June 17, 2014
WASHINGTON—The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) joins the National Queer Asian Pacific American Alliance (NQAPIA) and other member organizations of the National Coalition for Asian Pacific Americans in celebrating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month throughout June.
“Pride Month honors the LGBT communities’ historical struggles and accomplishments while also celebrating the nation’s continued efforts to secure equal rights for all,” said Kathy Ko Chin, president and CEO of APIAHF. “We are proud to honor the legacy of contributions and achievements by previous and current APIAHF staff who identify as LGBT.”
“LGBT Asians Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders still experience homophobia, racism, and gender identity-based discrimination when accessing public health and health care services,” said Ed Tepporn, vice president of community strategies at APIAHF. “This can lead to delays in accessing care or receiving less than quality care or treatment.”
For over 20 years, APIAHF has worked to address health challenges and disparities in LGBT communities, including HIV/AIDS, cancer, hepatitis, and tobacco cessation. APIAHF currently provides HIV prevention-related capacity building assistance to community-based organizations (CBOs) and health departments across the nation with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Learn more at www.apiahf.org.