PGMC AAPI Statement
The Portland Gay Men’s Chorus wants to express our support and solidarity with the Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities in the face of recent attacks not only here in the United States but around the world. PGMC condemns these acts of violence. We understand these are not isolated incidents but instead have escalated in a cacophony of increased acts of anti-Asian violence, xenophobia, and harassment, which only exacerbates the historic invisibility that is a part of the lived experience of many within the AAPI communities.
The Portland Gay Men’s Chorus is committed to doing our part by listening, offering support, and working with the AAPI Community in the fight against anti-Asian racism. We recognize our responsibility to be an ally and affirm our support with all BIPOC members of our community to overcome racial violence and systemic racism embedded in our society. PGMC condemns racism, xenophobia, homophobia,
transphobia, misogyny, and hate in all of its forms. We do not tolerate acts of hatred, nor will we remain silent when they occur.
We also recognize that there are a number of resources that can help in gathering information and insight. Below are some resources we’d like to highlight and amplify:
- Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO)
- Resilience to Hate: a Resource Guide for AAPI Anti-Hate Activists, Victims, and Survivors of Hate from
APANO & Portland United Against Hate - Anti-Asian Violence Resources from HAAPI (Healthcare Alliance of Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders
ERG) - Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAAJ) offers free bystander intervention trainings
- Read this Learning for Justice article about How to Respond to Coronavirus Racism
- The Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance offers guidance for protecting AAPI workers and a workplace
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If you need support:
- Asian LifeNet Hotline (with resources in Asian languages): 1-877-990-8585
- The National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)
- The Asian Mental Health Collective manages an Asian, Pacific Islander, and South Asian American
(APISAA) Therapist Directory
Signed,
Chorus Leadership
Richard K. Jung, he/him/his, Executive Director
John J. Atorino, any pronouns, Artistic Director
Thom Whittemore, he/him/his, Chorus President
Tim Bartunek, he/him/his, Chorus Vice President
Board of Directors
C. Allen Tomlinson, he/him/his, Chair
Phylis Myles, she/her/hers, Vice Chair
Calvin H Harrison, he/him/his, Treasurer
H Dwayne Davis, he/him/his, Secretary
Gary Coleman, he/him/his
Eddie May, he/him/his
James K. Phelps, he/him/his
Kurt Bedell, he/him/his
Gary Beagle, he/him/his
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
Ash (Amir Shirazi), they/them/theirs, Committee Co-Chair
Eddie May, he/him/his, Committee Co-Chair
Santo Cavallaro, he/him/his
Joel Bradshaw, he/him/his
Russell Brown, he/him/his
David Freedman, he/him/his
