The inaugural AL DÍA 40 Under Forty event will be a showcase of the most diverse and impactful young professionals in various fields of work across the Philadelphia region.

At the virtual event, taking place August 20, 2020, Matthew Wong, 27, will be one of the 40 honorees. He is the Co-Founder of PAQ (Philadelphia Asian & Queer). 

As part of the lead-up to the event, AL DÍA asked each of the 40 honorees the same three questions and collected their responses. 

Here are Matthew Wong’s responses:

As an Asian Pacific Islander (API) and queer organization, we pride ourselves in being a home for all who fall under the Asian diaspora and LGBTQIA+ flag. Although our group is stated simply as an Asian queer group, both terms are far more expansive and encompassing than just a geographic region or sexual/gender identity. With our communities being so diverse, it provides the challenge of actively engaging and producing programming for our many communities.

I believe the proudest achievement as a group is making our collective voices be heard. By our mere existence, we have created a platform where our stories can be heard by API youth and others searching for connection. In our events and outside, we hear the same exclaim of being able to relate to parallel versions of coming-out, food culture, and the navigation of life as a person of color. During these moments, it is clear to me that they feel heard and seen for the first time.

The term ‘Diversity and Inclusion’ has almost devolved to a staged photo opportunity. To have a true inclusive culture, it takes much more than just having multicultural talent; it is a movement of culture that must occur. Shifting culture and norms is uncomfortable and foreign for many, but only then will a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture be formed.

To register for the upcoming AL DÍA 40 Under Forty event, click here. 

For more information about the event, reach out to alliyahm@aldianews.com.

For sponsorship opportunities, contact martina@aldianews.com.