At Apicha Community Health Center (CHC), we understand the importance of recognizing and celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, not only as a time of reflection and appreciation but also as an opportunity to communicate and address the needs of the community. As we explore AAPI history this month, we are excited to unveil the results of our yearlong study, meticulously conducted to address the health and wellness needs of New York City's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) AAPI communities—a crucial step toward understanding and meeting their unique healthcare requirements.
AAPI Heritage Month holds profound significance for us at Apicha Community Health Center. Our roots trace back to our formation as the Asian Pacific Islander Coalition on HIV/AIDS (A.P.I.C.H.A.), which was created to address the specific needs of AAPI individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Over the years, we evolved into a multi-site federally qualified health center, expanding our mission to provide high-quality, equitable, and culturally responsive care to diverse communities, including AAPI, LGBTQ+, and persons living with HIV/AIDS.
Join us as we commemorate AAPI Heritage Month, celebrating the triumphs, resilience, and cultural diversity of the AAPI community. We invite you to explore the history of this observance and learn about its evolution into a platform for fostering inclusivity and understanding.
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History of AAPI Heritage Month
AAPI Heritage Month is observed in the United States during the month of May each year to celebrate and honor the contributions, history, and culture of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
The origins of AAPI Heritage Month can be traced back to the late 1970s. In 1977, a group of Asian American organizations proposed the idea of a commemorative week to recognize the accomplishments and experiences of Asian Americans. They chose the first week of May to coincide with two significant anniversaries: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad, in which a majority of the workers were Chinese immigrants, on May 10, 1869.
In response to the proposal, Congress introduced a joint resolution in 1978 to proclaim the first ten days of May as "Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week." The resolution was signed into law by President Jimmy Carter on October 5, 1978. The following year, May 4–10, 1979, was designated as the first Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week.
Over time, the observance expanded from a week-long celebration to a month-long one. In 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed a bill passed by Congress to extend the commemoration to the entire month of May, officially designating May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.
The change from "Asian/Pacific American Heritage" to "Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage" reflects the recognition of the diverse communities that make up the AAPI population, including individuals with origins from East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands.
AAPI Heritage Month provides an opportunity to promote a greater understanding and appreciation of the rich history, achievements, and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to the cultural, economic, and social fabric of the United States. It is a time to celebrate the diverse cultures, traditions, and experiences of the AAPI community and to raise awareness about the challenges and issues they face.
Unveiling: the Health & Wellness Needs of New York’s LGBTQ Asian and Pacific Islanders
To acknowledge AAPI Heritage Month, Apicha CHC is unveiling of the results from its yearlong study on the health and wellness needs of New York City's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) Asian, Asian American, South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Pacific Islander communities. This comprehensive needs assessment, the first of its kind, has not only identified the pressing healthcare needs of these communities but has also shed light on the barriers hindering access to quality care.
The study's findings emphasize the often-overlooked needs of LGBTQ Asians, revealing the reluctance of many Asian American healthcare providers to offer services specifically tailored to LGBTQ individuals. Additionally, the language and cultural barriers faced by LGBTQ providers who lack a comprehensive understanding of the unique Asian experience have further exacerbated this issue. Recognizing the significance of culturally-competent, linguistically-appropriate, and LGBTQ-sensitive care, Apicha CHC has remained steadfast in its commitment to delivering inclusive and compassionate healthcare to vulnerable New Yorkers.
The study's results will play a pivotal role in shaping Apicha CHC's future programs and services, particularly at its new Center in Jackson Heights, Queens. The insights gained from the bilingual survey, encompassing 344 LGBTQ APIs across nine Asian languages and scripts, along with the input gathered from focus groups representing underserved high-risk groups and those with special needs, have provided a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by these communities. Furthermore, dozens of individual interviews have contributed valuable perspectives to the study's findings.
To share the outcomes of this transformative study, Apicha CHC will hold a Press Conference revealing the findings on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at 10:30 am.
During the event, esteemed speakers including Therese R. Rodriguez, Apicha CHC’s Chief Executive Officer, and Glenn Magpantay, Apicha CHC’s consultant and the needs assessment’s Principal Investigator, will provide valuable insights into the study's findings and their implications for LGBTQ Asian communities in New York City.
