United Territories of Pacific Islanders Alliance Utopia Seattle

Results: Our work of community engagement has benefited the community through support groups, identifying community resources, and providing support for PI individuals facing barriers due to economic, gender, racism and classism discrimination and harassment. PI community members whom have experienced discrimination in Washington have few trusted resources to turn to for assistance. They are experiencing racism in the predominantly white LGBT community as well as pervasive homophobia and transphobia in the broader API community. There are very few organizations in WA that serve and represent the specific needs of the PI community. UTOPIA has been active within the last 7 years since its inception in 2009 and has grown to become a trusted source of assistance for the PI community. We have fostered a strong relationship with South Seattle Community College. We have offered translation services for Samoan parents of SSCC students currently and in the process of enrollment. Recently, several trans members of UTOPIA tabled and joined the Kumu Hina post-show panel to engage students on their opinions of the film and what it means to be transgender and gender-nonconforming and how that affects our personal bonds, familial relationships, cultural values, and place in society. Last Christmas in 2015, we were able to collect a sizable amount of hygiene products at various locations in the King County area. Over 500 pounds of hygiene products were collected within three weeks for our 2nd annual Holiday Hygiene Drive and it was a 300% increase from the year before. The products were donated to the Lambert House, a center for LGBTQI youth ages 22 and under, serving all of Seattle communities. We offer support groups for PI LGBTQI individuals facing interpersonal and familial rejection. Another support group we offer serves Trans and Cisgender women currently engaging in sex work, we provide support, safety training, contraceptives and a safe environment that fosters acceptance and love.

Target demographics: Pacific Islander and LGBTQI community

Direct beneficiaries per year: Trans women of color, homeless LGBTQI youth, Pacific Islander and LGBTQI community, etc.

Geographic areas served: the Seattle and Tacoma area

Programs: support groups, community engagement and outreach, resources and create safe spaces in advocating for social justice, overall wellness and education.