Gender Justice Research Cohort

The 2020 Gender Justice Research Cohort is a cohort of young people ages 15 to 24 years of age with a goal to develop and lead research on Gender and Reproductive Justice within the pan-Asian community in Minnesota.

The Gender Justice Fellowship is a 16 week learning experience centered on Gender and Reproductive Justice issues, healing justice, civic and community engagement, and grassroots organizing.

Cohort members will build and share their knowledge regarding these issues through trainings, workshops, and later conducting Participatory Action Research (PAR) to inform future policy work at AAOP. Cohort members who are accepted will be given a stipend of $2000 and a bus card (if needed).

2020 Gender Justice Research Fellows

Abinaya is a second generation Indian American and a senior at the University of Minnesota where she studies Sociology with a minor in Biology. Growing up, Abinaya didn’t have a lot of conversations or information around queer and Asian American identities. Since college, she’s learned and reflected a lot on her childhood and is continuing to learn more about herself and her community. Abinaya is looking forward to making new connections in this community and learning new skills. She wants to be able to listen to people’s stories and learn more about her own. Some of Abinaya’s hobbies include taking solo walks and watching a good drama.

Siena is a queer, multi-racial, Asian American woman who has previously worked with NARAL MN and The League of Women Voters Minnesota on issues of reproductive justice and civic engagement. She is currently a contributor to the feminist magazine “Minnesota Women’s Press.” Siena is passionate about working with other youth leaders to pursue gender justice, especially within the Asian community and other communities of color. She is looking forward to building community and learning from and with other Asian peers committed to gender justice. Outside of work, Siena is a huge bookworm, a K-pop enthusiast, and a longtime knitter. She also owns a ridiculous amount of sparkly unicorn-themed stuff.  

Unitas is a rising senior at Hmong College Prep Academy in St. Paul. It was important for Unitas to be part of this program because it allows him to see and itneract with people who each have their own different and unique perspectives. As someone who is trying to learn more about social justice, surrounding himself with people passionate about those topics will help. Unitas is looking forward to interacting more with other members of the cohort. He is also excited to learn new skills and gain new experiences doing something outside his comfort zone. Some of Unitas’ hobbies include reading, writing, and drawing. He especially love cut things like stuffed animals and the color yellow.

Hlee is a rising senior at Hmong College Prep Academy, a previous Summer Youth Leader and Youth Organizing Fellow. This is her third summer with AAOP and it was important for her to be involved because she wants to learn more about gender justice and its impact on society. Hlee is looking forward to meeting new people and developing new relationships. She’s also looking forward to learning and gaining new skills.

Haruka is a 5th year student at the University of Minnesota studying Music Education, Asian American Studies, and Racial Justice in Urban Schools. They are a nonbinary, queer, disabled, second generation Japanese American. This program was important for Haruka to be involved in because they needed to find spaces where queerness and Asian identities are not just acknowledged, but celebrated in their interconnectedness and complexity. Haruka is looking forward to being in community with other youth Asian Americans who want to create change. They hope to make friendships and connections that will last past this summer. In their free time, Haruka likes to watch Netflix, cook, spend time with friends, take care of their plants and garden, and sleep.

As someone who recently came out, Selena wants to better educate herself and feel more connected with the community. She wants to organize, research, and help to the best of her abilities to educate those around her and provide resources to those who need it. Selena believes that in order to make progress in this journey to fight and educate injustices, we need to be responsible in the changes we demand and want to see. She hopes to gain knowledge, vocabulary, and resources to better understand gender justice.