Love, Sara Faye

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A list of AAPI resources to support the asian american community / a letter from a filipino american woman

Sara Faye

As vocal as I have been when it comes to social issues, BLM, POC struggles, and politics; I feel like lately I’ve struggled to find the words to express how I’ve been feeling. I’m a Filipino-american, Filipino on my mom’s side, and half Caucasian on my dad’s side. Being biracial comes with its own set of issues, and I feel like one of my main struggles has always been a bit of identity crisis.

I grew up in Virginia on the east coast, and as a dark asian, I sorely stood out. I was mistaken for all kinds of different asian cultures: Japanese, Chinese, etc. I was asked to translate any sort of Japanese or Korean or asian lettering on the walls or on my classmates’ clothing. I was made fun of often because of how I looked, because I was one of only two Asian people in my grade.

And then moving to California in middle school, I sort of fit in a little better, but even still I struggled. I went to a mostly asian school, and felt like I didn’t stick out as much, but I still never felt truly like I fit in.

I also felt like around my white friends, I was never “white” enough. I was always considered super asian. I was ashamed for liking things like anime, manga, ramen, and video games for fear of being seen as too asian. And then now that those things are popularized, it’s just funny to me that I was so embarrassed back then.

I’m sure part of it has to do with the fact that my mom is a first-generation american. Which means, she’s been ingrained to assimilate into American culture as much as possible, and probably wanted my sister and I to have that same fate.

It wasn’t until recently that I started really looking more into my culture and how it shapes me, who I am as a person, and how I want to feel more connected to my roots. Dating my boyfriend, who also is Filipino, has opened a lot of doors to that and allowed me to learn so much about my culture, the food of my people, and even visit the Philippines - something I wasn’t sure I’d ever get to chance to do.

And now I’m so proud to be a Filipina. I try to support Filipino and Asian-owned brands whenever I can, and I’ve been an advocate in spotlighting POC, specifically women of color. Even in my book club, we are reading our first Filipino author.

So that’s why when I see the elders in my community getting hurt, stomped on, knifed, robbed — it breaks my heart. I think of my mother who likes to enjoy long walks around the neighborhood by herself. My titas and my titos. My boyfriend’s parents.

When I hear that massage parlors are targeted because asian women work there, I think of my sister. Not necessarily because she works in that industry (not that it would matter if she did), but because she is an Asian woman. And so am I.

And not that any one should be a victim of a crime of violence, hate, or racism in any form— but to also see who out of our culture is getting targeted.. our elderly, our sisters..

It’s a lot to deal with and I think I’m still struggling with how to process it. I’m trying to think of how I can be helpful beyond a social media post, and how I can really have a positive impact in my community.

While I’ve been sitting on that thought, and dealing with my own mental health struggles, I’ve been figuring out ways I can be more helpful, I wanted to share this list with you.

Educate yourself, learn about allyship, and find organizations + resources:

Organizations you can donate to:

Required readings and podcasts:

Mental health resources:

Social media accounts to follow:

Action items right now:

Hope this can be helpful in some way.

xo,

s.