What We Do

We primarily work with LGBTQ+ Vietnamese Americans and their loved ones through research, education, and advocacy, while also strengthening collective power alongside other communities working towards liberation.

Research

At VROC, we see that research can inform what our collective vision looks like and helps us create the world we want to see. There is a major lack of research and resources about and for LGBTQ+ Vietnamese, Latinx, and Black people in Orange County. Given that Orange County has its own social and political context, we want to make sure that our research and evaluation capture systemic and community-level issues. We also see research as a process of storytelling. Our research is our way of uplifting and amplifying the stories of VROC’s community members. 

Education

Education is an important step to changing hearts, minds, and systems. The LGBTQ+ Vietnamese American experience is multifaceted, layered, and complex. It is impacted by deeper issues such as racism, imperialism, and queerphobia. Education can take many shapes—from providing space for LGBTQ+ Vietnamese Americans to explore and learn about their identity to facilitating family acceptance workshops for those looking to support their LGBTQ loved ones. Continually learning and honoring the unique experiences that LGBTQ+ Vietnamese Americans hold is crucial to creating a more inclusive community.

Advocacy

VROC was founded out of a need to advocate for those who were pushed out and marginalized in our own Vietnamese community. Nurturing and developing leaders is at the heart of VROC’s advocacy and organizing. We provide opportunities to build on leadership skills that are inherent in our communities. We have our Youth Leadership Activation program for LGBTQ+ high school-aged youth of color. We have pushed for a more safe and inclusive Pride in Orange County, canvassed for transgender rights in Massachusetts, and supported legislation for immigrant and refugee rights.

Building Collective Power

We engage in radical collaboration alongside other communities in working towards liberation in Orange County. VROC recognizes that we exist in an ecosystem of community organizers, service providers, and chosen families. In building a collective power with other communities, we can shape the future of LGBTQ+ POC and their loved ones in OC.