01 Apr Activist of the Month: Marissa Kitazawa
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I’m so honored to be named this month’s Activist of the Month by API Equality! Check out my interview with them!
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A majority of API Equality-LA’s work is done through each of our all-volunteer committees. API Equality-LA wouldn’t be the leading API LGBT organization that it is today without the contributions of all of our volunteer activists. Most of that work happens without any reward. To recognize stellar volunteer activists, the media & website committee selects a monthly Activist of the Month. We feature them on our website by asking them to answer a few questions, some serious and some fun. Get to know some of the incredible people that devote their time and effort to advancing API Equality-LA’s mission.We’re proud to present Marissa Kitazawa as our April 2012 Activist of the Month!
What committee are you involved with in API Equality?
I’m involved with the Pioneers Project.
How and when did you get involved?
I first got involved after hearing about the Pioneers Project over the summer. As a filmmaker and activist, I’ve always been fascinated and allured to the power of human story. This project is a wonderful opportunity to document the oral history of the AAPI LGBT pioneering activist and use these stories as a tool for social change.
Why is it important to continue this fight for marriage equality?
We have come a long way in terms of civil rights and other social movements towards equality. However there is still is a ways to go. Marriage equality is an issue affecting all students in America, not just those that identify as LGBT. There should be no restrictions on love and that kind of close-minded thoughts only motivates me more to work towards equaility. It reminds me of that quote by Martin Luther King, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
What is one sound that characterizes you?
Munch munch! I am a total foodie! I love trying and experimenting with my food. I sometimes plan my whole schedule around the food places I would like to try. It probably doesn’t help that I work in Little Tokyo too.
I’m currently hanging out in my work cubicle waiting for the LA traffic to die down so I can get home.
What is one thing about you that surprises people?
I don’t like chocolate. Sorry! But that means more chocolate for everyone else!
Hometown?
I grew up in Torrance, CA and then moved to Claremont, CA for college. A socal girl my whole life.
Occupation?
I am currently the Associate Regional Director/Program Director at the Japanese American Citizens League, an AAPI civil rights and advocacy organization.
Heritage?
I am a Yonsei – 4th Generation Japanese American.
Facebook or Twitter?
Facebook! I don’t really understanding twitter and tweeting.
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