“One of the Lightest, Happiest Groups”
Teresa Enrico, International Liberation Reference Person
for Pacific Islander and Pilipino/a-Heritage People
I am the International Liberation Reference Person for Pacific Islander and Pilipino/a-Heritage People. There are many, many Islands in the Pacific, including the Philippines. I also reference Korea. What an interesting grouping! The strengths and struggles of these two groups make us key allies for each other, which is part of how I think about our work together.
We are the Indigenous people of these lands. We have been there for thousands of years—living with the land and the waters, being close to the world around us. We also share histories of colonization, racism, attempted genocide, militarization, and war.
Many of you know me in my other roles, which include leading early-sexual-memories workshops. That work is important not only to my personal liberation but also to the liberation of my people. Two issues have emerged: the climate crisis and sexual exploitation (which, in fact, are connected). And both come directly out of the histories of my people. We do a lot of work on these issues. We are also one of the lightest, happiest groups you can find!
Seattle, Washington, USA