It all started with a pageant…

Celebration on stage with four women in glamorous dresses, one woman wearing a crown and sash, and another holding a large trophy, with a dark background and sparkles.

In 2016, Michael won the Miss GAPA title. The following year, the Gay Asian Pacific Alliance—a volunteer-led organization since 1988—was on the verge of shutting down due to lack of leadership. Michael was invited to a dim sum lunch to discuss the organization's future. He showed up just for the shu mai, but ended up speaking up with ideas to reinvigorate the organization. He was elected Chair in 2017 and led a complete transformation: rebranding the organization as the GLBTQ+ Asian Pacific Alliance to be more inclusive of women and non-gender conforming people, bringing in new voices and younger leadership, and revitalizing programming. Under his leadership, GAPA went from nearly defunct to thriving.

Juicy Liu: Joy as Resistance
An elderly woman and a young man shaking hands and smiling at the camera. The woman is wearing a dark turtleneck sweater with a brooch and bright-colored bracelets, while the man is dressed in a Hawaiian-style shirt with tropical patterns and a rainbow-colored wristband.
A drag queen with blonde curly wig, glasses, and elaborate makeup performs on a stage, speaking into a microphone, with a rainbow pride flag in the background.

Representing Progressive Values on SF Democratic Party Leadership

Michael serves on the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee (DCCC), where he's fought to move the party toward bold progressive action on housing, immigrant rights, and LGBTQ+ equality. He's learned how to navigate city bureaucracy, build coalitions across diverse communities, and turn values into policy.

Michael, the Politician

Juicy Liu: Joy as Resistence

A woman with purple hair wearing a large straw hat, a beige dress with gold embroidery, and feathered shoulder details, standing on a balcony with cityscape views.

As drag performer Juicy Liu, Michael brings joy, creativity, and cultural celebration to political organizing. Drag isn't just performance—it's resistance, community-building, and a reminder that fighting for justice doesn't mean losing our joy.

Get Wet for Juicy!

More about Michael

  • District 8 has always been the heart of San Francisco's progressive movement—home to the Castro, the first openly gay elected official in California, and decades of fights for justice and equality. Michael is running to continue that legacy, bringing the same grassroots organizing energy that has always defined District 8.

    • Legal Background: Patent attorney specializing in artificial intelligence and software since 2008, working with tech companies at the forefront of the AI revolution. Published in Hastings Law Journal (2008), won the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) national writing competition for pioneering work on AI and jury decision-making. J.D. from UC Hastings College of the Law (now UC Law SF), transferred after ranking top 6% at Thomas Jefferson School of Law. Career path: Fenwick & West (laid off 2010, rehired 2011), Salesforce.com (2013-2014), now at patent boutique firm (Patent Law Works)

    • The Unlikely Path: Only got into one law school due to LSAT scores, but worked his way to top of his class and transferred to a top-tier law school. Experienced layoffs and setbacks but kept going. Got first Big Law job through Lavender Law at the National LGBT Bar Association conference. Turned career setbacks into clarity about using legal skills for social justice

    • Community Leadership: Founder of QTAPI Week. Won Miss GAPA 2016, elected Chair of GAPA in 2017, led transformation and rebranding to GLBTQ+ Asian Pacific Alliance (saving the organization from shutting down). Former board member of multiple LGBTQ+ and AAPI organizations. Past member of San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, Golden Gate Men's Chorus, and Gay Men's Chorus of San Diego

    • Coming Out Story: First marched in Pride with San Diego chorus in 2004, came out to parents shortly after. Visited SF days after Mayor Newsom began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples—that moment inspired him to go to law school

    • Political Experience: San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee member; Executive Board member of Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club; Past Chair of GAPA; Co-Founder of QTAPI Coalition of the Bay Area

    • Roots: Son of Vietnamese refugees who met in a refugee camp in Florida. Born in Chicago, moved throughout the country before finding home in San Francisco

    • District 8 Resident: First lived in Noe Valley during law school, now lives in Twin Peaks. Sutro Tower has been his daily constant since arriving in SF

    • Vision: Bridging the gap between tech innovation and community needs—ensuring AI-generated wealth supports working families while San Francisco remains the birthplace of transformative technology

  • Michael has called District 8 home since moving to San Francisco for law school—first in a tiny Noe Valley studio where he saw Sutro Tower every day, and now in Twin Peaks where that same tower reminds him each morning why he's fighting for this community. He's organized here for years—from Castro rallies to Noe Valley tenant meetings to Duboce Triangle community gatherings. He knows these neighborhoods because he's been showing up, building relationships, and fighting alongside neighbors long before running for office. After a childhood of moving from place to place, District 8 is where Michael finally found home—and he's running to make sure everyone else can too.