Ever since the ’90s, the month of May has been designated as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the United States. It’s been used to celebrate the extraordinary contributions Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have made to the country—the same country that has a long history of hostile treatment toward these communities. Now, it’s more important than ever to acknowledge and appreciate these diverse, vast cultures and how much they impact the American landscape. To do that, Cosmopolitan asked Asian and Pacific Islander creators, visionaries, founders, and stars how they’re celebrating AAPI Heritage Month in 2021. According to them, there will be lots of shared delicious food, late nights singing karaoke, and so much time with loved ones. Here’s what they had to say.
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ALEXA LOO, actor
“Celebrating AAPI Month means connecting with my fellow AAPI friends and family and offering them support after such an extremely difficult year. I think it’s important to discuss the challenges that we have faced as well as take the time to celebrate our accomplishments. Together, we can plan ways to get involved, speak out, and advocate for positive change in the coming year.”
OLIVIA LIANG, actor
“To me, every month is AAPI Heritage Month! I’m always celebrating any projects that are created by or feature AAPI. And of course, my favorite foods are all from the Asian regions. The food I crave most is Malaysian, Korean, and Taiwanese, so I have to eat something from those cuisines at least three times a week. I guess what makes this month special is being able to really highlight the cultural nuance, diversity, and beauty in our community. It’s our time to show off the cultures we are so proud of!”
JULIE LODHY, bassist for Odd Snakes
“If it weren’t for my parents who came to L.A. more than 30 years ago from Pakistan, my sisters and I wouldn’t have been given the opportunities we have today. I’m celebrating my heritage by pursuing my dreams of living in New York City and playing bass in a band with some of the most incredible friends/musicians. I take great pride in melding my Pakistani roots with my American upbringing.”
NIKITA DRAGUN, CEO and trans icon
“I’m celebrating by being visible, loud, and proud of my Asian heritage—celebrating our culture’s impact and promoting awareness to stop Asian hate.”
SOHLA EL-WAYLLY, chef
“I’m celebrating AAPI Heritage Month in the best way I know how: with great food from local AAPI-owned businesses. When I’m in the mood for noods and bright Thai food, Soothr is my go-to. Ho Foods’ savory soy milk with freshly fried crullers is a brunch fave. And I just can’t get enough of Mama Fina’s sizzling pusit sisig!”
JAMIE CHUNG, actor and activist
“I’m celebrating AAPI Heritage Month by rewatching classic films from Asian storytellers, like Mother by Bong Joon Ho or Wong Kar-Wai’s In the Mood for Love. Because art imitates life and it’s all worth celebrating.”
JOY OSMANSKI, actor
“I’m celebrating AAPI heritage this month by learning more about the many groundbreaking people in our community, from an 8-year-old Chinese American girl who desegregated a school in 1884 to the incredible artists I’m lucky to work with today.”
KARAN BRAR, actor
“I’m celebrating AAPI month by taking the time to listen to and amplify voices within the AAPI community, particularly voices that belong to those of marginalized genders and sexualities.”
LAUFEY, musician
“I’ll be celebrating by learning how to cook some Chinese dishes from my mom. I grew up eating mostly Chinese at home, and now that I’m moving out on my own, I want to learn all the secret family recipes!”
Brandon Hicks
KARRUECHE TRAN, actor and model
“I’m supporting the community through donations and purchases as well as watching films from AAPI producers/directors. I even created a fun playlist full of AAPI artists. I’ve been educating myself on current events happening as well as utilizing my platform to spread awareness and uplift the AAPI community.”
CAS JEROME, content creator
“I’ve been spending more time perfecting how to drape a sari. I always have had my mom do it for me but I think I am ready to learn the mechanics for myself. It’s such a huge part of my culture as a South Indian woman and I’m so honored to be a part of this tradition that I’ll pass down to my own family one day.”
BRETMAN ROCK, content creator
“I am celebrating AAPI heritage this month by continuing to unabashedly be my gay, Filipino immigrant self. Recently, I redecorated my new home, and I made sure that my design team and I collaborated to bring in pieces from AAPI creatives. I think it’s so important to use our dollars to support AAPI artists. My home now has furniture from designers in the Philippines and artwork from local Hawaiians. These pieces complete my home and I am so proud of my fellow AAPI creatives.”
ALEXANDRA CUERDO, director and writer
“Top secret plan: surprise Mom with take-out dim sum for Mother’s Day! Growing up Filipino Chinese American, our family meals were always memorable—dim sum, in particular, was a Sunday feast of hot dumplings, freshly steamed buns, and taho, an addictively delicious sweet tofu dessert. This year, I want to bring those memories home by honoring the mama who raised me, supporting local AAPI restaurants, and taking part in the beautiful culture I’m proud to be a part of.”
GEETA MALIK, filmmaker
“I plan to celebrate by continuing my education about our AAPI heritage, including my own as a South Asian. I’m learning all the time about our history in America, our cultural milestones in films and books and music, and while I’m learning, I plan to eat ALL the good food we have to offer. Food is a celebration!”
FELISHA TOLENTINO, photographer
“With rising violence and hate crimes against AAPI communities, celebrating AAPI Heritage Month is more important than ever. I want to take this time to celebrate and acknowledge the many achievements of the AAPI community by sharing and supporting AAPI businesses as much as possible.”
ALYSE WHITNEY, managing editor, Cravings by Chrissy Teigen
“As a Korean American adoptee, I’ve spent a long time figuring out what it means to be Korean, and the most Korean part about me is probably my love of karaoke. So I’ll be gathering a group of vaccinated friends and singing our favorite early-aughts emo/pop punk songs before feasting on late-night Korean BBQ. I am also lucky enough to be able to see my family for the first time in nine months after moving across the country late last year. My parents, who are white, have always helped me connect with my culture, so I plan to finally teach my mom how to make japchae—their favorite stir-fried noodle dish. I don’t need an excuse or a special month to cook Korean for myself, but I also plan to tackle at least three new recipes from the fabulous Maangchi’s cookbook, including making sujebi (hand-torn noodle soup) for the first time before summer hits…and maybe attempting kimchi. Wish me luck!”
JENNIFER WOODWARD, publicist and author
“While we are experiencing a significant rise in hate and violence against Asian Americans, I feel it is necessary to celebrate and educate, to continue to converse and support others in the AAPI community and specifically those who were transracially adopted. Being adopted myself, it wasn’t until my adulthood that I was able to accept my Asian heritage. Even more recently, it wasn’t until I published my children’s book An Adopted Unicorn, which was the catalyst for connecting with other AAPI adoptees. Hearing stories like mine during this time has been instrumental in celebrating who we are as a group and our individual journeys. I plan to carry on the celebration of who we are and our heritage well beyond this month.”
DAVID YI, founder and editor of Very Good Light and author
“I’m celebrating my AAPI heritage this month not unlike how I celebrate every month: being unabashedly Korean American. This comes in the form of advocating for my community, activating my peers so that we uplift and stand with each other, while supporting AAPI businesses. I’ve been proud of my heritage since I was younger and hope to instill this proud sense of self to all folx from all backgrounds. I want everyone to know that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have been here for centuries, have enriched this country, and are beautifully woven into the very fabric of American history. And this: We belong, we belong, we belong. AAPI history is American history—let’s continue to fight for change and show the world just how powerful we are.”
Kelly Balch
JESSE LEIGH, actor
“I have been learning more about my Chinese heritage from my grandmother. I learned our family is from the Guangdong province (formerly known as Canton) and therefore I will be eating even more Chinese food than usual as I’m on the search for the best Cantonese cuisine in L.A.”
AUDREY NUNA, musical artist
“I’m treating my grandparents to Korean BBQ, learning more about their childhood and history, and seeking out new AAPI artists.”
BELLA POARCH, musician and content creator
“I celebrate my AAPI heritage by sharing content that I feel is an honorable and respectable representation of talent from the API community. I share movies, books, creators, and more whenever I get the chance. I love to illuminate all the beautiful people within our community who are doing big things. Just remember, the norms set within our culture and the norms that are practiced make Asians in entertainment—quite frankly—disruptors. We are going against what’s expected typically of us. We’ve gone against norms set within our culture, families, and the standards society has viewed us with. Sharing these disruptive creators and entertainers is my way to celebrate.”
AADILA DOSANI, actor
“I’m celebrating by researching the root causes and systemic issues India is facing, farmers’ rights protests, and how these issues have manifested themselves in millions dying and suffering from COVID-19. I’m also trying to recreate my mom and nani’s dishes—however, half of them are written in Gujarati and Google’s translator has been no help!”
MXMTOON, aka MAIA, musician, gamer, and podcaster
“Connecting with my culture and my family! I’ve been reaching out to my loved ones and talking with them as much as possible so I can hear new stories to pass on to other individuals in my life. I’ve also definitely been eating my fair share of Chinese food and trying to support local restaurants and businesses that keep my heritage thriving, plus it’s delicious.”
ALEX LANDI, actor
“I’m celebrating this month by spending more time with my family as well as eating more of all the delicious food that Asian culture has to offer.”
KEVIN WOO, singer, actor, and host
“With the recent hate crimes against the Asian American community rising in America, I want to continue to use my voice and platform to spread awareness. We need to unite not only as Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders but, most importantly, as Americans. Also going to celebrate by eating bomb Korean food at local restaurants that have been impacted by the pandemic. K-BBQ + karaoke = LIT.”
JENNIFER CHEON GARCIA-WARN, actor
“I’m learning how to open up, to use my voice more so anyone who sees themselves in me will too. So together we can keep being loud and proud to be Asian without any stereotypes.”
QUEENIE MAE, singer and member of Boys World
“AAPI Heritage Month is an amazing way to celebrate our cultures. I’m a big foodie so I will be celebrating by making Filipino food and desserts all month!! I also have been wanting to educate myself more about my Filipino history and culture—there’s always room for more learning!!”
Aurora Coughs
RAVEENA AURORA, musical artist
“I’m celebrating AAPI month by listening to a lot of the Sikh shabads (spiritual music) that I grew up around in our temples. I love going on hikes and listening to that music in nature—it makes me feel so connected and light every time I practice that for myself.”
LINH TRUONG, artist and content creator
“In the light of the crisis in India and the continual attack on AAPI communities, I’m taking my time to read, educate, and donate all I can to causes and families that need it. I will also be learning how to cook several traditional Vietnamese dishes that I hope to one day cook not only for my kids but also for my mom.”
DARREN BARNET, actor
“I am proud of my Japanese heritage. I always have been. But this month is not about me. During this time, I am spending my energy raising funds for COVID-19 relief in India. The cast and creators of Never Have I Ever have already raised over $ 100,000 in funds and are striving for more. We are all in this together.”
ANNA SAWAI, actor
“To honor AAPI Heritage Month, I am educating myself by picking up books written by AAPI authors. It has been painfully eye-opening and encouraging for someone like myself, who lives in Tokyo. I encourage others, regardless of where you are from, to do the same so we can all understand, appreciate, and support one another as we should be.”
DUSTIN VUONG, content creator
“I’m celebrating by supporting other Asian creatives. I obviously like to show support all year round, but especially with this month, it’s nice to give some extra love to the Asian community. There’s not a lot of representation in the creative and entertainment industry, so highlighting fellow Asian creatives is important.”
PRINCESS MAE, content creator
“I make sure to celebrate AAPI heritage throughout the year by sharing my Filipino heritage as much as I can, from sharing my favorite Filipino foods with my followers to being a part of a Pinay billboard in NY and L.A. wearing traditional Filipino clothing. I think it’s so important to represent my culture and to educate those who are not familiar with it.”
CHARLOTTE NICDAO, actor
“Our community is celebrating against a backdrop of fear. We’re dealing with uncertainty. We’re fearing for our family in countries still being devastated by the pandemic. We’re confronted with daily images of people who look like us being brutally attacked in our streets. This month, I’m trying to hold my head high, draw on the resilience of my heritage, and cheer for the strides the AAPI community is making in so many different spheres. I’m also going to eat a heap of pandesal, call my lola and lolo every week, and blast Broadway music via Lea Salonga any time I need a boost.”
CHLOE BENNET, actor
“After this incredibly profound year of adversity, I’ve got to be honest, this month hits differently this time around. For those outside of our community, the weight of what it means to be Asian American is finally being felt. For the first time, our pain is being recognized. Our voices are being heard. And now, more than ever, it’s important to recognize and honor all the incredible grassroots organizers and activists who put in the hard work to get us to this point long before the hashtags started trending, who will be here well after the hashtags go away. This year, I’m celebrating them. People like Yuri Kochiyama, Anna May Wong, and Ai-Jen Poo, among many, many more. Trailblazers, visionaries, change makers. I’m more proud than ever to be Asian American. My family, my Chinese culture, the food, everything about my heritage is beautiful and colorful, and I can’t wait to share more with the world. On that note, I’m really craving my nai nai’s pork buns.”
AMBER LIU, singer
“I’ve been working in China for the past five months! Not only has it been great connecting with my Chinese fans, but I’ve also been learning a lot about my Chinese heritage and culture and learning a lot of Mandarin. After a long day of work, I’m so happy to tell my mom about what I learned and send her all the Chinese songs I’ve been performing. My mom inspires me to do the best I can, and due to my lack of knowledge about Mandarin growing up, I couldn’t really have as much conversation with my mom. Now I feel like I’m connecting with her on a different level. Although I can’t be with my family right now, these small moments are precious to me, and I hope to keep learning more about my heritage and connecting with my family.”
Jerry Maestas
WALLICE, musical artist
“I took a year of Japanese language in college and I grew up with my father speaking Japanese at home, but I would always respond in English so I never considered myself fluent. But this month, I started studying again and learning more kanji. I always have felt a connection with my Japanese heritage and I think that becoming fluent will deepen that and I hope to continue studying and be 100 percent fluent someday soon!”
LISA JOY, director
“I am celebrating by starting a campaign called #Roar4Ray to encourage Asians and other POC to band together for our communities by getting typed for our national stem cell registry. Race is a large factor in finding donor matches for people suffering from leukemias, lymphomas, genetic diseases, and sickle cell anemia. Currently, people of color are vastly underrepresented in the registry. We deserve an equal chance for a cure. A simple, free cheek swab sent straight to your home could save a person’s life. A person like my 7-year-old nephew Ray.”
HANK CHEN, actor
“I’m taking my first road trip since getting vaccinated to visit relatives and investigate the post-COVID-19 buffet scene in Las Vegas. I am especially looking forward to cuddling my niece and nephew, who are now 5 and 3 years old. They’re half Black, half Chinese, so they’ve been on my mind a lot this past year. When the N-word was scrawled on their driveway a few months ago, it was a jarring reminder that things we celebrate about ourselves, like our heritage, can stir up anger and vitriol in others. We live in a wild world, man…but I learned in therapy (May is also Mental Health Awareness Month) that we can’t control other people. So this month, I’m only focused on what I can control, and I’m going to eat and celebrate.”
MEI TAO, photographer and director
“I celebrate my AAPI heritage every day by supporting Asian businesses, especially the little ones. Money talks: Your business allows them to stay in business and be VISIBLE.”
SANDRA LEE, MD, aka Dr. Pimple Popper, dermatologist and TV personality
“I’d like to spend some time asking my parents, who are both immigrants, what their experiences have been living and raising me and my brother in America. I want my two sons to realize how far we have come, be proud of where they came from, and realize that this knowledge could inspire the wonderful directions they want to go in life.”
REYN DOI, actor
“I’m Japanese, born and raised in Hawaii. I love the culture I was born into, especially celebrating the traditions—eating sushi and traditional Japanese food and, of course, going to the temple. I want to use my voice to put an end to anti-Asian attacks. We must learn to raise one another and embrace our differences. This month, we celebrate equality and embrace Asian heritage. I am proud of my culture, proud to be Asian. We are API.”
RICHA MOORJANI, actor
“The AAPI community is diverse, dynamic, multifaceted, and resilient but has also been (and still is) divided in many ways. I will be celebrating this month by educating myself further on the histories and current struggles of other AAPI cultures aside from my own while reflecting on my own possible deep-rooted prejudices. We are stronger together, and it is my mission to do work that highlights and amplifies our existence and contributions to the world.”
SOPHIA ALI, actor
“Since I’ll be spending it working far away from all my loved ones, I’m going to take time to learn what I don’t know about my heritage and its history. I can honor my relatives before me and develop a healthy relationship with all the aspects of me I’ve previously been told weren’t ‘American,’ on top of donating and doing what I can to support my brothers and sisters in India through its current COVID-19 crisis.”
OBSIDIENNE OBSURD, drag artist and musician
“I’m celebrating by learning about my Chinese background and unique political history and incorporating that narrative into my own work as a drag artist as I try to fuse my aesthetic with the visual art of my culture.”
Elinor Kry
REI AMI, alt-pop recording artist
“I’m learning how to cook all my favorite Korean comfort foods. I’ve been calling my mom often to ask for her recipes and I’ve never felt more connected to my Korean heritage.”
SPILL TAB, musician
“By spending time with my family and checking in with my mind, my body, and my mental health.”
VICTOR LI, fashion designer
“My Asian heritage is something I celebrate every day by proudly being myself. I’m glad to see more platforms shining a spotlight on Asian designers and brands, and it’s lovely to learn their stories as well.”
LAYA DELEON HAYES, actor
“I’m celebrating by supporting local Asian businesses, spending time with my family, and educating myself on how to fight AAPI bias and the history of Asian Americans in the U.S.”
LEYNA BLOOM, actor
“I celebrate AAPI Heritage Month every day by representing my community and championing the pulsing heartbeat of the revolution that is happening all around us.”
TIANA LE, actor
“I’m celebrating my AAPI heritage and community by continuing to self-educate about the diverse history of our different communities, our hardships, and achievements. We all share the responsibility of not being bystanders and actively fighting racism and discrimination through education, awareness, solidarity, and action.”
ALLAN AVENDAÑO, makeup artist
“I am celebrating by using this month as an opportunity to learn much more about the traditions of my Filipino heritage and community. I am educating myself and others of our history and contributions, making our voices and our accomplishments heard, and supporting those in our community to feel safe and uplifted. I am using social media as an opportunity to connect with others in the AAPI communities and support AAPI in the arts and their businesses while calling on all my non-Asian friends to do the same! Lastly, I will be celebrating by diving into AAPI cuisines because it’s my favorite and now I have an excuse to have it every day this month!”
PRIYANKA, drag queen, TV personality, and pop star
“I’m celebrating AAPI Heritage Month by doing all the things this world told me—and people who look like me—is impossible. From working on my new music to hosting my first WOW Presents Plus show, I’m showing up for myself and creating what I want despite what any hateful commentators have to say on social media. I choose to focus on the love from my fans and return that love through my art. I want everyone to feel like they too can be the ‘pop star’ of their dreams, no matter what that looks like to them. I want to embrace being The Queen Priyanka this month and every month. I hope it inspires others to remember that they too can be who they are and still find success. Also, I really hope I can celebrate with a date soon! (Hehe.)”
AMALIA YOO, actor
“Honestly, some days, it feels really hard to celebrate. My heart is heavy. It’s overwhelming seeing headline after headline talking about people being killed. I’m trying to learn to be gentle with myself. I’m also trying to share as many resources as I can and bring awareness to the injustices we have faced for centuries while simultaneously trying to uplift and celebrate our beautiful cultures, traditions, and successes. I’m consuming all kinds of art created by Asian artists: books, movies, visual art, music, anything I can get my hands on. I’m eating lots and lots of Korean food (which I do all year) and I started Korean lessons so I can communicate better with my 할머니! I am so immensely proud to be Asian American this month and every month that’s to come.”
Karla Ticas
CHRISELLE LIM, content creator and cofounder of Bumo Brain and Bumo Work
“I am celebrating and highlighting other AAPI creators and businesses on my platform and celebrating their stories. Also, personally, I’m taking the time to teach my daughters about their heritage. We’ll do something fun every week where they can experience something from their own culture, whether it be food, movies, shopping!”
TIFFANY MOON, MD, cast member of ‘The Real Housewives of Dallas’
“I am celebrating AAPI Heritage Month by spending time with my family and eating a lot of Asian foods (we love to eat!). I’m also teaching my children about their Chinese and Korean backgrounds.”
WANG NEWTON and COCO ONO, performance artists
“We have long been in the inquiry about the hyphenated experience of Asian heritage. What is Asian diaspora and mixed Asian culture? We feel the birth of our virtual show Sacred Wounds embraces our collective and yet unique experiences, from Eurasian to Mexican Asian American and beyond. After all, if a predominantly Asian femme and queer show doesn’t break the mold, what will? For all of May, we will be amplifying nontraditional API artists and nonprofits via @Sacred.Wounds and revving up for our steamy May 29 HotPot show and Don’t Be Rice-ist themed after-party. Here’s to healing ancestral trauma through ritual, performance art, and humor! #StartAsianHealing”
KAREN CHEE, comedian and writer
“I’m going to bed at 8 p.m. every night.”
HALF WAIF, aka NANDI ROSE, musician
“Cooking Indian food is always an act of love and acknowledgment for me, so I’m celebrating this month by going to the Indian market in Albany and stocking up on some of my favorite staples like kasoori methi, moong dal, tamarind, hing, green chilies, and mango pickle. Then I’m going to try to make something I haven’t made before from my grandmother’s collection of handwritten recipes.”
BIDDY, content creator
“Celebrating AAPI month means to continue creating authentic content that changes the narrative around South Asian women in the media while being true to my outgoing, unfiltered third-culture kid self. Rewatching old ’90s and ’00s Bollywood films from my childhood that bring me major nostalgia, joy, and inspiration. Blasting my favorite playlist on Spotify titled Bollywood Biddy (duh! That’s literally my daily routine!) and once again attempting to cook my family’s recipes while they anxiously watch me over WhatsApp.”
ELLA JAY BASCO, actor
“I’m really lucky because my family raised me to celebrate my AAPI heritage every day and not just during a certain month. I love spending time with my family, honoring our food, and learning more about the culture of our people. I also love writing music about my ancestry, including ‘The Filipino Song,’ ‘NADU,’ and my latest song, ‘Gold.’ I’m especially proud of ‘Gold’ because it’s all about taking pride and ownership in our golden skin and the importance of highlighting our true identities and continuing to fight against stereotypes.”
MASAYUKI AKAZAWA, hairstylist
“I will celebrate by continuing to embrace my Japanese heritage while styling wigs for the queer community. I style for Team Japan’s YouTube channel to bring Japanese culture to viewers.”
TRANG DONG, content creator
“AAPI Heritage Month has always been special to me as a Vietnamese American, and while I push for diversity and representation for the AAPI community all year round, I think this month especially is a perfect time to amplify AAPI voices. This month, I will be educating myself on AAPI issues that expand beyond just my own personal experiences as well as engaging with and sharing my favorite pieces of media featuring AAPI voices.”
SHERRY COLA, actor and comedian
“I keep it simple and true to the roots. I call my dear mother, aka the most badass immigrant queen, every single day to reflect and manifest. I support small Asian restaurants because food is way more delicious when you know it was made from scratch by a family that defied all odds. And of course, I use the hell out of my voice to uplift and amplify as a reminder to the world that our AAPI stories deserve to be told!”
RAMONA YOUNG, actor
“I’m going to watch all my favorite Asian movies and have a traditional home-cooked meal with my family!”
JELANI ARYEH, musical artist
“I’m celebrating my AAPI heritage by sharing space and spending time with the Filipino side of the family. For my birthday, we went to Tajima Ramen because eating noodles is supposed to grant you a long life. I’ve also been reading a lot of Haruki Murakami and Michelle Zauner’s new book Crying in H Mart.”
SHANNON DANG, actor
“I’m celebrating my AAPI heritage this month by feasting on my favorite Asian foods with my friends and fam! Nothing feels more like home than being surrounded by loved ones and eating family style. We can never get enough dim sum, sushi, Thai, and all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ!”
MAYA WANG, fashion designer
“As the founder of a clothing brand called Fried Rice, I suppose I get to celebrate Asian heritage every day. But after such a challenging year for all of us, this month I am very deeply moved and inspired thinking of what Asians have done in America for generations: surviving, striving, and thriving.”
KELLY MI LI, entrepreneur and executive producer
“I am celebrating AAPI Heritage Month by continuing to stay educated on issues in our community. With celebrations come moments for self-reflection and growth, so I plan to embrace and appreciate my culture with every new day. And of course, I will be eating my favorite Asian dishes all month too!”
SIGI MOONLIGHT, actor and drag performer
“Last year during lockdown, I made the bravest decision to pursue my dream and go to drama school. Representing AAPI voices in the drag and cabaret scenes has been key to me. I’m now awed by the number of AAPI roles that are starting to emerge for us on screens and stages. Performing is central to my life and I’m really excited to see what awaits me once I graduate. I’m really thankful I have such a supportive partner (and dog!).”
LUNA LI, artist and musician
“I’m celebrating my AAPI heritage this month by spending time learning Korean. I never learned how to speak it as a kid and decided to finally start last year, using the Duolingo app and watching a bunch of K-dramas. I’ve been feeling so much more connected to my Korean culture through the language and I’m excited to continue learning more!”
TIM NGUYEN, artist and designer
“One of the strongest connections to my Vietnamese heritage is through the preparation, cooking, and eating of food! I’ve been spending more time in the kitchen with my mom, learning her recipes and the nuances of flavors only a mother can teach. Cooking and eating as a family encapsulates the pride I have for my culture, and these are traditions I look forward to sharing with my loved ones.”
NADYA OKAMOTO, author, organizer, and entrepreneur
“It’s really heartbreaking to realize how little AAPI sociology and history are taught through our education growing up in the U.S.—why was it that I learned about Lewis and Clark every year but never had an in-depth unit about Japanese internment or learned about the problematic dynamic of the model minority myth? Why didn’t I learn about the murder of Vincent Chin or the activism of badass AAPI women like Yuri Kochiyama and Grace Lee Boggs until I was in college and finally had the space and catalyzing experiences to push me to do that research on my own?
“These historical leaders and moments should be part of the history we are taught in school here—AAPI are not invisible. We are here and we have always been here. And our history cannot and should not be erased or ignored. So this month, I am taking more time to educate myself about the history of Asian America and challenge even my own beliefs about my race, which I grew up feeling ashamed of given how teased I was about being Asian, especially because of my eye shape. Education. Learning. Unlearning. Action. That’s how I’m celebrating this month, and I fully intend to continue this work beyond May.”
BRIANNE TJU, actor
“I will be celebrating AAPI Heritage Month by hugging my grandma, loving my family, and checking in with myself and the AAPI community. When I feel energized, I will educate myself and others. I will take time to heal and embrace my identity inwardly and outwardly. I hope to rediscover my power as an Asian American woman and fill my cup so I can pour into the cups of others.”
LEXI VEGA, aka MINI TREES, musical artist
“As a mixed-race person, I think I’m still learning what it means to celebrate my Japanese heritage. But I’m also realizing the many ways that my family has always celebrated our heritage through cooking traditional Japanese food, gathering together as a very large extended family, and sharing stories of the generations that came before us and all they went through. It goes far beyond a single month.”
Amanda Lopez
SARAH LEE and CHRISTINE CHANG, cofounders and co-CEOs of Glow Recipe
“Glow Recipe has a lot of exciting activations this month, from events to charity partnerships and more, to uplift the voices of the AAPI community and invite our community to join in however they can. We’ve donated to Act to Change, an incredible organization dedicated to ending bullying among Asian American and Pacific Islander youth, and are honored to be a sponsor for its third annual Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Day Against Bullying + Hate virtual event on May 18.
“As an extension of our partnership with Act to Change, we’re organizing a virtual event, AAPI Beauty & Fashion Fest on May 23. It’ll be a day of conversation and celebration of AAPI cultures, including panels and master classes with AAPI leaders in the beauty and fashion space.
“We’ve also launched a limited-edition T-shirt with Asian American Girl Club with a ‘finger heart’ design, which is a gesture used to communicate love and positivity in Korea. All proceeds will go to Act to Change.
“We are fortunate to have a platform from which we can raise awareness of these important issues while sharing the core values upon which we built our company. We’re further highlighting our brand’s heritage and some favorite Korean rituals on the Glow Recipe IG Live throughout the month.”
KUHOO VERMA, actor
“I am celebrating by surrounding myself with my AAPI friends. By talking about our namesakes, their biracialism, and the complexities of benefiting from different levels of colorism.”
Photo credits: Alexa Loo by Brendan Meadows; Olivia Liang by Shane McCauley; Sohla El-Waylly by Jingyu Lin; Joy Osmanski by Sarah Ford; Karan Brar by Luke Fontana; Laufey by Blythe Thomas; Karrueche Tran by Brandon Hicks; Cas Jerome by Anthony Quisay; Alexandra Cuerdo by Angelica Jardiel; Geeta Malik by Qumaru Nisa; Alyse Whitney by Dave Austria; Jennifer Woodward by Chris Singer; David Yi by Chad Chisholm; Jesse Leigh by Kelly Balch; Audrey Nuna by Khufu; Bella Poarch by Tati Bruening; Aadila Dosani by Ashley Ross; Mxmtoon, aka Maia, by Blythe Thomas; Kevin Woo by Riley Tollett; Jennifer Cheon Garcia-Warn by Jeffrey Fountain; Queenie Mae by Tyrell Hampton; Darren Barnet by Kay Kasem; Princess Mae by Maria Pena; Charlotte Nicdao by Bayden Hine; Wallice by Jerry Maestas; Reyn Doi by Amelia Joyce Tubb; Richa Moorjani by Jesse Volk; Sophia Ali by Bianca Poletti; Obsidienne Obsurd by Trick Horan; Rei Ami by Elinor Kry; Spill Tab by Jade Sandler; Victor Li by Zach Hilty; Laya DeLeon Hayes by Francis Hills; Leyna Bloom by Johnathan Reis; Tiana Le by Molly Pan; Priyanka by The Ugly One; Chriselle Lim by Karla Ticas; Tiffany Moon by Shelbie Monkers; Wang Newton and Coco Ono by Coffee Kang Photo; Karen Chee by Lloyd Bishop; Half Waif by Lissyelle; Ella Jay Basco by Leslie Alejandro; Ramona Young by Sergio Garcia; Jelani Aryeh by Daniel Lang; Tim Nguyen by Cody Ethier; Nadya Okamoto by Sophia Wilson; Kuhoo Verma by Francis Hills.