Andrew Ashiofu Joins We Live In Color to Discuss Advocacy and Political Campaigns
"We Live In Color" returned this week with another episode, showcasing a guest dedicated to combating stigma and fostering inclusion on many fronts. This episode introduced Andrew Ashiofu, the former LGBTQ Commission Chair. Renowned for his impactful work and advocacy, Ashiofu joined host Deaunte Damper to share his inspiring background and discuss his experiences running in not one but two political campaigns, as well as his ongoing efforts to support immigrants, the LGBTQ community, and individuals living with HIV.
Ashiofu's journey to his current standing has not been without challenges. Born in Houston to Nigerian parents, he moved back to Nigeria at a young age following the passing of his mother. Although he grew up among what he describes as a "very privileged class," cultural differences, as well as his sexuality, created obstacles.
"Trying to find who I was as a person in the Nigerian community while also having a bit of the American influence from the American side of my family was a struggle," Ashiofu said.
During his school years, Ashiofu faced bullying and endured sexual abuse. Furthermore, after coming out as gay, he initially encountered rejection from his family before they eventually came to accept him.
"My family stopped talking to me, especially my parents, and along the way, they were the ones that reached out saying, we don't want to lose you, and we want to be part of your life. And it took a long learning process for both of us," Ashiofu said.
When Ashiofu returned to the United States, he brought over a microbiology degree. Despite his college education, his degree did not transfer, making finding work challenging.
"It's one of the things I would like to see our elected officials fight for us in DC, in Olympia here in Washington, is ensuring that migrants are given equal opportunities, especially on education, training, and bringing them that," Ashiofu said. "We have a huge labor shortage, and changing the laws around that would help a lot, especially in health care."
After moving to Seattle in 2016, Ashiofu explained that the pandemic lockdown, the death of George Floyd, his experience of previously being diagnosed with HIV, and a personal epiphany led him to become interested in politics.
"I realized I was just a token Black person in this space; my voice [and] my struggles were not respected, and it pushed me to think I was tired of complaining and needed to be where the changes happen, and that's how I got involved," Ashiofu explained.
He later joined the King County HIV Planning Council to prioritize the voices of Black people and immigrants in HIV care. He also joined the LGBTQ Commission and quickly rose to the chair position. Within a few years, he attempted to run for Position 2 of the 37th Legislative District, his first campaign.
"The first time I ran for office is because we get promises every election cycle. People tell us what they think we want to hear. But when they go to those places of power, do they really do that? Most of the time is no," Ashiofu explained. "I ran because I wanted to, win or lose, I want to ensure that health care was a priority to the people that would finally represent the districts, to let people know that people like me exist, and we need our voices heard."
He continued, "I wanted to show people, the next generation, that you could be queer, you could be Black, you could be HIV positive, you could have a disability, you could be an immigrant. English might not be your first language. But you could also have a seat at the table and make the right decisions for us."
Although he did not win the position, Ashiofu's determination remained strong. A year later, he launched another political campaign, running for Seattle City Council to represent District 3 in 2023. While he did not secure the seat, these experiences have opened up new opportunities for Ashiofu.
"The best part about running is the message you send and the aftermath. I always say I want to go somewhere where nobody knows me, and it's not possible anymore," Ashiofu said.
He further explained, "The doors have been opened, the opportunity that when I speak now, people respect my voice more. And the best part is seeing more people run for office, more Black queer people run for office is amazing."
Regarding why he ran multiple times, Ashiofu emphasized that perseverance is integral to his identity.
"I'm Nigerian. We never give up. I see what my parents went through as migrants. I hear the stories of how the colonial masters treated my dad, throwing coins on his head. Before my parents moved to America over 50 years ago, they had to survive a civil war where 3.1 million people from my ethnic group were killed. I see the struggles of all those on my parents [and] on migrants, and one thing we learned is that you never give up no matter what," Ashiofu said. "The struggles I have been through from being unhoused, looking for a job to being told that my degree wasn't important to where I am today. That's why I can not give up, and that's why I ran."
While he currently focuses on building community spaces for Black LGBTQ members and organizations and has no political campaigns planned, he explained that he wouldn't be opposed to running again if the time was right.
"If in the future, it means running for office again, I will," Ashiofu said. "I will never stop being an advocate for the people I want to represent."
His time running has made him more involved in party politics, and he encourages anyone with a desire to run to do just that.
"I tell people to run for office. There are so many offices that go unchallenged. Just run for any office [and] become a presence," Ashiofu said. He explained that registering to become a Precinct Committee Officer (PCO) is an excellent way to get involved, as these positions often go unfilled.
To learn more about Andrew Ashiofu, you can connect with him on Twitter or through his work at the Seattle LGBTQ Commission.
"Don't just be a voter be a voice on the ballot; be a voice in who's on the ballot and what initiatives on the ballot. get involved politically," Ashiofu said, "That's where you start having a space and the seat at the table."
Join Deaunte every Thursday on all Converge Media platforms for more engaging conversations with guests like Scott, highlighting advocacy work, inclusivity, diversity, and living life in full color!
