AFW

About AFW

A Washington home for queer Asian connection.

Since 1984, Asians & Friends Washington has brought together LGBTQ+ Asians, friends, and allies to build friendship and connection across the DMV.

Mission & Vision

A place to meet, connect, and belong.

AFW began with a simple and enduring purpose: bringing together LGBTQ+ Asians, friends, and allies to build friendship, understanding, and community.

Mission

Building friendship, belonging, and community for LGBTQ+ Asians, friends, and allies across the DMV.

Vision

To be the intergenerational home for LGBTQ+ Asians, friends, and allies in the DMV.

What brings us together

AFW gathers through social, cultural, wellness, travel, and community programs. AFW also participates in Pride, volunteer opportunities, community partnerships, and civic moments that support visibility and connection for LGBTQ+ Asians, friends, and allies.

  • Social
  • Cultural
  • Wellness
  • Travel
  • Community & outreach

Across generations

Across Generations

Since 1984, AFW has connected LGBTQ+ Asians, friends, and allies across different stages of life. Members join for many reasons: friendship, cultural connection, travel, Pride, volunteerism, or simply finding community.

By bringing together people of different backgrounds, experiences, and generations, AFW creates opportunities to learn from one another, build lasting relationships, and strengthen community across the DMV.

Community

Community for Every Chapter

AFW offers simple ways to show up, participate, and stay connected wherever you are starting from.

Discover

Meet new friends, explore the DMV, and find welcoming spaces.

Connect

Join social, cultural, wellness, travel, and community programs.

Contribute

Share ideas, host gatherings, volunteer, and support community partnerships.

Belong

Build lasting friendships and help sustain an intergenerational community.

Timeline

Four moments in a longer story.

For more than four decades, AFW has connected generations of LGBTQ+ Asians, friends, and allies through social gatherings, cultural events, visibility, travel, and community building.

  1. 1984

    AFW begins

    Asians & Friends Washington forms as a place for LGBTQ+ Asians, friends, and allies to gather, connect, and build understanding.

  2. 1990s-2000s

    Friendships deepen

    Community gatherings, potlucks, movie nights, happy hours, and newsletter connections help AFW become a familiar home base.

  3. 2020s

    A new chapter

    AFW expands its focus on intergenerational connection, cultural programs, wellness, travel, outreach, and belonging across the DMV.

  4. 2026

    Looking ahead

    Members, volunteers, and new leaders help shape AFW’s next era through shared experiences, local events, and lasting connections.