As COVID-19 has spread across the US and world, so have incidents of racial violence and hate. This has included a surge in racism against Asians and Pacific Islanders who–because the outbreak began in China–are being wrongly blamed for the coronavirus and disease it causes (viruses don’t have a race and don’t discriminate). As a Taiwanese Chinese American, it is very important to me to stand with my community during this time. COVID-19 Safety Not Stigma is my new portrait campaign to help raise awareness about rising discrimination against AAPIs (Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders), de-stigmatize AAPIs wearing masks, and prioritize safety overall by the public. Each post will feature different AAPI portraits and humanizing words, along with news, updates, and announcements. You can help by reading and sharing!
We are on occupied Duwamish land
Yin and Rachtha
We are Taiwanese and Khmer-Chinese
We are community members
We are engaged
Pictured: Yin and Rachtha. Yin 英, is community organizer and protestor of gentrifiers in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District. She is an immigrant from Taipei, Taiwan and grew up where the Treaty of Point Elliott was signed at Buk-wil-tee-wh (Mukilteo) of Snohomish people. Rachtha is an unofficial International District Ambassador and finder of lost children; of the Order of the Hero of the Wing Luke and the White Center Danhs. Face kicker. Gold leader. Helper.
Announcement: An Asian American family, including a 2yo and 6yo, were recently stabbed in Texas and the new website Stop AAPI Hate registered 1,000 incidents in less than two weeks. Hollaback! and Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Asian Law Caucus have partnered to offer free Bystander Intervention Trainings to Stop Anti-Asian/American and Xenophobic Harassment on April 7, 8, and 9. Register here https://www.ihollaback.org/bystanderintervention/
Safety notes: These photos were taken at safe distance outside using a 70-200mm telephoto zoom lens. I wore a mask and sanitized my equipment immediately following. Yin and Rachtha are a serious couple which is a why they may appear a little closer in photos. Please remember the CDC recommends at least 6-ft or more of distance from those outside your family cluster.