South Asians Are Integral to the Asian Identity

Krystal Kavita Jagoo, a dedicated social worker focused on anti-oppressive methodologies, has contributed her expertise across three Canadian academic institutions. Her insightful essay, “Inclusive Reproductive Justice,” was featured in the Reproductive Justice Briefing Book.

Essential Insights

• The AAPI designation encompasses over 50 unique ethnic groups communicating in more than 100 languages.
• South Asian communities often experience feelings of exclusion from Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) conversations.
• Recognizing the erasure of specific groups is vital, as it directly affects healthcare equity and inclusion.

Being Asian is a multifaceted identity. Those belonging to South Asian backgrounds might have encountered moments where their Asian identity felt overlooked. This exclusion manifests in various forms, from academic research gaps to feeling sidelined in prominent AAPI movements like #StopAsianHate.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the AAPI term includes "around 50 ethnic groups speaking over 100 languages," linked to ancestries such as Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, Hawaiian, and other Asian and Pacific Islander origins.

While some embrace the AAPI label, many South Asians feel underrepresented within this broad categorization.

Understanding South Asian Identity

Suraji Wagage, PhD, JD, a licensed clinical psychologist and co-founder of the Center for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness, poses reflective questions: "Who comes to mind when you hear ‘Asian American’? When you mention ‘Asian’ cuisine, which dishes do you envision?"

Wagage highlights that most people tend to picture East or Southeast Asians and associate Asian food with Chinese, Japanese, or Thai flavors, often overlooking Indian cuisine.

Though she identifies as South Asian, Wagage shares her discomfort when selecting ‘Asian’ on forms, as South Asians are frequently forgotten within this subgroup.

A 2019 piece in the Asian American Policy Review emphasized the importance of the brown Asian American movement, advocating for Filipino, South Asian, and Southeast Asian communities who may feel marginalized within AAPI spaces.

Wagage underscores, "The AAPI community is not monolithic; it includes over 50 ethnic groups from more than 20 countries, despite often being grouped under umbrella terms."

Suraji Wagage, PhD, JD

"When you hear ‘Asian American,’ who do you picture? And what cuisine do you associate with ‘Asian’ food?"

— Suraji Wagage, PhD, JD

While South Asian, East Asian, and Southeast Asian communities share some common experiences living in the U.S., such as facing stereotypes like the “model minority,” their lived realities are distinct in many ways.

Wagage points out that different events trigger waves of racism uniquely: South Asians faced increased discrimination post-9/11 and during anti-Muslim policies, whereas East and Southeast Asians saw a rise in violence amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

She states, "I support the #StopAsianHate movement but recognize that South Asians are not always at its core."

Suraji Wagage, PhD, JD

"I stand in solidarity with #StopAsianHate, though it doesn't always center South Asian experiences."

— Suraji Wagage, PhD, JD

Wagage encourages leveraging AAPI Heritage Month to foster nuanced discussions, raise awareness, and build communities that actively oppose hate. She stresses the importance of speaking out against racism and engaging empathetically with Asian American peers.

She advises, "You don’t have to fix the problem; just listen, validate, and show genuine care."

Defining 'Asian' Identity

Psychologist Shamin Ladhani, PsyD, notes, “Experiencing racism in the U.S. heightens awareness of discrimination against related communities.”

Ladhani stresses the importance of recognizing that while East Asians were victims in the Atlanta shootings, South Asians have also faced a long history of racism in America, often overlooked in these conversations.

She shares a personal anecdote: "My daughter questioned her ethnicity after a peer claimed Indian descent isn’t Asian."

Ladhani recalls, "Post-9/11 hate crimes revealed deep-rooted racism against South Asians, frequently mischaracterized as terrorists."

Shamin Ladhani, PsyD

"Racism against South Asians is a significant part of U.S. history, yet these incidents are often excluded from broader Asian narratives."

— Shamin Ladhani, PsyD

Highlighting recent events, Ladhani references the 2021 shooting targeting Sikh Americans in Indiana, underscoring ongoing violence against Asian communities.

She reflects on her father's refugee experience fleeing Uganda in the 1970s due to anti-Asian genocide, emphasizing how many are unaware of this history.

Ladhani emphasizes that such incidents evoke fear and anxiety within South Asian communities, reminding them that racism persists.

She calls for researchers to disaggregate Asian data to accurately represent diverse groups and address unique disparities.

Shamin Ladhani, PsyD

"South Asians are often excluded from Asian discussions, despite facing significant hate crimes."

— Shamin Ladhani, PsyD

During the COVID-19 Delta surge in India, travel restrictions fueled anti-South Asian sentiment, which received limited attention within the #StopAsianHate dialogue.

Ladhani notes that racism stories involving South Asians are frequently underreported or quickly fade from media focus.

She shares that some South Asian patients feared for their families amid rising anti-immigration rhetoric during the Trump administration.

Ladhani acknowledges the mixed reactions she encounters when discussing racism—some are supportive and eager to learn, while others deny its existence.

Despite the emotional toll as a first-generation refugee daughter, she values the opportunity to educate and advocate, even if it means ending certain relationships.

She urges increased awareness of personal biases and openness to conversations about discrimination.

Ladhani insists that combating anti-Asian racism is a collective responsibility. She encourages speaking out against racism, supporting affected individuals, engaging in advocacy, and sharing resources.

Moving Forward

Dr. Leela R. Magavi, a Hopkins-trained psychiatrist and regional medical director at Mindpath Health, identifies as South Asian American and is passionate about advocating for her community against discrimination.

She strives to educate Asian American families and encourages participation in public policy efforts. Dr. Magavi notes the presence of bilingual and multilingual Asian American mental health professionals.

Beyond therapy, she highlights the benefits of online support groups, cultural forums, and religious gatherings in alleviating fears related to anti-Asian hate.

Leela R. Magavi, MD

"Acknowledging the varied ways Asian Americans process trauma can rebuild trust and help prevent further stigmatization."

— Leela R. Magavi, MD

Dr. Magavi raises concerns about South Asians' underrepresentation in clinical trials, which may worsen mental health disparities. She advocates for cultural competency in medical education and training.

She emphasizes the role of leaders in validating diverse Asian American experiences to foster healing and reduce trauma.

Dr. Magavi calls for collective involvement in public policy to educate, address questions, and save lives, encouraging open-ended conversations to support friends and community members.

What This Means For You

As highlighted by these South Asian mental health experts, South Asian communities are an essential part of the AAPI umbrella and deserve meaningful representation. If you are newly recognizing these communities within the AAPI framework, consider how to create inclusive spaces that welcome and uplift South Asians.

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