KGA’s 14th Annual Yellow Lounge Showcase Event

Since 1997, KGA has nurtured the identity, leadership, and growth of Cambodian youth through connection with Culture, History, and Arts (CHA).

The first Yellow Lounge, “Journey of Hope,” began as an open mic in 2001, with the backdrop of the creative youth culture of the late ‘90s and early ‘00s. It began as a space created by our Southeast Asian young women who wanted to share our talents and talk about issues that impacted us.

The open mic grew to be a lounge-type vibe, and our young women identified as “yellow” (Asian) women at that time. It was based on an anthology we read, Yell-Oh Girls! Emerging Voices Explore Culture, Identity, and Growing Up Asian American, edited by Vickie Nam. We recognized that Asians have been discriminated against while referred to as “yellow” based on skin color, and we felt that it represented our stories and histories. Our young women wanted to reclaim the name “yellow” and create a space for “yellow” youth. Identifying as “yellow” women and hosting Yellow Lounge gave our young women a sense of pride and identity.

Check out these media highlights from previous Yellow Lounges.
Thank you to VoiceWaves for your long-term coverage! 🪷🫶🏼

Long Beach youth uplift city issues through dance and performances at the 13th annual Yellow Lounge (link)
By Crystal Niebla for VoiceWaves, 2019
Published in LB Post

Yellow Lounge is an annual cultural and arts showcase that centers youth voices and celebrates Southeast Asian culture through creative expression. It is a space where young people can share pride in their heritage while exploring themes such as identity, empowerment, and social justice. Through storytelling, performance, and art, our youth use this platform to amplify their voices and experiences.

This year is our 14th (semi-)annual Yellow Lounge. Our theme is “Connected by the SEA, Here to Stay.” The theme honors the strength, resilience, and unity of Southeast Asian (SEA) communities, as well as expressing solidarity for all communities struggling for liberation and justice, while affirming our lasting presence and power in our communities. This year is especially meaningful as Yellow Lounge returns for the first time since the pandemic, offering space for healing, joy, and reconnection.

Yellow Lounge features:

• Youth performances and storytelling, including traditional Khmer dance and collaborations with artists
• Youth artwork, including zines and blockprinting
• Ways to take action to fight for an equitable and just Long Beach
• Merchandise
• Raffles
• And more!

Youth Movement and Education Center
3rd Floor Movement Hall
2217 E. 6th Street
Long Beach, CA 90814

Doors Open 2PM
Event 3-5PM

Entrance to our building is through the parking lot on 6th Street.

This event is ADA Accessible.

Free Parking is available in our lot, entrance on 6th Street.
Street Parking is also available.
Parking may be limited so we encourage carpooling or ridesharing.

For event questions, please reach out to justice@kgalb.org.

• How much does it cost to attend Yellow Lounge?
  • Yellow Lounge is a FREE, family-friendly event.
    If you’d like to support the production of this youth-led event, please consider making a one-time donation today at registration. Suggested donation $25 (any amount appreciated).  
• Do I have to register to enter the event?
  • We ask that all attendees register before attending the event. If you do not register in advance, you will be able to register on-site. We have a maximum capacity and will not be able to accommodate attendees if we are at capacity.
• Is there event parking?
  • Yes, free parking is available in our lot, entrance on 6th Street.
    Street Parking is also available.
  • Parking may be limited so we encourage carpooling or ridesharing.
• Is there childcare?
  • Unfortunately, we are not offering childcare at this event. However, our event is family-friendly and little ones are welcome to be in the audience. 
• Is this event pet-friendly?
  • While we love animals, please leave your pets at home to ensure a safe space, especially for attendees with allergies.
• What accessibility accommodations are available?
  • Our venue is ADA accessible, with an elevator that can bring guests to the 3rd floor of the building.
  • Guests with accessibility needs, including accessing the elevator, should add a note under accessibility needs in the RSVP form, or email justice@kgalb.org.
• What if I want to donate via card/cash/check?
  • Thank you for your generosity and support! 
  • We are accepting card donations through the RSVP link.
  • If you have cash or a check to donate, you can notify us at justice@kgalb.org and we can collect it at the event.
• What if I want to donate an item (ex. Furniture, gift cards, prizes) or service?
  • Thank you for your generosity and support! These donations are considered in-kind donations. You can fill out the sponsorship form and indicate in-kind donation. We will contact you to coordinate a collection time.
• What if I want to volunteer?
  • Thank you so much for your interest and support! Please fill out the volunteer form and we will contact you.