Sowing Seeds that Grow 2021 & Beyond!

“Being queer Hmong isn’t a choice, instead a beautiful life journey of several identities within yourself.”

-Dr. Brian V. Xiong

Hello everyone, thank for reading my story!

Growing up there were often times I wished I had someone to talk to - someone who would understand what it was like being a Queer Hmong person navigating spaces. There weren’t any safe spaces or anyone I could talk to - to process with - about my queer asian american experience, so I kept silent. 

When I moved out and transferred to Sacramento State I sought out community spaces on campus for me to process my queer identity but there wasn't any. In my last year at college I worked for the Pride Center as a program assistant. And with the support of a couple other passionate folx we began organizing safe spaces for LGBTQ+ college students to share their stories - stories that are often left in the dark. Even though I was learning about other queer narratives I still had a difficult time connecting my sexual identity and Hmong identity so I reached out to a group, now formly known as, Hmong Queer Suab, in Sacramento. 

Being a part of the Hmong Queer Suab community was heartwarming and grounding. For the first time all my identities were affirmed and uplifted. For the first time, there was a space for me to process my Hmong Queer experience. I had the opportunity to watch, learn, and organize alongside these passionate Queer Hmong folx and allies -- who wanted to create safe spaces for folx to celebrate their stories and identities.

This summer I have the honor to be a part of the 2021 Seeding Change Fellowship with my host site Hmong Innovating Politics, Sacramento.

Over the past 8 years Seeding Change have graduated almost 200 fellows and placed them in 27 organizations across the country. Our fellows have gone on to do amazing things⁠— organizing in immigrant and refugee communities, becoming movement lawyers, cultural workers, educators, healers, working on policy—⁠ leading causes that will further build power and improve the lives of Asian immigrant communities.

 

There is no doubt that the experience at Seeding Change and HIP is an impactful and transformational one. It has been a place of healing and empowerment. A place where I have been able to connect my queer asian american experiences, build my political understanding, and find power in my voice. Thank you Seeding Change and HIP for creating learning spaces and community and for investing in myself and other young people.

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This summer my goal is to fundraise $600 for Seeding Change to continue supporting future fellows like myself to build power in their own communities and go on to become leaders in their own capacity. Will you support me, my beliefs, and my work by donating $25 at this link today?

Thank you so much for your time and contribution, because of YOU, together, we are sowing the seeds that grow! 

Take a minute to meet our 31 fellows. We know that you will be inspired by them, as we are.

Warmly,

Christine

We plant the seeds that one day will grow. We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise.

-Oscar Romero

“Future Not Our Own”