“I Speak Up for Myself, My Family, and for My Community”: How Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders Respond to Anti‐Asian Racism During COVID‐19

ABSTRACT This qualitative study explored how Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) responded to anti‐Asian racism during COVID‐19. Participants (n = 459; Mage = 26.4 years; 77.8% female) completed a survey and responded to the open‐ended question: “How have you responded to anti‐Asian racism since the beginning of the COVID‐19 pandemic?” Reflective thematic analysis was utilized to code responses. Three themes were identified, indicating that AANHPIs engaged in knowledge sharing and cultural exploration; experienced emotional reactions that galvanized efforts to take care of themselves, friends, family, and their community; and engaged in advocacy and activism to advance social justice. Subthemes were also identified to further characterize responses. Results reflect how AANHPI communities responded to anti‐Asian racism by leveraging cultural strengths and taking the initiative to create social change. These findings have individual‐, organizational‐, and community‐level implications to mitigate the impacts of anti‐Asian racism and promote the well‐being of AANHPI communities.