CRYSTAL JANG
At age 13, Crystal Jang realized she was attracted to other girls. Now almost 77, she has spent six decades as an activist, educator, community organizer, and proud “auntie” in the queer, trans, Asian, and Pacific Islander (QTAPI) community. A third-generation San Franciscan, she has co-founded several organizations including APIQWTC (Asian Pacific Islander Queer Women & Trans Community) and OASIS (Older Sisters in Solidarity); was recognized with the APIQWTC’s Phoenix Award and the GAPA (Gay Asian Pacific Alliance) HIV Visibility and Howard Grayson Senior Award; and served as Community Grand Marshal for the 2013 San Francisco Pride Parade. With age, however, she’s changed her priorities. “I realize I no longer have the physical stamina or emotional fortitude to be an out, loud and proud, in your face type of lesbian activist,” Jang says. “Rather, I have had to shift and reevaluate how best to be an ‘energy efficient,’ more inclusive queer activist instead.” These days, Jang focuses on connections and celebration: fostering intergenerational relationships in the QTAPI community and increasing visibility of API queer elders. With a goal to create “good trouble” every day, Jang seeks inspiration from those who came before her. “Witnessing their courage, strength, and determination to overcome all obstacles, to fight for their right to create a better life for themselves and their families, inspired me to follow in their footsteps to live my own truths,” she says. “I am proud to be a fourth generation Chinese American who has had the opportunity and privilege to carry on the work of my ancestors. They are the true activists.”
