Press Release

To mark Pride Month, Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA) yesterday hosted a virtual roundtable with South Asian LGBTQ groups.

"Yesterday, I had the privilege to meet with LGBTQ leaders in the South Asian community to hear their powerful stories and discuss ways in which we can elevate the voices of the South Asian LGBTQ community," said Representative Bera, the longest-serving Indian American Member of Congress. "Although LGBTQ members of the South Asian community come from varying backgrounds and cultures, many face similar intersectional challenges because of their race and sexual orientation or gender identity. These challenges, which I have seen within my own community, can arise from family traditions and expectations, and language and cultural barriers. This Pride Month, it's important that we reaffirm our support for and celebrate the diversity of the entire LGBTQ community, including those in the South Asian community."

"NQAPIA's federation members and partners were honored to engage in this robust conversation with Congressman Bera on LGBTQ South Asian communities in the U.S. and abroad," said Kenrick Ross, Executive Director of National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA). "We are deeply appreciative of the Congressman's proactive and thoughtful engagement and candor, and his continued advocacy as both a member of Congress and a community leader on issues critical to the visibility, safety, and empowerment of LGBTQ South Asians and all the communities we call home."

Organizations taking part in the meeting included: the National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA), Parivar, Desi Rainbow Parents, QAPIMEDA, and Desis for Progress.