The number of LGBTQ+ Asian American and Pacific Islander political candidates has more than doubled in the last four years. 

The number of LGBTQ+ Asian American and Pacific Islander political candidates has more than doubled in the last four years. According to the Victory Fund, the number of Asian candidates who identify as LGBTQ nationwide has increased from 20 in 2018 to 41 today. While it’s still a very small pool, the increase is significant, and some say that the wave of anti-Asian racism and violence, and the Stop Asian Hate movement are the reasons why. As the press secretary for the Victory Fund explains, “We’re navigating a very challenging last couple of years with anti-Asian hate combined with anti-LGBTQ hate…sometimes it takes an event or a rough couple of years to be the catalyst for getting to that moment where enough is enough.” YPulse’s Local/Global Citizenship survey found that 70% of Asian young people agree with the statement, “I wish there were more ways for young people to get involved in politics.” (NBC News)