Lilian Ongelungel on bodies, sexuality, reproductive justice through art

Unveiling We are working toward a just world where… Everyone has the social, economic and political power and resources to make healthy decisions for themselves about their bodies, genders, sexualities and families, in all areas of their lives, without fear of discrimination, exclusion or harm. This includes the ability to have children, not have children, and/or parent the children we have in safe and healthy environments.

Our second artwork in our We are working toward a just world where… series comes from Lilian Ongelungel.

Lilian Ongelungel

I am an artist, creator, and lover of learning. I am Palauan by blood, Portlander by birth, and Pasifika by spirit. Some element of these identities emerge in my artwork. My various work are occasionally featured at Ongelungel.com



Artist’s Statement

Everyone has the social, economic and political power and resources to make healthy decisions for themselves about their bodies, genders, sexualities and families, in all areas of their lives, without fear of discrimination, exclusion or harm. This includes the ability to have children, not have children, and/or parent the children we have in safe and healthy environments.

This piece was inspired by APANO’s second core value, which I wanted to illustrate with themes of lifelong growth, empowerment, and the sharing of intergenerational knowledge.

More about the series

Launched in celebration of Asian Pacific Heritage Month, We are working toward a just world where… commissioned six unique Asian and Pacific Islander artists to create original artwork envisioning a world of solidarity, justice, and empowerment. Each artist was selected through an open call application process and chose one of APANO’s core values to illustrate. Their artwork reflects the depth of our experiences and envisions the shared future we want to see: a prosperous, healthy future in which our families and communities have the rights, recognition, and resources to truly thrive.

This project amplifies APANO’s cultural work strategy, which seeks to use creativity to center the voices and experiences of Asian and Pacific Islanders, shift harmful narratives, and envision alternatives. It was strongly inspired by Strong Families’ Mama’s Day and Trans Day of Resilience projects, which we encourage you to explore. Learn more about our cultural work here and read about Asian Pacific American Heritage Month here.