About Us
Q-Wave is an organization for people of Asian Pacific-Islander descent who identify as lesbian, female bisexual, or transgendered and for anyone who is questioning her identity or sexual orientation. We encourage the involvement of all of our members and want to be sure that their concerns and interests are heard. We seek to make ourselves visible within the queer community, among Asians, and society in general through outreach, cooperation with various organizations, and other projects. Our name reflects the fluidity of the identity and individuality of queer female API people, their lives, and places in society.
The genesis of the group was at the Queer Asian Pacific Legacy Conference, held at New York University in March of 2004. This was the first gathering of its kind on the east coast in over a decade. The conversations focused on a long-recognized absence in New York City for a group that addressed the needs and issues of queer API women. Earlier attempts had been short-lived or had been narrowly focused, solely on social or political agendas, for example.
That June, the Women’s Caucus from the QAPL conference and Gay Asian Pacific Islander Men of New York (GAPIMNY) hosted a “Gender and the Queer A/PI Experience” workshop. Attendees discussed their experiences and then formed working groups–men’s, women’s, and multigender. Participants in the women’s group decided to march together in the upcoming Dyke March that month. We used that opportunity to publicize our queer A/PI organizing. We set up an online mailing list, found some meeting space, and spread the word: there was a new organization in town!Our first meeting was held in late July at NYU. It drew nearly thirty women and has since continued as a monthly meeting in various locations throughout New York City. As a loose structure to guide our activities, we have established four central pillars to represent our needs and interests as a community: social, empowerment, visibility, and support.
Our planning committee meets monthly and is open to any interested individuals.Currently, Q-Wave is laying the foundation for programs, services, and events aimed towards its members (as well as the people in their lives). Please continue to browse the website to learn about our objectives and ongoing initiatives. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us!
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