GAPA - Building QTAPI Community Since 1988

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GAPA - Building QTAPI Community Since 1988

GAPA - Building QTAPI Community Since 1988 GAPA envisions a powerful Q***r Trans Asian and Pacific Islander community that is seen, heard, and celebrated.

GAPA was formed from the need for an organization to address, through a democratic process, social, cultural and political issues affecting the gay & bisexual Asian/Pacific Islander community. In July 1987, several members from the Asian Gay Men's Support Group at Berkeley's Pacific Center met and discussed the need to integrate and nurture a growing gay & bisexual Asian/Pacific Islander identity

and to foster positive role models within our community. After several monthly meetings and a business retreat, the Gay Asian Pacific Alliance was formally organized in January 1988. In February 2021, at the recommendation of the board at the first membership meeting of the year, GAPA has been renamed to GLBTQ+ Asian Pacific Alliance. This name change reflects our commitment to inclusion of the entire Q***r and Trans Asian and Pacific Islander (QTAPI) community. Although based in San Francisco, GAPA serves communities all over the Bay Area and beyond. To join us, please visit: https://www.gapa.org/join-us

02/08/2025

GAPA Statement in Solidarity with AANHPI and LGBTQIA+ Communities

Our position remains firmly grounded in advocating for the rights of members of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities, as well as the broader LGBTQIA+ community.

In light of the recent inaugural speech and the executive orders and actions signed by this administration, it is clear that progress toward q***r liberation is being obstructed. While this presents a challenging reality, we must remind ourselves of our collective inherent strength and the importance of our shared community: together, we can support and protect one another as we navigate these obstacles.

At GAPA, we celebrate the beauty and power in gender and sexuality, standing solidly in the authenticity and truth of our narrative—one that no individual, political figure, or group can erase. We refuse to let hate diminish us; instead, we will confront it with resilience, creativity, and unapologetic fabulosity.

We invite you to rekindle your involvement with GAPA to build community and rejoice in our celebrations.

GBLTQ+ Asian Pacific Alliance (GAPA) Board

01/15/2025

Call for Q***r and Transgender Asian and Pacific Islander (QTAPI) storytellers in the San Francisco/Bay Area!

We invite you to join the GAPA Theatre Collective Spring 2025 Writing Workshop Sessions to develop stories/performances for our next production during QTAPI Week in May 2025! We will be exploring themes of safe space + critical refuge, as we create works (personal solo narrative and short vignettes) that are rooted in our lived experiences.

There will be five 2-hour sessions with guest facilitators; artist stipend provided. For more information, contact [email protected]

Application Link: https://bit.ly/GAPATheatre2025
Applications Due: January 30, 5PM

Informational webinar: Sunday, Jan. 26, 3PM
Register here: https://bit.ly/Jan26_2025

The Center for Immigrant Protection is looking for Mandarin speaking volunteers. Contact info@cipsf.org for details.The ...

10/09/2024

The Center for Immigrant Protection is looking for Mandarin speaking volunteers. Contact [email protected] for details.

The Center for Immigrant Protection strives to provide comprehensive and accessible support services for LGBTQIA+ immigrants, including legal assistance and social integration, while promoting awareness, education and acceptance.

09/26/2024

Join the free Bay Area premiere of "Get Your Tita." Directed by Kat Evasco, CEO of With You Productions, theater artist, filmmaker, and cultural strategist and a past guest storytelling coach for GAPA Theatre!

Discussing politics with your family is tough. But "Get Your Tita" is a short film that can make you chuckle- when things are feeling tense and rise to the occasion when the “right thing” to say is not always clear.

We can’t always expect to change minds, but as Director Kat Evasco puts it "we can create a space to have healthy and curious conversations, to learn why certain issues matter to us and our families. Maybe then, we can move hearts."

If you are a FilAm or Asian American looking to make an impact this election, start with your family. Take them to a "Get Your Tita" screening!

Sunday, Sept 29th @ 4pm
Bindlestiff Studio
185 Sixth St.
San Francisco, CA 94103

Admission is FREE!

Please RSVP to reserve your seat.
https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MjIxMDU4

09/24/2024

For those who were part of Runway 2024, Photos are here! Please credit when you post -

09/18/2024

A million congratulations to our Mx. GAPA 2022 for joining the cast of RuPaul’s Drag Race Thailand Season 3!! Siam is creative, warm, and ever evolving as a performer and representative of the QTAPI community. We love you Siam, and go get that crown!

09/16/2024

A big congratulations to our newly crowned GAPA Royalties and .kalypso!!! Welcome to the GAPA Royalty family! We can't wait for a fabulous year waiting for you. Congratulations to the runners up (1st runner up) and (2nd runner up) who've made their significant marks in this momentous pageant. Congratulations to Miss Congeniality .music and Best in Interview and congratulations to all other contestants that graciously shared their most beautiful authentic selves and shined bright as the stars that they are. We are so proud of you all!!! dala .music
!!!

Photo by

09/10/2024

Come to GAPA Runway 2024 VIP Reception: BeJeweled, featuring the sculptural works of artist Jethro Patalinghug. Enjoy a magical moment at the Horn Bar at the Herbst theater before the show Chrysalis starts! Mingle with VIPs and have some food and cocktails on us! See you all there!

08/29/2024

And last but definitely not the least!!!

Meet Ari Ola, a fabulous drag queen of Filipino-Chinese descent who slays the stage with a perfect blend of fashion, lewks, and theatrical flair. With a keen eye for style and a heart full of confidence, Ari Ola empowers audiences to embrace their true selves while serving jaw-dropping looks. Whether it’s on stage or off, they are a fierce advocate for body positivity and the beauty of diversity, bringing a unique cultural richness to every performance.

Catch Ari at GAPA Runway2024: Chrysalis on September 14, 7:30pm at the Herbst Theater.

Get your tickets now at:
www.cityboxoffice.com/GAPA2024

***revents ***rpride

08/29/2024

This goddess is bringing it on!!!
kalypso

Kalypso is a dynamic drag artist based in the Bay Area. First incarnated in 2018, she has evolved into the South Asian Sensation you see today. Drawing deeply from Indian cinema, pop music, and retrofuturism, Kalypso has dazzled audiences across the West Coast. She serves electrifying performances, pushing the boundaries of her artistry while staying true to her roots.

Catch Kalypso at GAPA Runway2024: Chrysalis on September 14, 7:30pm at the Herbst Theater.

Gert your tickets now at:
www.cityboxoffice.com/GAPA2024

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08/29/2024

Her first time in a pageant but she's definitely someone to watch out for!!!

Tala (she/her, they/them) is a proud Filipino drag artist based in South Bay, who shows of her creativity and artistry not only in her performances but also through her self made garments. Her drag promotes beauty and individuality because she loves to reference things that she finds beautiful , but adds her own unique twists. She named herself “Tala”, which means “star/stars” in the Philippines, to signify her positive outlook in life; she believes that everyone should also do the same and always shine bright like a TALA.

Catch Tala at GAPA Runway2024: Chrysalis on September 14, 7:30pm at the Herbst Theater.

Gert your tickets now at:
www.cityboxoffice.com/GAPA2024

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08/29/2024

And w are so excited for this next one!!!

What are the ways love, pleasure, and intimacy align in my body and how do they manifest in the values I uphold? –Kevin Wong: My journey of building a deeper relationship with myself includes investigating the many relationships I cultivate and who I am in those worlds. Searching through co-directorship, co-collaboration, and coaching, my voice prioritizes care and bravery over power and dominance. Where is the brave space for us to show up fully? Moving to the sounds of Cantonese Operas and Troye Sivan’s Got Me Started, I disidentify to find how the cold breeze and salty smells of Ocean Beach support my desire to move beyond socialized ideals based on my body, my driver’s license, or my Trader Joe’s haul. As a movement artist that uses improvisation scores, experimental choreographic approaches, and heartfelt conversations, I practice deep listening with the full body to generate a connective response, especially when my a**s is pointing toward the sky. These practices reveal the multiple ways Kevin (I) negotiate(s) himself (myself), his (my) wants, his (my) needs, and all his (my) collaborators, their desires, and their choices. –All this said, why is intimacy such a strong desire for you, me, us Kevin? Is intimacy a goal, a destination? Why and how do we experience intimacy

Catch Kevin at GAPA Runway2024: Chrysalis on September 14, 7:30pm at the Herbst Theater.

Gert your tickets now at:
www.cityboxoffice.com/GAPA2024

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08/29/2024

Our next round contestants starts with the amazing...

Imelda Glucose (she/her/that bitch) is a disco diva drag artist and the object of many fantasies, and perhaps a few nightmares, across the greater Bay Area. She is a longtime member of the premier all-AAPI drag troupe the Rice Rockettes, and in 2024 has hit a milestone of her tenth year as a performer and event organizer. Among the events she has built are a now-yearslong q***r affinity summer camp program for teens, block parties celebrating Filipino-American and AAPI heritage, and fundraising drag brunches for values-driven nonprofits especially those serving the unhoused. She is second-gen Fil-Am, an educator of 15 years building informal learning spaces for local youth, and passionate about fusing creative expression with notions of identity, liberation, and community. If she's not lighting the fuse to a prop she made on a stage near you, she's cooking or taking her dog on an urban hike.

Catch Imelda Glucose at GAPA Runway2024: Chrysalis on September 14, 7:30pm at the Herbst Theater.

Gert your tickets now at:
www.cityboxoffice.com/GAPA2024

***revents ***rpride

08/29/2024

Stay tuned tomorrow for the second batch!!

Completing tonight's line up of contestants is!!!

Tito B**g is a dynamic and captivating presence in the drag world, known and celebrated as the beloved drag son of legendary Vera from the Rebel Kings in Oakland. Beyond dazzling the stage with fierce drag performances, Tito B**g is deeply committed to promoting q***r fashion through their roles as the passionate producer of QT Fashion Show. Off stage, Tito B**g is a true artistic visionary, gaining recognition for their Q***r Illustrations and inventive QT Power Rangers creations. Tito B**g indulges in their love for lumpia and wholeheartedly embraces their reputation as charismatic and charming “pogi bakla” with their immense talent and a heart as expensive as the artistry, Tito B**g is an undeniable powerhouse in the realm of drag and q***r expression.

Catch Tito B**g at GAPA Runway2024: Chrysalis on September 14, 7:30pm at the Herbst Theater.

Gert your tickets now at:
www.cityboxoffice.com/GAPA2024

***revents ***rpride

08/29/2024

Adding to royal rumble!!
dala

Asians love her because they love a good deal. For only $5 a minute this Bay Area native can make your wildest fantasies come true. She loves putting a smile on peoples faces, making them laugh, and then leaving them wanting more.

Catch Fye Dala at GAPA Runway2024: Chrysalis on September 14, 7:30pm at the Herbst Theater.

Gert your tickets now at:
www.cityboxoffice.com/GAPA2024

***revents ***rpride

08/29/2024

Joining the magical line up is!!!
music

Originally born in Dubai, Miraaj, is a versatile q***r Indian American performing artist, singer, song writer, ecstatic dancer and community leader who is passionate about showcasing, representing and platforming the intersectionality of sexual, ethnic, linguistic and creative identities. By first performing Indian numbers across various prolific venues in San Francisco's q***r nightlife as an exploration of the divine feminine within, then launching a new daytime event series - DHOOM - as a cultural touch point for the south asian q***r community and beyond, Miraaj has now forayed into the world of making dance pop music - some of which will be teased at the 2024 GAPA pageant. The journey from a gay Sindhi, Hindu Indian asylum seeker to recently made American citizen, community leader, event producer and recording artist has been the definition of through the CHRYSALIS that San Francisco has been for Miraaj.

Catch Miraaj at GAPA Runway2024: Chrysalis on September 14, 7:30pm at the Herbst Theater.

Gert your tickets now at:
www.cityboxoffice.com/GAPA2024

***revents ***rpride

08/29/2024

And next we have!!!

Jade Almendrala, performing as the captivating L***a Amaya, is a dynamic artist known for her stunning presence and innovative flair. With a background in dance, L***a brings a unique blend of elegance and audacity to the stage. L***a Amaya, embodies empowerment and grace, merging bold artistry with a deep commitment to advocating for diversity and inclusion. L***a’s performances are a celebration of individuality and creativity, reflecting her dedication to pushing boundaries and inspiring audiences. Outside the limelight, she is a passionate advocate for social causes and community engagement, making her not just a performer, but a transformative figure in the arts.

Outside the spotlight, Jade is a passionate advocate for diversity and social causes, using her platform to inspire and engage with communities. Her dedication extends beyond performance, as she actively contributes to various charitable initiatives and community projects. Jade's artistry and commitment make her not only a standout performer but also a transformative figure in the LGBTQIA+ community.

In addition to her artistry, L***a is a dedicated respiratory therapist and holds an MBA in Healthcare Administration. Her dual expertise allows her to blend artistry with a profound commitment to community health. Jade has made significant strides in expanding health programs and improving patient outcomes, showcasing her ability to drive positive change in both the arts and healthcare sectors.

Catch L***a at GAPA Runway2024: Chrysalis on September 14, 7:30pm at the Herbst Theater.

Gert your tickets now at:
www.cityboxoffice.com/GAPA2024

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Address

PO Box 14315
San Francisco, CA
94114

Website

http://www.gapa.org/

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Videos

FACINE29 is happening November 4-6, 2022! We're proud to co-sponsor the 29th Annual International Filipino Cine Festival by F A C I N E Filipino International Cine Festival, presented by TFC: The Filipino Channel, alongside FAAE Pistahan Parade and Festival, Abby Skin Clinic, and CGV Theatres. Tickets are on sale: https://www.facine.org GAPA members will receive 20% off tickets and festival passes with promo code "gapafacine29"! FACINE is longest-running festival of films from the Philippines and the Filipino diaspora. This year, it opens with Alberto Monteras II’s RESPETO, the festival’s commemoration of the 50 years since Philippine martial law was declared. Nine more films complete the festival line-up which includes the other film on martial law, Kip Oebanda’s LIWAY; three Vivamax films of erotica, Lawrence Fajardo’s REROUTE, Roman Perez Jr’s TAYA [bet] and Jeffrey Hidalgo’s LAMPAS-LANGIT [beyond heaven]; two LGBT films, Dolly Dulu’s boys’ love light drama, THE BOY FORETOLD BY THE STARS and Jay Altarejos’s love in the pandemic, MEMORIES OF FORGETTING; Mikhail Red’s crime thriller, ARISAKA; the animated adult romance comedy, Avid Liongoren’s HAYOP KA! The Nimfa Dimaano Story; and a documentary, Pabelle Manikan’s DREAMING IN THE RED LIGHT.

GAPA Runway is tomorrow, and we can’t wait! As we count down the hours, we’ll be introducing our amazing contestants. Here we have Contestant #4, @nutasha24 🤩✨ Fun fact: Nutasha does figure skating and can lick her elbow! If it seems like she has lutz of skills, she does 😎 and she’s axellent at all of them! ⭐️ ⭐️ Buy your tickets to GAPA Runway 2022: Harmonic Convergence at the link in bio! ⭐️ ⭐️ #gaparunway #qtapi #lgbtq #gaysian #liveentertainment #bayarea #sf #sfbayarea #livetheatre #queer #aapi #api #gay #trans #drag #dragking #dragqueen #localdrag #beautypageant #pageant

GAPA Runway is just a few days away, and we can’t wait! As we count down the days, we’ll be introducing our amazing contestants. Here we have Contestant #5, @siampussie 🤩✨Siam’s favorite hobby is making outfits. She upcycles costumes from Thai designers with lots of sparkles and jewels to create the ultimate drag glamor! But don’t let the shiny veneer fool you—Siam is a performer through and through, and we’re already lost in her fantasy. ⭐️ ⭐️ Buy your tickets to GAPA Runway 2022: Harmonic Convergence at the link in bio! ⭐️ ⭐️ #gaparunway #qtapi #lgbtq #gaysian #liveentertainment #bayarea #sf #sfbayarea #livetheatre #queer #aapi #api #gay #trans #drag #dragking #dragqueen #localdrag #beautypageant #pageant

GAPA Runway is just a few days away, and we can’t wait! As we count down the days, we’ll be introducing our amazing contestants. Here we have Contestant #6, @buttermamon_ 🤩✨Butter is the new queen on the block—they love roller skating, video games, and living authentically as themself each and every day! Don’t be alarmed if they skate right into your heart 😉🛼 ⭐️ ⭐️ Buy your tickets to GAPA Runway 2022: Harmonic Convergence at the link in bio! ⭐️ ⭐️ #gaparunway #qtapi #lgbtq #gaysian #liveentertainment #bayarea #sf #sfbayarea #livetheatre #queer #aapi #api #gay #trans #drag #dragking #dragqueen #localdrag #beautypageant #pageant

GAPA Runway is less than a week away, and we can’t wait! As we count down the days, we’ll start introducing our amazing contestants. Starting off in reverse order, we have Contestant #10, @hennessy_williams 🤩✨ Hennessy once did a spicy wing challenge live on Twitch, when you consumed hot sauce up to 2 million Scoville units and barely broke a sweat! Unfortunately, we can’t say the same—we feel hot and sweaty just looking at him 😳🥵

Spring has Sprung! You won’t want to miss this meeting… join this free event and help GAPA blossom this year! We will also hear from past Executive Director of NQAPIA and civil rights attorney, Glenn Magpantay, visiting from NYC! #qtapi #lgbtq🌈 #aapi