Queer Rebels presents SPIRIT: A Century of Asian American Activism
San Francisco, CA, 5/10-5/11/2013: Queer Rebels (SF Bay) presents SPIRIT: A Century of Queer Asian Activism. Two-day extravaganza featuring 23+ artists and activists!
SPIRIT: A Century of Queer Asian Activism features performance, panel, and films, with the following movers and shakers!
Eli Coppola award winning poet…Ryka Aoki
Slam pioneer/ Def Poetry Jam artist…Regie Cabico
Experimental porneoake-maker…Yvette Choy
VONA literary fellow…Celeste Chan
Feminist fabulist filmmaker…Miki Foster
First conscientious objector of the Iraqi war and Veteran Artists Co-Founder…Stephen Funk
Absurdist artist…Laura Hyunjhee Kim
QWOCMAP Founder and Director…Madeleine Lim
Visibility Project Director and Maker…Mia Nakano
Performance artist and culinary adventurer…Genevieve Erin O’Brien
Scholar/mentor/activist of 40+ years…Trinity Ordona
Lambda Literary Award winner and Asian Arts Freedom School Co-founder… Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha
Experimental artist…Jai Arun Ravine
Award-winning filmmaker and scholar…Tina Takemoto
Shut Up White Boy and Kieu filmmaker…Vũ T. Thu Hà
And many more – visit our website for full line-up!
WHEN
Friday // May 10 (8:00pm – performances)
Saturday // May 11 (3:00pm – panel)
Saturday // May 11 (7:00pm – films)
WHERE
Friday // Mission Cultural Center, 2868 Mission St, SF
Saturday // Brava Theater, 2781 24th St, SF
TICKETS
$7-20
www.queerrebels.com
PRESS RELEASE
Asian Americans are one of the fastest growing populations (45% growth from 2000-2010 per US Census). Rarely seen in mainstream arts or media, Asian Americans are viewed through racist tropes (see ‘Asian privilege’ by Vice magazine, Cloud Atlas, Tiger Mom, etc.). Queer Asian Americans are rendered invisible. While San Francisco’s population is 33-35% Asian, there are few arts spaces that highlight Queer Asian American stories.
Queer Rebels exists to fill that void. Founded in 2008 by KB Boyce and Celeste Chan, the production company highlights queer of color histories, connects generations, and amplifies our art for the future. Co-Director KB Boyce states: “we do this to energize our community through the arts, to create our own culture, and to inspire hope.”
Chan states: “In the late 90’s, I was really inspired by Lotus Roots, a national Queer Asian conference that drew hundreds in Seattle. I wondered why there wasn’t something like that in SF.” Chan, whose parents met in Berkeley, CA during the 1960’s, states: “Queer Asian Americans, and our rich histories of art and activism, are erased by model minority-stereotyping. I hope SPIRIT sparks a dialogue. I hope it renews our energy, creativity, and community.” Artist Ryka Aoki affirms: “…. there is a community to raise, stories to pass on, and a legacy to create.”
Chan states: “Why are these histories hidden? From the Asian avant-garde to 1960’s activists, Angel Island poets to Slam champions, we need to see Queer Asian histories come alive in art.”
MISSION & HISTORY OF QUEER REBELS
Formed in late 2008, Queer Rebels showcases queer artists of color, connects generations, and honors our histories with art for the future. www.queerrebels.com and www.facebook.com/QRProductions
Presented by API Cultural Center. Sponsored by Queer Cultural Center and the Visibility Project. With support from: Brava Theater, Open Meadows Foundation, San Francisco Arts Commission, and Red Envelope Giving Circle (in association with AAPIP, Gill, Horizons Foundation.)
