Project Connect

APICHA is excited to announce the launch of Project Connect, a new program for Asian and Pacific Islanders (A&PI) who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, and Intersex (LGBTQI).

LGBTQI A&PI individuals experience barriers accessing services and are often underserved due to a spectrum of reasons including culture, linguistic isolation, and the lack of supportive networks. New initiatives under Project Connect were created to improve general health and well-being, and increase access to culturally competent human and health services for LGBTQI A&PIs. Our new programs include A Healthier Me! Skills-building Workshop Series for adults, GAYME (GLBTQI A&PI Youth Mentorship for Empowerment), and cultural competency trainings for health and human service providers.

UPCOMING A Healthier Me! Workshops (click links for more information)

Upcoming Workshops
5/24/10, Monday		LGBT A&PI Families & Friends
7/21/10, Wednesday		Queer Storytelling
Previous Workshops
5/5/10, Wednesday		Everybody Hurts: Mental Health of LGBTQ Asian Americans
4/19/10, Monday		BDSM 101 (18+ workshop)
5/26/09, Tuesday		Domestic Violence in LGBTQI communities
4/30/09, Thursday		Navigating the System: Addressing Barriers to Health
4/8/09, Wednesday		Growing Up Gaysian: Experiences of LGBTQ Asian Americans
3/7/09, Saturday		Self-Defense for LGBT (in two parts)
2/20/09, Friday		Financial Independence: Learn It, Do It, Achieve It!
1/27/09, Tuesday		Rights, Representation & Revolution: The intersection between LGBT & Asian American civil rights & immigrant rights
12/8/08, Monday		Feel Fantastic: Eat Food, Get Fit & Maximize Your Health

A Healthier Me! Skills Workshop Series

Our skills-building workshop series, A Healthier Me!, invites expert speakers from the larger communities to lead workshops or lectures. Many of our speakers work specifically with LGBTQI and/or A&PI individuals in their profession and many identify as LGBTQI, A&PI, or both. All speakers are deeply committed to serving the LGBTQI A&PI community and have tailored their workshops to specifically address issues specific to the LGBTQI A&PI population. Project Connect’s first A Healthier Me! workshop by Alan Lee, a certified food, nutrition, and fitness expert of 12 years, taught participants the importance of eating appropriately, supplements, and exercise.

Please email projectconnect@apicha.org or call 646-744-0990 for inquiries or interest.

GAYME Youth Mentorship

Project Connect’s youth initiative, GAYME (GLBTQI A&PI Youth Mentorship for   Empowerment), connects LGBTQI A&PI youth with other youth and adults to share their experiences. GAYME departs from the traditional one-on-one mentorship style, utilizing an informal, topic-based group workshop method preferred by LGBTQI A&PI youth. These groups will allow youth and mentors to draw upon an array of different experiences to cultivate understanding and build a supportive community. Session topics are concerns identified by LGBTQI A&PI youth and include: self-image, acceptance of multiple identities, coming out, body image, budgeting, getting into college, affording college, career paths, and finding jobs/job security.

UPCOMING GAYME Workshops

Please email projectconnect@apicha.org or call 646-744-0990 for inquiries or interest.

Training for Service Providers

In improving the accessibility and quality of services for LGBTQI A&PI, Project Connect engages with local service providers to encourage awareness of LGBTQI A&PI concerns. Trainings for organizational staff to develop cultural competence and LGBTQI-sensitivity will be offered to create systemic change.

Please email projectconnect@apicha.org or call 646-744-0990 for inquiries or interest.