Honoring Urvashi Vaid: A Trailblazer in LGBTQ+ Activism

By Gus Hernandez

Urvashi Vaid (she/her) was a powerful lesbian activist, lawyer, and writer, and you are invited to learn about her impact on our LGBTQ+ community. 

As we celebrate Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May, The San Diego LGBT Community Center is proud to honor the legacy of Urvashi Vaid, a pioneering Indian lesbian activist whose remarkable work left a lasting imprint on the LGBTQ+ community. Attend a free screening of the documentary “There Are Things To Do,” a short film which chronicles her inspiring journey and contributions. The short film viewing will take place on May 21 at 6pm at The Center.

A Life Dedicated to Justice

Urvashi Vaid was born on October 8, 1958, in New Delhi, India, and moved to the United States at the age of eight. Her early exposure to social justice issues ignited a passion that would drive her lifelong activism. Urvashi’s career spanned several decades, during which she championed LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, anti-war efforts, and immigration justice.

Creating ‘Creating Change’

Her leadership at the National LGBTQ Task Force from 1989 to 1992 marked a significant period in the organization’s history. As the first woman of color to lead a national LGBTQ+ organization, she brought a unique perspective and unwavering commitment to the fight for equality. Her tenure saw the creation of the annual Creating Change conference, which continues to be a vital gathering for LGBTQ+ activists and allies.

Literary Contributions

In addition to her activism, Urvashi Vaid was a prolific writer. Her book “Virtual Equality: The Mainstreaming of Gay and Lesbian Liberation” (1995) won the Stonewall Book Award and challenged the notion of mainstreaming the LGBTQ+ movement, advocating for fundamental, actionable change. Her later work, “Irresistible Revolution: Confronting Race, Class and the Assumptions of LGBT Politics” (2012), further cemented her role as a critical voice in the discourse on intersectionality and social justice.

A Legacy of Courage and Vision

Urvashi Vaid’s passing on May 14, 2022, at the age of 63, was a profound loss for the LGBTQ+ community. Her critique of the Bush administration’s handling of the AIDS crisis, where she famously held a sign reading “Talk Is Cheap, AIDS Funding is Not” during his 1990 press conference on AIDS, exemplified her fearless advocacy.

Celebrating API Heritage Month

API Heritage Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander communities, which includes South Asian countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India. The San Diego LGBT Community Center is committed to highlighting the intersectional identities within our community and honoring those who have paved the way for progress. Urvashi Vaid’s legacy is a testament to the power of intersectional activism and the importance of inclusive representation.

Join Us for the Screening

You are invited on May 21 at 6pm at The Center for a screening of “There Are Things To Do,” an award-winning documentary that captures the essence of Urvashi Vaid’s activism and impact. This event is part of our API Heritage Month celebrations and offers a unique opportunity to learn about Urvashi’s life and legacy at the intersection of the LGBTQ+ and API communities. Following the screening, there will be a community discussion where attendees can share their reflections and insights.

Urvashi Vaid’s work reminds us that the fight for equality is ongoing. Her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, combined with her efforts to address issues of race, class, and gender, underscores the importance of an inclusive approach to social justice. 

The screening will take place at The Center, located at 3909 Centre Street, San Diego. Admission is free, and we encourage you to bring friends and family to this event. Please visit thecentersd.org/events/urvashito RSVP. 

From Shore to Shore: Open Call

The Center’s API Heritage Month programming will also include a showcase of our LGBTQ+ community at “From Shore to Shore, A Night of Stories” on May 28.  Our open call for API performers is now open. Sign up at thecentersd.org/events/shore-to-shore/ by May 21 to be considered: dancing, singing, drag, comedy, and more are encouraged! The Center is creating a space for you to shine.

As we reflect on Urvashi Vaid’s contributions during API Heritage Month, let us be inspired by her unwavering commitment to justice and equality, and her tenacity and resilience in difficult political times when our community’s rights are under attack. Her legacy continues to influence and guide the LGBTQ+ movement, and it is our responsibility to carry forward the torch she lit. Join us on May 21 to celebrate her life and work, and to reaffirm our dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable world.