Voices Unveiled: Experiences and Reflections of Asian American Activists

Abstract

Eighteen Asian American activists were interviewed for this study that challenges the stereotype of Asian Americans as “model minorities” with the counter-narrative of intersectional feminist activism. Grounded theory and consensual qualitative analysis were used to analyze the data, with four themes that emerged: origin story, defining activism, social change experiences, and reflections and insights. Participants described personal and collective experiences of oppression, involvement in community organizations, university classes, and recognizing a need in the community as factors that contributed to their sociopolitical development. They conceptualized activism as critical consciousness; solidarity and liberation for all people, existence as a form of resistance; and activism in many different forms. They described challenges faced, such as burnout, resistance from others, hostile sociopolitical climate, and interpersonal conflicts; and factors that sustained them, such as community, radical hope, and rest and care. Participants shared the impact of activism on their relationships, lessons learned, and advice for Asian Americans interested in activism. Implications for therapists are provided.

Keywords:

• Activism
• Asian American
• critical consciousness

Disclosure statement

We have no conflict of interest to disclose.