ANOAQA Stories amplifies the voices of ARO, ACE, and queer communities across Asia and beyond—communities that are often marginalized or ignored by mainstream media. Over the past few years, through the ANOAQA helpline, we’ve received numerous untold stories. These powerful narratives, often shared under pseudonyms, are now being documented, uncovered, and archived as case studies.

ANOAQA Stories presents a wide spectrum of experiences—both joyful and painful—that reflect the realities of Asian and diaspora queer lives. Too often, these stories go unheard or, when acknowledged, are misrepresented, perpetuating harmful stereotypes. ANOAQA Stories aims to challenge and change these narratives by continuing the vision of its founder, artist Dipa Mahbuba Yasmin. Dipa has long celebrated ARO ACE voices through her art and e-books, titled From Bangladesh for Asian ARO ACE and Rise.

In From Bangladesh for Asian ARO ACE and Rise, Dipa writes: “Growing up, I rarely saw stories of ARO ACE people who felt like me or who I could culturally identify with. I created Rise so that other ARO ACE queer individuals could find themselves in news, books, and films. I wanted to honor the incredible queer male, female, and non-binary activists, leaders, and artists who have worked tirelessly, both publicly and behind the scenes, to make the world a better place.”