Navigating LGBTQ+ and AAPI in Nevada

Exit Spring Mountain

Navigating the experience of being both AAPI and LGBTQ+ can be a fraught experience—but when you've found your community, it can be a joyful one, too. Miss Nevada 2021, Kataluna Enriquez, was the first openly trans winner of the Miss Nevada pageant, tells her story about discovering herself and stepping into her stunning ball gowns—and into her power. UNLV psychology Professor Gloria Wong-Padoongpatt gives us the context for understanding how mental health in AAPI communities in discussed, and how the field of psychology is moving away from talking about cultures as problems. Local writer and creative Vera Blossom discusses the layers of issues in accessing healthcare for trans and AAPI individuals, and how finding your community can help. Ernie Yuen, a long-time LGBTQ+ advocate in the Las Vegas community, talks about how coming out can be easier in some Pacific Islander communities—but also how devastating it can be for youths who don't have family to turn to. And finally, Monica Lapa, a board member of the United Territories of Pacific Islanders Alliance LV (UTOPIA) describes how their event, tea time, is a place to connect LGBTQ+ individuals with resources but also find belonging.

Exit Spring Mountain is a podcast from Nevada Public Radio. This episode was written and produced by assistant producer Nessa Concepcion, with support from executive producer Sonja Cho Swanson. Our team also includes host Lorraine Blanco Moss, academic research consultant Mark Padoongpatt, research assistant Karley Call, and news director Joe Schoenmann. Sound editing, mixing and mastering is by Regina Revazova and the team at Open Conversation.