Mission Statement:

AQUA²⁵ (Asian & Pacific Islander Queer and Questioning under ²⁵, Altogether) is a program of Asian/Pacific Islander (including multiracial/multiethnic APA) lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQQ) youth age ²⁵ and under.

We exist to provide a space where the diverse genders, sexualities and race/ethnicities within the Asian & Pacific Islander communities are validated, explored and instilled in order that youth may become agents of personal and social change in their own lives and communities.

By utilizing a youth-adult partnership model, the AQUA²⁵ community collectively develops wellness, education and advocacy through peer support, critical thinking and opportunities for leadership.

AQUA²⁵ also serves as a safe space for young people to just hang out. We hold drop-ins, gatherings, picnics, workshops, scholarships, socials, parties, dances, trips, retreats and other fun activities throughout the year.

AQUA²⁵ Services

Individual Risk Reduction Counseling
We provide comprehensive individual HIV risk-reduction counseling for A&PI queer and questioning youth in a safe and confidential environment. Our culturally sensitive staff members offer social and emotional support, motivation toward self-actualization, and options to develop and maintain low-risk behaviors, based on a client-centered approach. In addition, we have a wealth of resources and referrals available to cater to the needs of all of our clients.

Referrals & Linkages
As a comprehensive HIV service provider, we are committed to linking clients with our CTL (Counseling Testing and Linkages), Health Education (for prevention), and HIV Care Services (for HIV positive clients), as well as to other service providers in the community.

Free Rapid Oral Confidential or Anonymous HIV Testing
We provide free Rapid Oral Confidential or Anonymous HIV Anti-body Testing. Our testing schedule is as follows:
Wednesdays: 4–7 p.m. (by appointment only)
Fridays: 2–6 p.m. (by appointment only.)
First Saturday of the Month: 11 a.m.–3 p.m. (by appointment only)

Please call 415.292.3400 to make your appointment today.

Peer Leader Program
Peer Leaders (PL) are members of AQUA²⁵ who have chosen to step up in order to take part in driving its vision and programming. PL’s make a six-month commitment and earn a stipend. PL’s help determine programming, run events, conduct outreach among many other responsibilities.

AQU²⁵ Social/ Support Groups

An important element of AQUA²⁵’s approach to achieving overall wellness for A&PI queer and questioning youth is the belief that the extent to which one feels supported and affirmed can directly impact how they value their health. Therefore, AQU²⁵A offers social groups that aim to create a strong, tight-knit community of queer A&PI individuals who support one another and offer each other guidance. These groups can take the form of discussion groups and workshops but often times also consist of fun events like movie nights and game nights which help nurture the dynamic of the community.

AQU²⁵A in the Visual Arts: Aspiring models and photographers!

The premise of AQU²⁵A in the Visual Arts is to create art that empowers the community that views it as well as the people who create it. Participants will be trained in photography and in social justice issues and discuss topics that are relevant to the queer A&PI community and produce projects that portray a given issue.

Program kicks off in mid-December! For info call or email Lance Dwyer at LDwyer@apiwellness.org of at (415) 292-3420 Ext 315.

AQU²⁵A Activities

For updated details on what’s happening this month, check us out at www.myspace.com/aqu25a or search for us on Facebook under “AQUA de Apiwellness.”

Here are our upcoming events:

For more info on any of the events below or to RSVP, please send an email or call 415.292.3420 x315.

Thursday, Feb. 11 6:00–9:00pm
Singles Awareness Day Social

Thursday Feb. 25 6:00–9:00pm
Karaoke night at Do Re Mi

Thursday March 11 6:00–9:00pm
Music night: come explore your musical interests! Learn some basic guitar or voice technique!

Thursday March 25 6:00–9:00pm
Music night part 2

Thursday April 3 6:00–9:00pm
Tennis

Thursday April 22 6:00–9:00pm
Pre–retreat orientation/workshop

April 23–25 AQU25A 2010 Retreat!

Thursday May 6 6:00–9:00pm
Retreat reunion, game night

Thursday May 20 6:00–9:00pm
Building community: Come together to talk about ways we can build within and strengthen our community.

Saturday June 12 6:00–9:00pm
Beach day: We’re taking this show outdoors! Join us for games, bbq and more!

Thursday, June 17 6:00–9:00pm
Having Pride: Let’s get ready for the biggest LGBT celebration of the year!!!

June 22nd 6:00–8:30
AQU25A Pride Social

June 23rd 6:00–8:30
AQU25A Pride History Workshop

June 24th 5:30–9:00pm
AQU25A and raMEN Kick-Off party

Questions? Hit us up at 415.292.3420 x315 or aqua@apiwellness.org.