May marks Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a perfect time to reflect on the diverse experiences of various Asian American communities.

We often think of discrimination against “Asians” as a group and don’t drill down into the differences different Asian groups faced. While injustices against Japanese and Chinese Americans are widely recognized, other Asian groups have faced significant but often overlooked discrimination. Highlighting these stories, and the varied religious and secular responses, deepens our understanding of America’s racial history.

Vietnamese Americans faced severe discrimination as refugees following the Vietnam War, experiencing economic marginalization, language barriers, and violent anti-refugee hostility, exemplified by Ku Klux Klan attacks on Gulf Coast Vietnamese fishermen. Positively, many evangelical, Catholic, and mainline Protestant churches played a pivotal role in refugee resettlement, offering housing, language training, and employment support. Additionally, secular advocacy organizations significantly championed refugee rights. Notable Vietnamese American leaders who emerged include Viet Thanh Nguyen, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, and Joseph Cao, the first Vietnamese American elected to Congress, both refugees.

Cambodian Americans, fleeing the Khmer Rouge genocide, faced unique discrimination rooted in severe trauma. Many struggled with mental health stigma, poverty, and negative stereotypes. Cambodian youth, especially in Long Beach, California, encountered criminalization and social marginalization. Positively, Catholic and mainline Protestant groups provided trauma-informed care and educational assistance. Secular organizations like the Southeast Asia Resource Action Center offered culturally sensitive mental health and advocacy support. Prominent Cambodian American leaders include Loung Ung, human rights activist and author, and Dr. Haing S. Ngor, an Oscar-winning actor and genocide awareness advocate.

Laotian Americans, notably the ethnic Hmong who assisted U.S. forces during the “Secret War,” confronted profound cultural isolation and economic difficulties upon resettlement. Evangelical groups provided humanitarian assistance, though at times emphasizing religious conversion. Secular organizations complemented these efforts by offering linguistic and cultural support. Mee Moua, the first Hmong American elected to a state legislature, exemplifies Laotian leadership, advocating for immigrant and civil rights.

Filipino Americans historically endured discrimination characterized by labor exploitation, racial violence, and negative colonial stereotypes. Filipino agricultural workers, notably led by labor activist Larry Itliong during the 1965 Delano grape strikes, challenged oppressive working conditions. The Catholic Church supported Filipino workers through social justice advocacy. Labor unions significantly amplified secular advocacy efforts. Influential leaders like Itliong and writer Carlos Bulosan captured Filipino struggles, contributing significantly to civil rights.

Korean Americans faced severe discrimination, particularly highlighted by the 1992 Los Angeles riots when Korean businesses were disproportionately damaged. Korean Protestant churches provided critical community support. Secular organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), supported recovery efforts. Young Kim, one of the first Korean American women elected to Congress, emerged as a significant leader, championing immigrant entrepreneurship and social integration.

South Asian Americans — including Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, and other communities — faced discrimination linked to religious and cultural identities, particularly heightened after 9/11. Historical immigration restrictions, racial profiling, and hate crimes significantly impacted these communities, notably affecting Sikh and Muslim populations. Progressive Christian denominations actively condemned anti-South Asian violence, fostering interfaith alliances. The Sikh Coalition and secular interfaith groups, including the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), played crucial roles in combating racism and promoting tolerance.

Prominent South Asian American leaders include Vice President Kamala Harris, of Indian descent. Hansen Clarke, the first U.S. Congressman of Bangladeshi descent, notably advocated for immigrant communities and social equity. Julia Wijesinghe, a prominent Sri Lankan American human rights lawyer, emerged as a vital advocate for immigrant rights, refugee protections, and Sri Lankan Tamil community issues.

Burmese Americans, particularly persecuted minorities like the Karen people, encountered significant trauma and discrimination during resettlement. Louisa Benson Craig, a Karen activist who resettled in the U.S., became a leading advocate for refugees and human rights, raising awareness about persecution in Myanmar.

Thai Americans often experienced cultural invisibility and racial stereotyping. Senator Tammy Duckworth, born in Thailand, has become a powerful voice in American politics. An Iraq War veteran and advocate for veterans’ rights, Duckworth’s career highlights Thai American contributions and resilience.

Pacific Islander communities — Native Hawaiians, Samoans, Chamorros, Tongans, and Fijians — endured discrimination through educational and economic marginalization, healthcare neglect, and harmful racial stereotypes, exacerbated by historical colonial exploitation. Progressive Protestant and Catholic denominations have advocated for indigenous rights and cultural preservation. Secular Native Hawaiian sovereignty movements and community-led organizations significantly advanced land rights, educational equity, and cultural empowerment. Daniel Akaka, the first Native Hawaiian in the U.S. Senate, exemplifies Pacific Islander leadership, strongly advocating for indigenous rights.

Across these groups, recurring discriminatory patterns include the “perpetual foreigner” stereotype, the misleading “model minority” myth, and marginalization based on language proficiency.

By acknowledging both the challenges faced and the strengths demonstrated by these diverse groups, we can build a genuinely inclusive society that respects and honors all Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

Ed Gaskin is Executive Director of Greater Grove Hall Main Streets and founder of Sunday Celebrations