To be Asian in this country is to feel minimized, erased, and ignored. It's to feel like you don't belong anywhere. You're too white for other Asians, and too Exotic for Americans.
It's this weird space where we have more privilege than other communities, but are othered. And no matter what, when we try to speak out about the trauma we face, the racism we face... we are usually told… it doesn't exist. Because we are the model minority. And because of this constant gaslighting, we begin to doubt ourselves.
Being Chinese is a critical part of my story as an emotional abuse and domestic violence survivor. And the unique barriers that I faced because I am Chinese affected how I was abused, and how I had to navigate my trauma. And something I realized along my journey was just how limited resources were. I couldn't really find survivors who looked like me, who understood how my background affected my story. Wanted resources that matched my background.
This campaign is our way of filling in the gaps we see in resources and tools for Asian Americans. We are trying to create what we ourselves needed as survivors, to combat abuse from outside our communities.. And within it.
Along the way we will deep dive into the history of racism and objectification of Asians in the US, explore the unique barriers Asians face, and how to navigate it as a survivor and an ally.
We are creating what we wish we had. And we hope you will join us. Welcome to the AAPI Army.