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Advocacy
& Action

Advocacy
& Action

CURRENT PRIORITIES

What We’re Fighting For Right Now

These are AQUA DC’s active advocacy campaigns. We engage on each of these through lobbying, community education, and coalition work.

Trans & Nonbinary Protections

Opposing federal legislation that strips gender-affirming healthcare, restricts ID documents, and erases trans people from federal programs.

Anti-Hate Crime Enforcement

Advocating for strong enforcement of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act and full implementation of protections for AAPI and LGBTQ+ communities.

LGBTQ+ Healthcare Access

Protecting Section 1557 of the ACA and fighting rollbacks that would allow discrimination against LGBTQ+ patients, especially in immigrant communities.

Immigration & Asylum Rights

Supporting LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and opposing immigration enforcement practices that disproportionately harm queer and trans AAPI communities.

Education Equity

Defending inclusive curricula, opposing bans on discussions of race and sexuality in schools, and supporting LGBTQ+ and AAPI students.

Workplace Non-Discrimination

Pushing for full implementation of Bostock v. Clayton County and closing gaps that leave LGBTQ+ AAPI workers without protection from employment discrimination.

2025 LOBBY DAY

We Took Our Voices to Capitol Hill.

In April 2025, forty AQUA DC members met with congressional offices across the Hill to oppose three active anti-trans bills and advocate for expanded AAPI hate crime enforcement.

Every meeting was led by a community member telling their own story. That’s the kind of advocacy that moves policy.

40+

Community members on the Hill in 2025

13+

Active federal bills tracked by AQUA DC

28

Years of advocacy history in Washington, D.C.

12+

National coalition partner organizations

FAQ

Common Questions About Our Advocacy

Not sure how to plug in? Start here.

Sign up through our Get Involved page to receive lobby day invitations. We provide full training — no prior advocacy experience needed. Every voice matters, and community stories are our most powerful tool.

Visit our Legislative Tracker for a live list of bills AQUA DC is monitoring. We focus on federal legislation affecting trans rights, AAPI communities, healthcare, and civil rights protections.

As a 501(c)(3) organization, AQUA DC does not endorse candidates. Our advocacy focuses on issues and legislation, not electoral politics. We work with offices across the political spectrum when it serves our community.

Our policy priorities are set by our Policy Committee — a member-led body — in consultation with the broader community. Issues are selected based on urgency, community impact, and alignment with our mission and values.

Absolutely. Visit our Take Action page to send messages to your representatives, share action alerts on social media, or donate to fund our advocacy work. Every action, large or small, builds the movement.

TAKE ACTION

Your Voice Changes Policy.

Join AQUA DC’s advocacy network. Get action alerts, attend lobby days, and help us build the political power our community deserves.