Chicago March 8. The National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance ( NQAPIA ) , in collaboration with its members and co sponsors, will be hosting lesbian/ gay/ bisexual/ transgender ( LGBT ) immigration public forums in cites across the US . The forums are intended to open the gates to an inclusive public discussion of comprehensive immigration reform and to educate LGBT Asian American, South Asian, Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander ( AAPI ) communities and allied organizations on immigrant rights.
The Chicago forum will take place on Monday March 8 at the Merlo Public Library, 644 W. Belmont , 5:30-7:30 pm . the forum is free and open to the public.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, Asian American Pacific Island immigrants and experts will speak including: Glenn Magpantay Co-Director, National Queer Asian and Pacific Islander Alliance ( NQAPIA ) , and representatives fro the National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance ( NQAPIA ) , ;Invisible to Invincible ( I2I ) : Asian and Pacific Islander Pride of Chicago; Trikone- Chicago, an LGBT South Asian Group and Akabaka, a Queer Muslim Group
Immigrant rights and LGBT immigrant rights are among the most contentious issues facing our communities and our nation. The issues involved are often oversimplified by the media and by elected officials with a particular agenda. This series of forums is intended to air the complexities of the issue as well as the diversity of needs facing immigrant and LGBT communities.
Forum topics for discussion about LGBT immigrants' rights will include: Comprehensive Immigration Reform, Gender, and Sexual Orientation; Asylum, Detention, Deportation Family Reunification and Legalization; Immigration Concerns for Bi-national Couples and Same Sex Marriage; The 2010 Census, and Immigrants and LGBT Families.
Speakers and organizers represent a range of perspectives. LGBT immigrants will share their personal narratives. Experts will provide technical and legal expertise. The audience will participate in the debate! Please join us to be part of this important discussion.
FORUM DETAILS
CHICAGO: Monday March 8
Date: Monday, March 8, 2010
Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Location: Merlo Public Library
Street: 644 W. Belmont
City/Town: Chicago, IL
Web: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=323929167621
Presented by:
The National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance ( NQAPIA ) ,
Invisible to Invincible ( I2I ) : Asian and Pacific Islander Pride of Chicago
Trikone- Chicago, an LGBT South Asian Group and
Akabaka, a Queer Muslim Group
For media interviews contact Roberta Sklar; 917.904.6358 or robertasklar@yahoo.com