Yesterday I was lucky enough to have lunch with two awesome Asian American women in K-Town. We discussed various topics, but the discussion eventually got around to Prop 8. Cyn3matic said that she had recently gone to Ranch 99 for groceries but was hassled by groups of Chinese/Taiwanese people who were trying to get people registered to vote specifically to vote for Prop 8. Some parts of the Chinese/Taiwanese community, particularly the churches, have been actively reaching out in this way.
To counter these efforts, on Thursday, October 23rd, API Equality LA gathered various Asian American leaders at the Japanese American National Museum’s National Center for the Preservation of Democracy for a press conference to say NO to PROP 8.
Speakers included some powerful folks: California Board of Equalization Chair Judy Chu, Assembly members Mike Eng, Ted Lieu, and Warren Furutani, and actor (and newlywed) George Takei.
One of the most compelling speakers was school board member, Jay Chen, who addressed the lies that same-sex marriage would be taught in schools.
Here is his speech in English.
And a corresponding one in Mandarin.
If you have Mandarin-speaking family members who are confused, please share this video with them before election day.