KQTs for Black Lives

Black Lives Matter. Black Trans Lives Matter. Many members of KQT communities have been participating in actions to support Black lives and to oppose police violence. These range from conversation and education to showing up at protests in our cities. We know that many of us are providing care for others and plugging in where needed. We wish to highlight the many ways KQTs are being allies and accomplices during this challenging time. 

Below are some valuable resources, pulled together by our community of KQTs, to support you in your solidarity work: 

• WATCH: Black and Asian Solidarity: What We’ve Learned

• WATCH: Fighting Anti-Blackness, A Breakdown of Intersectionality

• READ: 26 Ways to Be in the Struggle Beyond the Streets

• READ: Black and Asian-American Feminist Solidarities: A Reading List

• PRACTICE: Asian American Racial Justice Kit

• PRACTICE: Surveillance Self-Defense in Public Spaces

• SIGN THE PETITION: Movement For Black Lives

• DONATE: Black-led rapid response efforts and long-term strategy, policy and infrastructure investments

• DONATE: National Bail Fund Network, Links to every bail fund in America by state

Wherever you are, we hope that you are safe. To join other KQTs in sharing resources, uplifting necessary Black and Korean solidarity work, discussing viewpoints and strategies, please join our Slack and join the channel #kqts-for-black-lives.

Event Recap: Solidarity with Seoul 

Thank you to everyone who tuned in to last Friday’s Solidarity with Seoul: A Night of Queer Joy & Pride hosted by KQTxPROJECT! The turnout was incredible to witness and we hope that it provided you a space of sanctuary and empowerment. Your ticket contributions and tips helped to raise funds to distribute to the outstanding performers and to sustain KQTxPROJECT’s continuation. For more updates, follow KQTxPROJECT. 

Image Description: Three screenshots of an Instagram Live story showing three performers based in Seoul performing drag. To the right are comments from the live stream conveying excitement and joy.

Rest in Power: Stacey Park Milbern

Image Description: Stacey Park Milbern smiling, wearing red glasses, and in front of a bush of red flowers.

On May 19, 2020, we mourned the loss of Stacey Park Milbern, disability justice activist and member of the KQT community, on her 33rd birthday. Stacey founded theDisability Justice Culture Club for queer, trans,  disabled, people of color to organize, based in Oakland, California. Stacey was a powerful writer, speaker, who organized for change widely; some of her work is documented below. 

• Memorial for Stacey Park Milbern on Disability Visibility Project

• #StaceyTaughtUs Syllabus, compiled by Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha and Alice Wong

• Video: Stacey Park Milbern and Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha talk about Disability Justice at the 2010 Allied Media Conference

• Audio: KQED interview with Andraéa LaVant, Stacey’s friend and co-impact producer on the new Netflix documentary "Crip Camp"

“My ancestors are disabled people who lived looking out of institution windows wanting so much more for themselves. It’s because of them that I know that, in reflecting on what is a “good” life, an opportunity to contribute is as important as receiving supports one needs. My ancestors are people torn apart from loves by war and displacement. It’s because of them I know the power of building home with whatever you have, wherever you are, whoever you are with. My ancestors are queers who lived in the American South. It’s because of them I understand the importance of relationships, place and living life big, even if it is dangerous. All of my ancestors know longing. Longing is often our connecting place.”

-Stacey Park Milbern