We at Health Access California and the California LGBTQ Health & Human Services Network are heartbroken over a series of horrific hate crimes targeted towards the AAPI community, most recently in Atlanta. Our hearts are with the families and loved ones of the eight people who lost their lives, six of which were Asian women – mothers, daughters, immigrants trying to make a living and survive through this public health crisis.
We stand in solidarity and support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community in our state and across the country, and denounce the surge in attacks on AAPI people. Throughout this COVID-19 crisis, we have been alarmed about anti-Asian animus, which has caused fear and concern in the API community, and has hampered our overall public health response. The increase in violent incidents, and the murders in Atlanta this past week, represent the escalation of the hateful and violent rhetoric that have persisted throughout the pandemic and before —and we all have a role in addressing these issues.
Health Access & the LGTBQ HHS Network stand in allyship, in community, in solidarity and the struggle for justice with Asian American and Pacific Islander communities everywhere. Combating anti-AAPI racism is a crucial part of the movement for health equity, and we are proud to stand alongside many AAPI leaders who have shaped this work. We recommit to working to ensure that AAPI voices are heard, that ignorant scapegoating and racism is rejected, and that we provide the health and mental health support to meet the real needs in all our communities.
Resources
Partner organizations: Asian Americans Advancing Justice-LA Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum California LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network California Pan-Ethnic Health Network Report a hate incident: Stop AAPI Hate Stand Against Hatred Mental Health Resources: Asian Health Services Asian Mental Health Collective Donate: Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta AAPI Community Fund Learn More: Bystander intervention training Health Care Equity & Inclusion