By Ken
Daniel Dae Kim is me. That’s what I think when I see him on TV. “That’s me up there.” I can relate to him because I know he can relate to me.
And when I see him appear at API events or contribute his time to worthy causes, I think, “Then so can I.”
I’m also proud. Proud to see APIs present and willing to be visible in support of our community.
I felt that way this past weekend at the San Diego Asian Film Festival. Celebrities such as Daniel, Iris Yamashita, Karin Anna Cheung, Lynn Chen, Leonardo Nam, Chris Tashima, Joz Joz Joz, Quentin Lee, David Henry Hwang, and so many more showed up to be present. Whether or not they were cognizant of it, the fact that they were there was incredibly impactful. It caused excitement and inspiration, but in a way they were saying, “Here are my shoulders. I am here to lift up the API community.”
“Then so can I.”
Kelvin Han Yee was inspired by the recent videos for the Trevor Project. He sent me an email asking for help to organize a PSA arising out of the API community. I jumped on board without hesitation. There was also a feeling that if we were going to ask the API community to come out to let gay teens know “It Gets Better” then we should utilize the occasion to tackle two other timely topics as well: anti-Asian violence, and Getting Out the API vote.
It’s scheduled for Halloween day, and we’re hoping that a significant portion of the community will offer their shoulders in as many ways as possible. This is not a solo project; in fact, all who responded to the preliminary (and very last minute due to the upcoming election) alert offered their assistance in procuring people as well as taking a hands-on approach.
We’re asking attendees for the camera shoot to prepare two minutes — two minutes to save lives.
From attending these API film festivals and reading API web sites and viewing the vast array of API net video content, I know that the API community can be amazing, especially when we pull together. And so more people will think “Then so can I.”
But also think as a community, “Then so can we.”
If you’re in Los Angeles and are interested in participating, you can find more info after the jump.
Location:
4789 Vineland Ave #110
North Hollywood CA 91602
Date/Time: Sunday October 31, 2010 10-5PM shooting schedule
The API community will lend their voice to PSAs on
- Preventing gay teen suicide “APIs for the Trevor project-“It Gets Better”
- Preventing Anti-Asian violence
- Get out the API Vote
What I need from you:
- Bring a signed release form. Link to document can be found here: http://mapid.us/files/Actor_release_Form.doc
- Prepare a 1 minute maximum statement to be videotaped for the focus that you’d like to lend your voice to. You do not have to do all of them. You do not have to speak for the whole minute.
- Email [email protected] to confirm your presence and time slot. Recognizable faces will be shot between 11-3pm. Media will also be present.
- Wear what you want.
ABOUT KEN: Ken Choy is an actor, writer, community organizer, and producer of Breaking the Bow. He is gay, green, and gluten-free.
