and individuals across the country celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. While the accomplishments of the communities should be celebrated year-round, May marks a specific moment to uplift and amplify AAPI stories, voices, and advocates whose achievements and insights are essential in pushing our culture forward.
Last month, on Saturday, May 18, 2024, Act To Change (a national organization working to end bullying among AAPI youth) held the 6th Annual National AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate. Act To Change has led the annual commemoration of National AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate since 2019, leading the charge to raise awareness, highlight the resiliency of the community, and combat hate and bias. In addition to rallying the nation around the anti-bullying campaign, the day also serves to honor the memory of Vincent Chin, who tragically lost his life to anti-AAPI violence.
In-person activations also included an event called “Imagine a Day Without (AAPI) Bullying.” Held at Rideback Ranch, the day included an immersive luncheon with impact panels, roundtable discussions, and interactive sessions around bullying awareness and prevention.
In addition to in-person events and a social media campaign, Act To Change also honored a number of awardees for their culture-changing work and contributions. Among the awardees was Geena Rocero, an Emmy-nominated and award-winning producer, writer, and director. Rocero is also the author of Horse Barbie: A Memoir of Reclamation, which was described as “A moving chronicle of trans resilience and joy” by Vogue. In 2023, Rocero was also named as one of OUT100’s most impactful and influential LGBTQ people for her work within media as well as her advocacy and activism.
Reflecting on this year’s celebrations, Soukprida Phetmisy, Executive Director of Act To Change, said: “We proudly celebrated AAPI youth leaders and Vincent Chin’s legacy at the 6th Annual AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate in Los Angeles this year. Every year, the young leaders of today inspire us with their commitment to ending bullying and injustice. As shown by our 2024 AAPI Bullying Survey, 1 in 3 youth were bullied in school last year. But, we also found that if youth felt like they belonged at school, they were significantly less likely to experience the depression or anxiety that comes from bullying. Act To Change’s mission of ending bullying is still as urgent as ever, and we stay committed to empowering young leaders through our initiatives like the Youth Ambassador Program and Homeroom Anti-Bullying Workshop.”
As found in Act To Change’s Bullying Survey, AAPI youth, and especially AAPI Youth who are also LGBTQ, often face increased discrimination, harassment, and bullying as they harbor multiple marginalized identities. The work that organizations such as Act To Change are doing is so essential to driving tangible change, equity, and equality. And organizations who advocate on behalf of marginalized communities and communities of color must continue to work together to eradicate hate and bias.
To stay up to date with Act To Change, support their work year-round, and take part in next year’s National AAPI Day Against Bullying, visit their website and follow them on Instagram, X, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook.