dykesanddykery:LGBT Hmong organization provides visibility, support in MinnesotaWhen Oskar Ly came o

dykesanddykery:LGBT Hmong organization provides visibility, support in MinnesotaWhen Oskar Ly came out to her mother a few years ago, her mother pretended the conversation never happened – an all too familiar story for many gay Hmong Americans and immigrants.But Ly was determined.She set out not only to live her life openly, but also to help other gay Hmong overcome cultural challenges and obstacles.Since coming out eight years ago, she has become actively involved at Shades of Yellow, the nation’s first community organization aimed at creating a supportive environment for gay Hmong in the Twin-Cities area.“Everybody’s life situation, their socioeconomic background is different,” said Ly, who Colorlines.com recently named one of 10 leaders building LGBT politics in the South and Midwest. “I wanted to work across ethnic and racial backgrounds.”At SOY, Ly helps organize events, and more recently, has been educating people on a proposed constitutional amendment on the Nov. 6 ballot where voters will decide if lesbians and gay couples should be able to get married.Started in 2003 as an informal support group where gay Hmong could talk openly about their experiences at home, school, work and community, the nonprofit now provides support groups for youth and their parents, hosts annual events that are increasing in size, and advocates for equality.Kham S. Moua, the organization’s board chair, said an organization like SOY is essential in a culture where many Hmong elders find it difficult to understand – and accept – that their children could be gay.While no studies have been conducted to determine the percentage of gay Hmong people in the U.S., Moua said too many people have remained quiet about their sexual orientation and identity, and even married the opposite sex in order to avoid conflict with their families. -- source link

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