Join us for Pride March in Chinatown: Learning about APIDA LGBTQ+ Organization Invisible to Invincible (i2i), a special conversation on the history, visibility, and future of queer Asian American community organizing in Chicago. This program brings together current Core member Liz Haas (they/she) and former Core member Nebula Li (he/him or they/them) to share the story of Invisible to Invincible (i2i), a grassroots APIDA LGBTQ+ organization dedicated to advocacy, visibility, cultural presence, and community care.
The discussion will trace the founding of i2i and reflect on the social and cultural conditions that made the organization necessary. Speakers will share memories and experiences from organizing and marching in Chicago’s Chinatown and Argyle Lunar New Year parades, moments that created visible queer APIDA presence within community and cultural spaces. The conversation will also look toward the present and future of i2i, discussing ongoing challenges, evolving community needs, and visions for future organizing, collaboration, and support networks. This event offers an opportunity to learn more about the intersections of Asian American identity, LGBTQ+ advocacy, public celebration, and community-building in Chicago.
Invisible to Invincible (i2i) is a community-based organization that celebrates and affirms Asian, Pacific Islander, & Desi Americans (APIDA) who identify as LGBTQ+ in the Chicago area. i2i’s work since 2005 has included working toward making Asian spaces more affirming of LGBTQ+ folks, immigrant and refugee justice, reproductive justice, racial justice solidarity work, family acceptance of LGBTQ+ Asians, visibility, and wellness. Currently, i2i organizes progressive educational programming, support spaces, and social events, both virtual and in person. We focus on community activism, primarily around queer, trans, racial, and immigrant justice.
About the Panelists
Liz Haas (they/she) is a Core member of Invisible 2 Invincible (i2i) (2025-present, 2018-2021). Liz has nine years of experience in nonprofit development working with organizations involved in immigrant rights, worker rights, voting rights, reproductive justice, and gender justice; they are currently the Development Director at Arise Chicago. Liz is also a playwright and theater maker who enjoys bringing their Asian American and queer identity into their work. Liz loves speculative fiction and deckbuilding games.
Nebula Li (he/him or they/them) is a former Core member (2012-2014) of Invisible 2 Invincible: Asian/Pacific Islander Pride of Chicago (i2i) and current volunteer leader organizing with Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago. He has over a decade of experience working as an immigration lawyer and has been active in the immigrant rights movement since 2011, which includes working with the National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum (NAPAWF) and National Asian National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA) to fight for comprehensive immigration reform in 2014. He also helped bring i2i into the campaign against the opening of a paramilitary law enforcement training facility (the #NoCopAcademy Campaign) in 2018. Nebula loves cats, cooking, and being outside.
This event is part of a Pride Month event series presented in collaboration with the Chinese American Museum of Chicago, the Heritage Museum of Asian Art, and Invisible to Invincible (i2i).
