Maya Mem Saab, reigning Miss Gay Seattle, performs in the center square of Hing Hay Park during Pride Asia Fest. • Photo by Melissa Ponder
Pride Asia Fest returned to Hing Hay Park on May 24 for its 14th annual celebration, featuring informational and resource booths from LGBTQIA+ and ANHPI organizations. While in front of the park’s pagoda, drag performers and speakers entertained and raised awareness. Founded by drag performer and social activist Aleksa Manila in 2012, Pride ASIA’s mission is “to celebrate, empower, and nurture the multi-cultural diversity of the LGBTQ communities through the Asian Pacific Islander lens.” In addition to the annual celebration and performances, Pride Asia offers a year-round educational program called Dimsum Dialogue, including community panels, trainings, book readings, and more. A weekly support group called “What’s the Tea?” is held every Thursday at Oasis in the Chinatown International District, a safe space for Asian and Pacific Islander LGBTQIA+ people to connect and build community. It hosts regular speakers on topics such as domestic violence, legal support for AAPI communities, and coming out. Manila, who is also a therapist, serves as the group’s licensed social worker.
Peach Prince performs in the center square of Hing Hay Park during Pride Asia Fest. • Photo by Melissa PonderSeattle City Councilmember Dionne Foster reads a City proclamation marking Pride Asia Day. Behind her stand members of the The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the Abbey of St. Joan. Photo by Melissa PonderPerformers with Northwest Kung Fu and Fitness. • Photo by Melissa PonderA performer with Northwest Kung Fu and Fitness. • Photo by Melissa PonderPerformers with Northwest Kung Fu and Fitness. • Photo by Melissa PonderDJ Moist Towelette • Photo by Melissa PonderPeach Prince • Photo by Melissa PonderDutchess Manila Starr • Photo by Melissa PonderSasha Mirage Sharmuta. • Photo by Melissa PonderSasha Mirage Sharmuta interacts with the crowd. • Photo by Melissa PonderJack of Spades Paradisco. • Photo by Melissa PonderPride Asia founder Aleksa Manila • Photo by Melissa PonderKylie Mooncakes performs • Photo by Melissa PonderThe crowd watches • Photo by Melissa PonderGaysha Starr performs • Photo by Melissa PonderRowdy performs • Photo by Melissa PonderSahil Kini performs • Photo by Melissa PonderJay Bhateja performs • Photo by Melissa PonderPhoto by Melissa Ponder
