Activist Interview: Niko Lee
When did you start Asian and LGBTQ+ and what made you want to do it?
We started in May of 2020. Initially, in January, it was just an idea; I was excited to explore this idea in my brain. When it hit March, I felt like something was missing, and when it hit May I thought, “maybe I should create an Instagram” [since now you can handle/own multiple accounts on one device]. So I started exploring, and then I thought, “let’s make a public account,” and that’s when Asian and LGBTQ+ came to life. And I’m sure I’m not the only one who wants to research and put out cultural pieces and put out artwork and support other API LGBTQ+ folks. This May, it’s gonna be a year old!”
Is Asian and LGBTQ+ specifically for Asian American experiences, or is it more international?
This is something that we’ve discussed a lot, because we've reached so many people in so many different countries—India, Hong Kong, UK, Canada—all these different API LGBTQ+ people in the world. We really try to globalize our thinking because not everything is Asian American. “Asian American” refers to a huge category of people, not including Pacific Islanders and Native Hawaiians. While most of the work we do is for API Americans, we really try to push projects that speak to the diverse ethnic identities of API folks around the world, where it’s more of a cultural moment rather than for a specific group.
I was curious about that, since there are so many experiences contained under the category of “API.” Do you have any examples of events or issues you’ve done that can apply?
One project we’ve done in the past we’ve done is Confucianism and how that affects being Asian and LGBTQ+. That mindset of Confucianism, which is really the basic steps like respecting your elders or holding your tongue during conflict, comes from a very old setting in china, and it affects many Asian cultures: you see it in Indian culture, in Southeast Asian culture among Hmong, Vietnamese, Cambodian cultures. It might not be true for everyone, but for many, there’s that underlying philosophy, whether you call it that or not.
One upcoming project is about hijra in India. I wanted to focus on that piece because it’s more globalized and focuses on two specific groups of people who can identify as being Indian and Indian American. The misconception about hijra is that they’re a third gender, but really a lot of them are transgender, nonbinary, or they don’t believe in gender, so it’s interesting to see how they’re generalized. It’s also cool to see the mythology behind it; Indian mythology has a long history of breaking the binary, and many gods or deities are androgynous.
Researching all that and putting it into one article is really important because it speaks to a group of people who might not know this information. But the information’s out there, and it’s like, why don’t we know about it? If this happened and was accepted so long ago, then today in 2021, we should be proud of who we are. The education is to remove the stigma just a little bit and make people feel empowered in their ethnic identities.
Where do you see Asian and LGBTQ+ headed in the future, and where do you see yourself headed personally? Do they align?
That’s a big question! In 10 years, I’d want Asian and LGBTQ+ to be an education hub where API LGBTQ+ people can come to scroll through our website and read pieces that they identify with. I don’t necessarily think we’ll turn into a service, but more of an education and youth development center with a summer program, too.
I’m also thinking about where I want to be 10 years from now. Right now, I like working with the youth and in education, so I’m leaning toward public administration — managing and creating programs, making sure that they get to the communities that need it. I think you’re gonna see me 10 years from now working with youth, perhaps exploring a bit of marketing in music because I’ve also been interested in that. I don’t have it all figured out, and I think that’s okay, too.
When you’re in spaces beyond Asian and LGBTQ+, do you find yourself having to pick between aspects of your identity?
I learned a long time ago to show up as myself, wherever I go. And being 110% confident in who I am always. Instead of trying to hide myself or code switch and assimilate into whatever the culture is in that space, I try to show up as queer and Asian because that’s the beautiful thing about these spaces. They’re supposed to support and enhance diversity, not only in the people showing up but also in the conversations we have. Also, in Michelle Obama’s book, Becoming, she talks about when she’s in these major academic spaces, as the director or part of the management team, and how there will be people who disregard and invalidate you, but you have to remember that you’re there for a reason. It’s important to show up as every single part of yourself no matter whether people like it or not.
What would you say in a note to your future self?
I journal all the time, so I always write to myself, but I think the biggest piece of advice for my future self is really simple and cliche: just don’t give up because you never know who’s gonna see your work, who’s going to back you, and who finds this information important. So don’t give up, whether you’re confused on what you wanna be, or going through hard times, let your inner voice guide you to where you’re ultimately supposed to be.
About Interviewee: Niko Lee is the founder and current Executive Director of AsianandLGBTQ+, an online educational platform built to engage with Asian Pacific Islander LGBTQ+ communities through media.
He is an expectant graduate of the Class of 2021 from San Francisco State University. As a determined scholar, he sets to pursue a Master's Degree in Spring 2022 for Public Administration to support and create LGBTQ+ rights, representation, and communities in media and real life.
Niko Lee is on a journey where there are no blueprints to follow. The future is to be determined, but something that will always remain the same is his passion for the visibility and education surrounding Asian Pacific Islander LGBTQ+ experiences and the larger BIPOC LGBTQ+ diaspora. His optimism and passion for community building will only lead to a safer and more informed future for all communities.
About Interviewer: Luna is a high school senior, native San Franciscan, daughter of immigrants, nonstop knitter, and avid earring collector.