WHITE HOUSE STAFF LEARN FROM YOUTH EXPERIENCE

With the national media spotlight on issues that impact LGBTQ youth, particularly bullying and suicide, AQU25A was invited to speak with White House officials about the needs of A&PI LGBTQ youth. Men's Program Coordinator Mike Nguyen, AQU25A participant Tamerlane Vuong Sanchez, Jr. and eighteen other LGBTQ A&PI youth from across the nation shared their stories and opinions about anti-bullying and the sexual health needs of A&PI LGBTQ youth.

Tamerlane is an enthusiastic and dedicated youth Peer Leader who has been involved in our programs and services for the past 4 years. Speaking at the White House gave Tamerlane the opportunity to showcase the importance of A&PI LGBTQ youth programs, which create pipelines for lasting community leadership. "[I] was bullied and taunted into believing I was less human," he says. "…Because of culturally competent and sensitive programs and services like AQU25A, I was able to fully accept myself and live an honest life. I am an advocate and peer leader in my community because of AQUA."

To read Tamerlane's story, visit http://tamerlanejunior.tumblr.com/post/5781618546/my-speech-at-the-white-house. To hear more about this historic event, please contact Men's Program Coordinator, Mike Nguyen, at 415.292.3400 x315 or michael@apiwellness.org.

The event was a collaboration between the White House Office of Public Engagement, the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and NQAPIA.