Are you “phubbing” your love life to death?
Tulsi Gabbard’s historic spy chief appointment sparks debate, a Boston trial shakes U.S.-China tensions, and love takes center stage this Valentine’s
The Rebel Yellow #31
What a week—Tulsi Gabbard just made history as the U.S.’ first Hindu American spy chief, but not without controversy. Meanwhile, a Boston man accused of being a Chinese agent walked free after a high-profile trial, and a landmark post office renaming in Massachusetts put long-overdue recognition on the map. Plus, with Valentine’s Day around the corner, we’re diving into what love really looks like.
Tulsi Gabbard is the US’ first Hindu American spy chief
The Senate approved Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination as director of national intelligence on Wednesday, with 52 senators supporting her confirmation and 48 opposing in a vote that fell mostly along party lines. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) cast the only Republican vote against the nomination, joining unanimous Democratic opposition.
The first Samoan and Hindu American elected to the US Congress, Gabbard, 43, is now also the first Samoan and Hindu American Cabinet member. She will lead the U.S.’ intelligence community, comprising 18 separate agencies, with authority over a $100 billion budget. Her appointment comes as the Trump administration pursues broad changes across federal institutions.
Questions on experience
The confirmation proceeded despite widespread concern over Gabbard’s qualifications for the post. Unlike previous directors of national intelligence — who typically brought extensive intelligence backgrounds to the role — Gabbard comes to the position without having served in intelligence agencies or on related congressional committees during her House tenure. The position was established as a response to intelligence shortcomings identified after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.
In explaining his dissenting vote, McConnell expressed deep reservations about the appointment. “The nation should not have to worry that the intelligence assessments the President receives are tainted by a Director of National Intelligence with a history of alarming lapses in judgment,” he said in a statement following the vote.
Political evolution
Gabbard’s appointment marks the latest turn in a distinctive political career. Starting in Hawaii’s state legislature at age 21, she initially aligned with conservative causes before becoming a Democratic member of Congress. Most recently, she switched to the Republican Party in the month preceding the 2024 election.
Her early life was shaped by her upbringing in the Science of Identity Foundation (SIF), an organization that emerged as an offshoot of the Hare Krishna movement under the leadership of Chris Butler. Gabbard has acknowledged Butler as her “guru dev” or divine teacher. Her worldview was further influenced by her service in the Hawaii Army National Guard, particularly her deployment to Iraq during intense insurgent activity in the Sunni triangle region.
Confirmation challenges
The confirmation hearings highlighted several contentious aspects of Gabbard’s record. These include:
A controversial 2017 visit with Syria’s then-leader Bashar al-Assad
Her comments regarding Russia’s actions in Ukraine
Support for Edward Snowden
Shifting positions on surveillance authorities under FISA Section 702
These concerns ultimately did not prevent key Republican senators from backing her nomination. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), while noting her “concerns about certain positions she has previously taken,” expressed confidence that Gabbard would contribute “independent thinking” to the role.
What she’s saying
Following her swearing-in at the White House Wednesday, Gabbard addressed public skepticism toward intelligence institutions. “Unfortunately, the American people have very little trust in the intelligence community, largely because they've seen the weaponization and politicization of an entity that is supposed to be purely focused on ensuring our national security,” she said.
Security analysts note that Gabbard faces significant challenges in her new role, particularly in maintaining international intelligence partnerships while implementing organizational changes sought by the administration.
Boston man acquitted of charges he acted as an unregistered Chinese agent
A federal jury in Boston has cleared Litang Liang, 65, against allegations that he worked covertly for the Chinese government. The China-born U.S. citizen was found not guilty Monday after a six-day trial and two days of jury deliberation.
Speaking to reporters on his way out of the federal courthouse in Boston, Liang expressed his devotion to both nations through an interpreter. “Justice has finally arrived,” he said. “I love my ancestral home, China. And I love the USA. I’m innocent.”
The allegations
Prosecutors charged Liang under Section 951, the federal foreign agents statute, with conspiracy to act as an agent of a foreign government and acting as an agent of a foreign government without notice to the U.S. attorney general. They built their case around activities between 2018 and 2022, during which they alleged Liang gathered intelligence for Beijing.
The government’s charges centered on several alleged key actions:
Providing information to Chinese officials of Boston-area Chinese dissidents and pro-Taiwan groups
Establishment of the New England Alliance for the Peaceful Unification of China following meetings with Communist Party officials
Organization of demonstrations opposing pro-democracy activists
Identification of potential recruits for China’s Ministry of Public Security, an agency tasked with investigating political dissents
A conviction would have resulted in up to 10 years imprisonment for the foreign agent charge, five years for conspiracy and potential fines reaching $250,000 per count.
Defense argument
Defense attorney Derege Demissie successfully argued that his client’s actions represented protected speech rather than foreign agency. Throughout the trial, he emphasized that Liang — a hotel worker active in both his union and local Chinese American community organizations — was targeted simply because his political views aligned with Beijing’s stance.
During closing arguments, Demissie highlighted what he saw as the case’s true nature. “This case would have meant nothing if it did not involve China. It had the purpose of scaring people, and it achieved that purpose,” he said.
Following his May 2023 arrest, Liang was released under strict conditions: a $25,000 bond, electronic monitoring, travel limited to Massachusetts, surrender of his passport and prohibition of contact with Chinese officials.
Broader impact
The verdict has particular significance for Chinese communities across the country. A coalition including Liang’s union, Unite Here Local 26, and the Massachusetts chapter of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance drew parallels between the prosecution and the “Red Scare” era.
Demissie emphasized the broader implications after the acquittal. “This is a case that essentially lets every Chinese American know that there’s a difference between exercising your constitutional right and breaking the law, which Mr. Liang did not do,” Demissie noted.
The verdict also arrives during a significant shift in the Justice Department’s approach to foreign influence cases. Newly appointed U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi’s decision to dismantle the Foreign Influence Task Force and narrow the scope of foreign-agent prosecutions to traditional espionage marks a notable policy change. This comes after varying outcomes in related cases throughout 2024, including Wang Shujun’s conviction in New York for sharing activist information with Chinese officials, and ongoing proceedings against others, including former New York governor’s aide Linda Sun.
Reactions
Pro-democracy advocates voiced disappointment with the outcome. Frances Hui, policy and advocacy coordinator for the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation, a group that advocates for democracy in Hong Kong, had firsthand experience with the tensions surrounding the case. As organizer of the 2019 “Boston Stands with Hong Kong” march that drew Liang’s counter-protest, she told NBC10 Boston in 2023 that participants, herself included, received gun threats during the event.
Following the verdict, Hui expressed concern about its broader implications. “While I respect the legal process, this outcome is a sobering reminder of the challenges in holding perpetrators of transnational repression accountable in the way our system works,” Hui told the South China Morning Post.
Meanwhile, U.S. Attorney Leah Foley, whose office prosecuted the case, stated that while they “respect the jury's decision, we are disappointed in Monday’s verdict.”
Boston post office named after Asian American civil rights leader
The Fort Point Post Office in Boston was officially named the Caroline Chang Post Office this past Lunar New Year, becoming the first federal building in Massachusetts to be named after an Asian American community member. Located at 25 Dorchester Avenue, the facility’s renaming honors the legacy of a longtime civil rights advocate and public health leader who served the Chinatown community for decades.
Breaking new ground
The Jan. 29 dedication marks a significant shift in representation within Massachusetts’ postal system. Of the state’s 617 postal facilities, only one bore a woman’s name and five recognized people of color previously. The Caroline Chang Post Office breaks new ground as the first to honor both a woman of color and an AAPI individual.
“Caroline made history, even though she never set out to do it. She was just doing the work of advancing civil rights and public health and equity,” U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley said at the dedication ceremony, as per Sampan. “There has been a deficit of parity when it comes to the naming of buildings that represent leaders in the AAPI community. So this is a historic step forward.”
Legislative journey
Pressley introduced bill H.R. 3728, which sought to rename the post office, in May 2023. The legislation gained House approval in February 2024, cleared the Senate and received former President Joe Biden’s signature last November. At the dedication, Pressley reportedly presented Chang’s family and friends with the framed legislation, noting the significance of achieving this recognition through a divided Congress.
About Chang
Chang’s journey of public service began in her birthplace of Boston’s Chinatown in 1940. Starting as a young interpreter for community members seeking healthcare, she went on to forge a remarkable career spanning three decades with the Department of Health and Human Services. In her role as New England Regional Manager for the Office for Civil Rights, she achieved distinction as the region's highest-ranking AAPI federal official of her time.
Following her graduation from Suffolk Law School in 1970, Mayor Kevin White appointed Chang to lead Chinatown’s Little City Hall. Her organizational legacy includes founding six vital community institutions: the Asian American Civic Association, the Asian Community Development Corporation, the Chinese Historical Society of New England, the Greater Boston Chinese Golden Age Center, the Harry H. Dow Memorial Legal Assistance Fund and the South Cove Community Health Center.
A Valentine’s Day personal take
When cupid’s arrow misses: Being Asian and aromantic-asexual
When I came out as aromantic-asexual (aroace) in 2016, my mom didn’t quite know what to make of it. Her immediate concern was marriage, and in her world — our world — tying the knot isn’t just a celebration of love. It’s a cornerstone of family life, a marker of adulthood, and often, a measure of filial piety.
How, then, does one explain to an Asian mother that her son experiences neither romantic nor sexual attraction in a way that doesn’t sound like a medical condition requiring intervention?
As I write this on Valentine’s Day from my study, I, at 30, find myself part of a small but vibrant community. According to a 2019 study from the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law, asexual people comprise about 1.7% of adults in sexual minority groups. This statistic might seem small, but it represents thousands of individuals navigating a world that often fails to acknowledge our existence.
Growing up, I was the kid who preferred books to playground games, finding solace in intellectual pursuits rather than the social dynamics that seemed to come naturally to my peers. While I had many friends at my international high school, I never quite understood the fascination with crushes and dating that began to consume my multicultural classmates. Instead, I found myself studying romance like an anthropologist: reading young adult novels, analyzing romantic comedies and taking mental notes on what “falling in love” was supposed to feel like between academic competitions and research projects.
Needless to say, the journey to understanding my identity wasn’t straightforward. Get this: a 2019 Sky Data poll found that while 53% of people feel they can accurately define asexuality, 75% of these participants were actually incorrect in their understanding. Many don’t realize that asexual-spectrum (ace-spec) people may experience a sex drive — it’s the lack of sexual attraction to others that defines our experience. Similarly, aromantic people may be in romantic relationships: 7.9% of aromantics in the Aro Census 2020 Report indicated they were in a romantic partnership at the time of the survey. Some 6.5% indicated they were in a sexual partnership.
For years, I tried to squeeze myself into boxes that society had prepared. When people noticed my softer demeanor and assumed I was gay, I embraced that identity without question. It just seemed easier than explaining the complexity of feeling neither romantic nor sexual attraction. And this experience isn’t unique: in the U.K., it has been reported that ace respondents are the most likely group to avoid being open about their sexuality for fear of negative reactions, with 83.8% reporting this concern compared to 69.6% of all respondents.
It then shouldn’t come as a surprise that what’s frustrated me all this time is widespread misunderstanding, which contributes to what researchers identify as one of the most common forms of discrimination against aromantic and asexual people: erasure. This is precisely why representation matters to me — seeing creators like Alice Oseman, who is aroace herself, bring characters like Isaac Henderson (“Heartstoppers”) to life in popular media helps validate our experiences and shows others that our stories deserve to be told. Journalist and author Angela Chen, who is ace, has been instrumental in bringing visibility to ace experiences, particularly through her groundbreaking book “Ace: What Asexuality Reveals About Desire, Society and the Meaning of Sex.” Her work articulates the nuanced experiences of ace-spec individuals, highlighting how asexuality challenges deeply ingrained societal assumptions about attraction, intimacy and personal fulfillment.
The few times I attempted intimacy with my former partner, it felt like performing in a play where everyone else knew the lines but me. The script was written in a language I could mechanically reproduce, but never truly feel. Scientific research has finally begun to validate these experiences. Over the past two decades, psychological studies have shown that asexuality should be classified not as a disorder but as a stable sexual orientation, akin to homosexuality or heterosexuality. This recognition culminated in a significant change to the DSM-5 in 2013, which specifically states that individuals who identify as asexual should not be diagnosed with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).
The challenge of being aroace and Asian extends beyond personal relationships. Our communities often view marriage as the natural progression of life, as essential as breathing. Family gatherings become minefields of well-meaning but exhausting questions about dating and marriage prospects. Even with graduate degrees and promising careers, the traditional timeline — graduate, career, marriage, children — doesn’t have a branch for those of us who barely or don’t experience romantic or sexual attraction at all. “You just haven’t found the right person yet,” they say, or worse, “Maybe you need to see someone about fixing this.” I’ve heard these comments far too many times. They reflect what researchers call “allonormative assumptions,” or views that assume all people experience sexual and romantic attraction. This mindset can be particularly damaging in healthcare settings. A 2020 University of Minnesota study revealed that 30-50% of asexual individuals who disclosed their identity to healthcare providers had their asexuality attributed to a health condition, ranging from anxiety and depression to personality disorders.
The pressure to conform to traditional relationship models is particularly intense in Asian cultures, where family continuity and filial obligations carry immense weight. The concept of choosing not to pursue romance or marriage can be seen as not just a personal choice, but a rejection of cultural values. Yet I’ve come to understand that my aroace identity doesn’t make me any less Asian, nor does my Asian identity make me any less aroace.
The intersection of Asian cultural expectations and aroace identity can feel like standing at a crossroads where all signs point in directions you don’t want to go. But there’s beauty in forging your own path, in finding ways to honor your heritage while being true to yourself. Being aroace isn’t about being broken or incomplete — it’s about experiencing life and love in different ways. And while I may not always feel romantic attraction, I deeply value my friendships, my family relationships and the passionate interests that bring meaning to my life. These connections aren’t lesser alternatives to romantic love; they’re equally valid forms of human bonding and fulfillment.
As we celebrate another Valentine’s Day, I aim to remind our readers that love comes in many forms. For some of us, the most meaningful relationships in our lives will never fit into heart-shaped boxes or romantic comedies. And that’s not just OK — it’s beautiful in its own right. Cupid’s arrow may miss us, but that only means we’re free to soar on our own wings.
To my fellow aroace Asian friends: you are not alone, and you are not broken. Your identity is valid, your experience is real, and your path, though it may look different, is just as worthy of celebration as any other. As researchers, activists and our community continue to advocate for our recognition and rights, we must remember that our worth isn’t determined by our capacity for romantic or sexual attraction, but by the authentic lives we choose to lead.
Carl Samson is a senior editor at NextShark/The Rebel Yellow. Follow them on Bluesky.
Are you “phubbing” your love life to death?
"It's like we're together, but not really," Mai, a Filipino American woman whose husband often scrolls through his phone during meals, tells The Rebel Yellow. "I feel invisible, like I'm not as interesting as whatever he's looking at online." Mai's sentiment echoes a growing concern about the detrimental effects of "phubbing" (portmanteau for "phone" and "snubbing"), which experts say is silently eroding the foundations of romantic relationships.
What is phubbing?
Phubbing is the act of snubbing someone in a social setting by focusing on your smartphone rather than engaging with the people around you. In a romantic relationship, it can create distance and feelings of neglect.
Nearly half of all Americans report being phubbed by their partners, a statistic that underscores the growing disconnect in modern relationships. For Asian Americans, who often prioritize face-to-face communication and deep respect for others, this digital disregard can be particularly hurtful.
"It creates a distance between us," shares Raj, whose boyfriend often glances at his phone during their walks together. "I feel like I have to compete with her phone for her attention, and it's frustrating."
What phubbing does
Phubbing can create a vicious cycle of disconnection and negativity. A recent study from China published in Frontiers in Psychology found that frequent phubbing diminishes feelings of support, especially for women and increases the likelihood of both partners engaging in harmful behaviors that damage the relationship. "It's become a habit that's hard to break," Mai shares. "We've talked about it, but it's like he can't help himself."
This constant distraction chips away at the foundation of the relationship, leaving both partners feeling isolated and undervalued. "It makes me feel unimportant," confesses Raj. "It's like he's not fully present with me." A separate 2024 study further linked phubbing to an increased risk of depression, with respondents expressing the behavior undermines relationship satisfaction and fuels feelings of loneliness and anxiety for everyone involved.
Couples who manage to avoid phubbing often rely on open communication and a willingness to establish healthy boundaries around technology use. "Phones can be a great communication tool," says Jackie, a professional who balances work and relationships. "My boyfriend and I naturally put our phones down during meals and most of our time together, but we also reply to messages from family or check in with each other throughout the day. It's about finding a balance between staying connected and being present."
If you’re phubbing or getting phubbed …
Experts say breaking free from the phubbing cycle requires conscious effort and a commitment to prioritizing real-life connections by making the choice to put the phone down. Start by creating phone-free zones, designating specific times and places where devices are off-limits to foster uninterrupted quality time.
If phubbing persists despite your best efforts, the experts advise seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor to address underlying issues and develop healthier communication patterns.
Oscar-nominated “Past Lives” returns to streaming in time for Valentine’s Day
A24’s critically acclaimed drama “Past Lives” has found a new streaming home on Prime Video. The 2023 film, written and directed by Celine Song, earned two Oscar nominations in 2024 and was previously available on Netflix for a limited time before being removed. Starring Greta Lee, Teo Yoo and John Magaro, the film follows childhood friends Nora and Hae Sung, who are separated when Nora’s family emigrates from South Korea. Reuniting two decades later, they confront questions of love, fate, and the paths they chose. Considered one of A24’s most emotionally resonant films, “Past Lives” boasts a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 4.2/5 score on Letterboxd.
Lewis Tan teases “Mortal Kombat 2” with aim to “break records again"
Lewis Tan took to X on Wednesday to unveil the first poster for “Mortal Kombat 2,” captioning it, "Let’s break records again. (This time without COVID)." Tan, who reprises his role as Cole Young from the 2021 “Mortal Kombat” film, expressed confidence that the sequel can surpass its predecessor’s achievements — this time without the challenges of pandemic-era restrictions, as audiences return to theaters.
“Mortal Kombat” premiered in April 2021 during the height of COVID-19, facing widespread theater closures and a simultaneous HBO Max release. While it grossed only $84 million worldwide against a $55 million budget, it set a streaming record for HBO Max, with 5.5 million U.S. households watching in its first 17 days.
Set to hit theaters on Oct. 24, “Mortal Kombat 2” promises to delve deeper into Cole’s backstory, expanding his role in ways that may surprise audiences. “You'll have to wait and see what kind of journey goes down, but I think people are going to be very surprised," Tan teased to ScreenRant at San Diego Comic-Con in 2024. The sequel will bring back many familiar faces while introducing exciting new additions, including Karl Urban as fan-favorite Johnny Cage. Most notably, “Mortal Kombat 2” will finally showcase the franchise’s iconic tournament — a key element missing from the first film.
Simu Liu takes lead in post-Donnie Yen “Sleeping Dogs” film adaptation
Simu Liu has confirmed his involvement in bringing the cult-favorite video game “Sleeping Dogs” to the big screen. The “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” actor revealed on X that he is working with the rights holders to adapt the 2012 Hong Kong-set action game. A source close to the project told IGN that Liu is not only starring as undercover detective Wei Shen but also producing the film.
This development follows years of uncertainty surrounding the adaptation, which was initially announced in 2017 with Donnie Yen attached to the lead role before the project was ultimately scrapped. In an interview with Polygon last month, Yen expressed his disappointment over its cancellation, stating, “I spent a lot of time and did a lot of work with these producers, and I even invested some of my own money into obtaining the drafts and some of the rights. I waited for years.”
In a separate post, Liu acknowledged the challenges of pitching the adaptation, emphasizing how difficult it has been to get Hollywood executives on board. “So few film projects make it from pitch phase to greenlight,” Liu wrote. “Pitching execs who don’t understand the game has been tiring. Everyone’s overwhelming love of Sleeping Dogs here has really given us life!” Liu expressed hope that the film’s success could pave the way for a new installment: “First a movie, then a sequel game for everyone… that’s always been the dream.”
The “Sleeping Dogs” game, developed by United Front Games and published by Square Enix, follows Wei Shen as he infiltrates one of Hong Kong's notorious Triad crime syndicates. Despite failing to meet sales expectations, the game has gained a devoted fanbase over the years, with calls for a sequel persisting for over a decade.
Don’t forget to catch Lucy Liu in Soderbergh’s experimental horror film “Presence”
Lucy Liu takes on a haunting new role in “Presence,” the latest horror-thriller from acclaimed director Steven Soderbergh. Released in U.S. theaters on Jan. 24, the film follows Liu’s character Rebekah Payne, a mother navigating grief and family tension while confronting an eerie, unseen force in their new home. Shot in just 11 days on a budget of under $2 million, “Presence” unfolds from the perspective of the ghost itself, adding a unique layer of suspense and psychological depth. In an interview with Screen Rant, the 56-year-old actress credited screenwriter David Koepp and Soderbergh’s direction for allowing ambiguity to enhance the film’s impact: “The mystery of what's happening is not just the dysfunction of the family, because it's really a telling of a story of a family, but the ability to change the topic of what we've been focusing on to something completely different that is intangible.” The film premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, where it earned critical praise before Neon acquired distribution rights. The film currently boasts an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.