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Summer Hangout in BK: Affirming Authenticity @ Intersection of LGBTQ+ x API
July 22, 2023 @ 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT
Join us on July 22th for a Brooklyn backyard hang to celebrate our vibrant Queer AAPI community!
Join NAAAP-NY PRIDE x Local Roots for a neighborhood backyard hang centered on celebrating the API Queer community and exploring the intersection of identity, self-expression, and professional success. We would like to invite every guest to show up to this event as their most genuine and authentic selves. Through this celebration, we aim to foster a supportive space of inclusivity, amplify API Queer voices, spotlight local AAPI Queer makers, as well as provide opportunities for strengthening each other’s networks.
Event highlights include:
- Q+A with Hung Vanngo (celebrity makeup artist to the stars)
- Performance by Vanity LaVain (drag queen extraordinaire)
- Spotlights of local API and Queer makers and small businesses
- Networking opportunities with individuals and industry professionals who identify within the API Queer community
- Delicious light bites courtesy of Local Roots
- Refreshments courtesy of Lunar and Halmi
- Access to a mini farmers’ market featuring fresh, locally sourced produce from Local Roots’ CSA Network
- Chances to enter raffles to win $100+ of products from local AAPI and Queer businesses
** LIMITED OFFER: The first 15 guests to purchase event tickets will automatically be entered in our event raffles! **
TICKETS–————————-
About the hosts:
NAAAP-NY Pride is a nonprofit committee focused on promoting and creating events to empower Asian / Asian American professionals within the LGBTQ+ community.
Local Roots NYC is an independent, minority woman-owned business and grassroots movement building a community-driven, regenerative food system in New York City.
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About our special guests:
Hung Vanngo: Makeup artist Hung Vanngo has an uncompromising devotion to both the art and beauty of fashion. Born in Vietnam, Hung moved to Canada as a child and spent his youth and early adulthood in Calgary. Being exposed to these disparate cultures at such a young age inspired Hung’s creativity, he spent most of his time sketching and painting. His devotion to art in his youth allowed Hung to develop a refined hand and keen eye for color and composition, which he would later utilize to brilliant effect in his career as a makeup artist. Shortly after graduating high school, Hung began to pursue his career in makeup in earnest. He relocated to Toronto in 2003 to further his career; then moved to New York City in 2006. Upon arriving in New York City, Hung’s singular artistry captured the attention of many of fashion’s top photographers. Hung’s talent for creating face that nite pure beauty with an avant garde aesthetic has made him a go-to source for many of fashion’s most prestigious designers and brands. In addition to his success in the world of fashion, Hung has also been tapped by Hollywood’s elite.
Vanity LaVain: Born and raised in Jersey City, NJ, she considers her drag home NYC. Very new to the art form and has just hit 1 year as a professional drag artist and has been blessed to be accepted by the community so quickly as a performer. Drag daughter of Olivia Lux from Rupaul’s Drag Race. Telling the story and serving the fantasy is key with Vanity LaVain and will welcome anyone to come along the journey with her.
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With gratitude to our sponsors:
Lunar Hard Seltzer: Lunar was created out of a desire to create a drink that embodied and represented who the creators are as Asian Americans, with flavors near and dear to their hearts. Drawing from childhood memories and the flavors of their parents’ cooking, Lunar Hard Seltzer is eager to share with you this one-of-a-kind piece of Asian Americana (in a can)!
Halmi: Halmi (a nickname halmoni, which means grandma in Korean) is a brand of light sparkling beverages inspired by traditional Korean flavors. The Halmi team uses real, good-for-you ingredients rooted in history and culture. They aim to amplify Korean and Asian American voices, from shared experiences to differing points of view. A vehicle for creative and artistic storytelling, inside jokes and new learnings.
PrideFull: PrideFull is a New York-based film festival by and for Queer and Trans People of Color (QTPOC). They strive to provide an open, safe space (virtual or physical) for the QTPOC community, especially for filmmakers, artists, and arts lovers.
The Qi: Rooted in time-honored Eastern healing wisdom, the team behind The Qi believes inner + outer beauty are inextricably connected. They also believe in the power of flowers for a deep sense of holistic well-being for all. That’s why they started The Qi – a gorgeous sensory ritual experience for the mind, body, and spirit. For a daily moment of much needed nourishing Zen. The Qi works directly with small family owned farms across Asia. Their flowers are always handpicked, organically grown and sustainably cultivated.
Borough and Co: Borough & Co. is a AAPI owned home goods and fragrance studio located in the borough of Brooklyn, New York. They are inspired by the hearts and streets of our city and those around the world. Calling on familiar scents and feelings of the places we call home, their collections capture and enhance the essence of the world around us. Their mission is to create gender neutral, modern, and eco-friendly products that preserve its beauty.
ILHA Candles: ILHA Candles is an Asian American, female founded company. They proudly create fragrant soy candles and a variety of home fragrance products using natural ingredients and toxin-free fragrances. Their name, “ilha,” meaning “beautiful island,” comes from the founder Michelle’s parents’ native country of Taiwan and is a nod to Michelle’s heritage while connecting to her life on another beautiful island, New York City.