Designers
Designers
Designers
Beyond May Magazine
An art, fashion and culture magazine celebrating creatives in the AAPI community.

Designers
Roxanne Chao
Key Words
SUMMARY
Beyond May is an art, fashion, and culture magazine that extends the celebration of AAPI talent beyond Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The project began with a focus on addressing the systemic underrepresentation and stereotypes of Asians in creative industries. Through interviews with industry leaders and new creatives, it uncovers the enduring impact of orientalism and the scarcity of Asians in executive roles, advocating for year-round recognition and representation.
challenge
A critical need for consistent visibility and representation of AAPI creatives, which is often confined to Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Through ongoing dialogue with peers and extensive research, I found persistent issues like orientalism and the lack of Asians in leadership roles within creative sectors. "Beyond May" addresses these gaps by providing a platform for year-round engagement and advocacy, aiming to dismantle stereotypes and champion diversity in leadership, fulfilling the community's need for authentic representation and equal opportunities in the arts.
Outcome
Beyond May emerged as a magazine dedicated to showcasing AAPI creatives beyond May, featuring interviews, artwork, and editorials that highlight ongoing challenges and achievements. By consistently promoting diverse voices and stories, it directly combats the sporadic visibility and stereotypes that AAPI individuals face in creative industries. It is in both physical and digital forms, as well as a website with all the content and additional resources. The magazine serves as both a platform for expression and a tool for advocacy, addressing the need for sustained representation and challenging the market's status quo of underrepresentation in leadership and media portrayal.




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