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Revolution 9: Nine Alt Faves for AAPI Heritage Month

Y’all, it’s been a minute! The leaves have scattered, the snow has fallen, and the bulbs have bloomed since Three of Swords has been on hiatus, but babe, she’s back in black. What a good time to be back, too, because it’s time for…AAPI Heritage Month! For those unfamiliar, let’s break out the Wiki definition: 


“Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is observed in the United States during the month of May, and recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.”


From May 1st - 31st, the U.S. highlights the achievements of Asian-American & Pacific Islander individuals. How can you do this, you may ask? Some easy go-tos include reading books from AAPI authors, following & supporting AAPI activists, & purchasing from AAPI businesses. Now, it’s pretty apparent how I feel about performative action when it comes to celebrating people of color (see: here). Three of Swords strives to not only honor AAPI creatives when it’s the “right” time to do so, but when we feel compelled to celebrate their strength, art, & unique contributions to film, fashion, music, etc. We’ve touched upon their phenomenal creations numerous times (see: here & here), but the hits are endless. This May, we’ll be shining a spotlight on a handful of our alt/goth AAPI faves. Featuring influencers, musicians, & films, these 9 picks are unusual, eclectic, & provoking in the best & deliciously oddest of ways.

 

 

Four images of Asian influencers and creators @princessgollum and @tomonyan55, featuring multiple pictures of intricate nail art & a non-binary Asian model posing with red eyeliner in an outdoor field.



 

5 images of Asian influencers and creators @_naagini, @sandytaboo, and @tabootakeover. Images include Indo-Guyanese goth model posing in a dark room and Eastern Asian model posing with an intricate makeup look.

 

Three images of two Asian musicians: Kyo of Dir en Grey and Toro Y Moi.

 

Three images that include Deftones and Crosses vocalist Chino Moreno, Deftones lyrics from song Knife Party, and a small stylized image of a pink and red Crosses song single.

 

 

Screenshot and sketches from popular 90’s anime film Perfect Blue, released in 1997 and directed by Satoshi Kon.

 

Two screenshots from Japanese folk horror film Kwaidan, released in 1964 by director Masaki Kobayashi.