Our Stances
Policy Positions
AQUA DC advocates for policies that protect and advance the rights of queer and trans Asian and Pacific Islander people. Our positions are developed in community and reflect our intersectional values.
Trans & Nonbinary Rights
- Full legal recognition of gender identity in all federal documents
- Protection of gender-affirming care for all ages
- End to discriminatory “binary sex” policies in federal government
- Repeal of all sports bans targeting trans youth and adults
Healthcare Access
- Expansion and protection of ACA §1557 nondiscrimination protections
- Coverage for gender-affirming care under Medicare and Medicaid
- Culturally competent LGBTQ+ healthcare for AAPI communities
- Mental health parity and access for LGBTQ+ individuals
Immigration & Asylum
- Protection of asylum rights for LGBTQ+ people fleeing persecution
- End to detention of LGBTQ+ immigrants in unsafe facilities
- Pathways to citizenship for undocumented LGBTQ+ individuals
- Protection of S. 2840 and similar asylum reform legislation
Anti-Hate & Safety
- Full enforcement of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Act
- Increased federal resources for AAPI and LGBTQ+ hate crime tracking
- Repeal of the PEEK Act and similar legislation targeting LGBTQ+ gatherings
- Community-based safety over policing for queer and trans people of color
Education Equity
- Protection of LGBTQ+-inclusive curricula in K–12 schools
- Anti-bullying protections for LGBTQ+ students, especially students of color
- Funding for AAPI studies and LGBTQ+ history education
- Restoration of DEI programs in federal education funding
Workplace Rights
- Full enforcement of Bostock v. Clayton County workplace protections
- Passage of the Equality Act (H.R. 15)
- Non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ federal contractors
- Equal pay and promotion protections for queer AAPI workers