In these current times, we know how crucial it is to celebrate moments of joy and progress, especially with the increased anti-trans rhetoric and bills being introduced across the country. This year, we hold close the roots of Pride and remember its start as a protest; a way to vocalize and resist being erased and forgotten. So, this year’s Jade Jubilee was extra special.
On June 17, 2025, the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Queer Joy Coalition hosted its second annual Jade Jubilee at the Flamingo House in Sacramento, bringing together community leaders, advocates, and legislators for an evening rooted in celebration and progress. The evening honored the brilliance of queer and trans Asian & Pacific Islander (QTAPI) communities while uplifting the coalition’s first official legislative bill package.
“The Jade Jubilee celebrates and uplifts our diverse and beautiful QTAPI community. We want to make sure that legislators and staffers hear us, see us, and commit to serving our communities. We want our community to be included throughout the entire bill process. Our community has so much expertise and experience that we can share to ensure that all members of the LGBTQ+ community are being supported. The event is also a moment for us to demand inclusion.” said Jeff DeGuia, Los Angeles regional policy advocate at Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL).
The AAPI Queer Joy Coalition, formed in 2024 by AJSOCAL, includes Moonbow, Lavender Phoenix, and Vietnamese Rainbow or Orange County (VROC). The coalition continues to build political power centered in joy, culture, and community power. Earlier that day, coalition members met with several legislative offices to advocate for support on their priority bills:
- AB 1487 (Addis) – 2STGI Wellness & Equity Fund
Renames the Fund to be inclusive of Two-Spirit peoples and includes grants specific to Indigenous and Two-Spirit Community Members. Also, expands the use of the Fund to also go towards critically necessary programs such as mental health services, educational access, and workforce development. - AB 678 (Lee) – LGBTQ+ Housing Supports
Requires the Interagency Council on Homelessness to provide recommendations to enhance culturally competent services for LGBTQ+ homeless individuals, expand SOGI data collection in homelessness programs, and enhance discrimination prevention in homelessness programs. - SB 418 (Menjivar) – Ensure Equal Access to Care for All
SB 418 strengthens nondiscrimination protections in California’s health care system by prohibiting health plans and insurers from denying or limiting services based on gender identity, sexual orientation, sex characteristics (including intersex traits), or assigned sex at birth.
Meetings were held with Assemblymember Pacheco’s office, Senator Menjivar, Assemblymember Ward (Chair of the LGBTQ Legislative Caucus), and Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez’s office, where AAPI Queer Joy advocates emphasized the importance of these inclusive policies.
That evening, guests were treated to music, laughter, and drag performances from Sacramento premier drag queens, Mya Lusion and PrincessB. The event spotlighted two leaders who continually make an impact on queer and trans AAPI communities.
The 2025 Legislative Leadership Award was presented to Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez, who shared, “We’ve been working alongside Asian Americans Advanicng Justice Southern California on multilingual, dual language programs that we are continuing to push. That kind of advocacy, language access, equity, and visibility, is exactly why events like this matter.
The 2025 Community Impact Award honored Nikki Abeleda, Co-founder of Sacramento Filipinx LGBTQIA+, who let the audience know, “We’re not just resisting. We’re reimagining. We’re building toward a world where queer and trans AAPI folks live in dignity, joy, and freedom.”
The night closed with a recommitment to advancing justice through policy and joy. With the completion of its second year, the Jade Jubilee continues to grow as a space of healing, resistance, and joy.