Joe Fejeran: Community Programs Coordinator San Diego Pride

By JP Emerson

Please tell us about yourself.

My name is Joe Fejeran (he/him). I am a cis queer CHamoru man, born and raised on the island of Guam. I’ve been living in San Diego for the last 20 years. 

Please explain the importance of celebrating and being aware of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

I believe that it is important to acknowledge the contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander people to the history / culture of our country. It is also important for us to acknowledge the complexities of those identities as well. For example, the CHamoru experience is one shaped by ongoing colonialism, imperialism, and a lack of representation. 

Can you talk about the intersectionality of AAPI heritage and LGBTQ+ identification?

Growing up on Guam, I did not see any out and proud role models I could look up to. I have spent the better part of my life trying to reconcile both my CHamoru and queer identities with each other. Highlighting the intersection of both is a way to be visible for others as well. 

Explain the importance of LGBTQ+ visibility in the AAPI community? 

The more visible queer AAPI people can be, the more young people know they can be their full authentic self in ALL aspects. 

How can people connect with you?

You can reach me via email joe@sdpride.org