March is Womens’ Month around the world, but the Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE) and its supporters realized that there was a gap in the celebrations for API women and non-binary folks in entertainment.
On March 11, CAPE hosted its second annual Radiance Gala in Los Angeles at The Ebell, an educational and philanthropic organization founded by women, for women in 1894. Cold Tea Collective was on the red carpet to cover the event and get the inside scoop on what the attendees look forward to this year.
Hosted by comedian and actor Jenny Yang, the event featured many Asian American women, non-binary artists, and supporters in the entertainment industry. From behind the scenes to being at the forefront of blockbuster hits, many aspiring talents were in the room.
Celebrating API women and non-binary achievement in entertainment
CAPE’s Radiance Gala is an exciting opportunity for the community to celebrate each other. Fundraised proceeds from the evening sustain CAPE’s programs that help API women and non-binary folks break down barriers in a historically white entertainment industry. API women and non-binary individuals contribute greatly to the entertainment industry. Yet, their achievements are often overlooked.
Sherry Cola, who starred in the blockbuster film Joy Ride was at the gala as CAPE honored the film with Best in Film. “Tonight is so incredible because we’re celebrating voices that deserve to be heard and faces to be seen, and it’s overdue,” she says. “You’re reminded you can do anything and get the opportunity to shine.”
Never Have I Ever actor and Radiance honoree Megan Suri shares how her family has been a big supporter since she started in the industry. Now, many years since she began her career, for the community to celebrate her with the Cindy Y. Huang Rising Star at the Radiance Gala is very special.
Moving the entertainment industry forward
The Radiance Gala is more than celebrating achievements; it’s also about pushing the needle forward for API women and non-binary folks.
Normalizing and showcasing stories where a character or actor’s identity doesn’t need to be questioned is something Expats actor Sarayu Blue is looking forward to. At the gala, CAPE honored Blue where she shares, “There’s a lot of hard work, hustling, and fighting, and I am so proud of us for all that, but I’m ready to have a little more ease in our trajectories so that we can rest and trust that we are enough.”
Maria Zhang, who plays Suki, a Kyoshi Warrior in Avatar: The Last Airbender, hopes to continue sharing stories that inspire people to feel like they are seen and feel less alone.
Longtime Hollywood veteran Kelly Hu also attended the gala. “It’s such a great time in the world to celebrate not just women but non-binary folks as well. It’s a long time coming, and we’re still in that process of acceptance,” she says. “Events like this are so important for non-binary people to know that there are people here to support them, not just in the entertainment industry and life.”
With more API women and non-binary enduring and rising, CAPE’s mission to uplift the Asian and Pacific Islander community proves that representation matters and the community’s achievements shouldn’t go unnoticed.
2024 Radiance Award Honorees
This year’s CAPE Radiance Gala honorees featured:
- Sandra Oh, Luminary Award
- Madeleine Yuna Voyles, Julia S. Gouw Next Gen
- Megan Suri, Cindy Y. Huang Rising Star Award
- Fawn Veerasunthorn, Visionary
- Sarayu Blue, Actor in TV
- Ally Maki, Actor in Film
- BLACK CAKE, Best in TV
- JOY RIDE, Best in Film
- Melinda Hsu , Mentor
- Ramsey Naito, Decision Maker
- Sophia Yen, Deal Maker
- Alok Vaid-Menon, Trailblazer
- Drew Afualo, Tastemaker
Keep an eye on @coldteacollective on Instagram for interviews from the evening, in collaboration with Singaporean-woman owned apparel brand Love, Bonito. For more information on CAPE’s Radiance Gala, visit capeusa.org/radiance.
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