Jenny Shimizu, one of the first openly lesbian Asian American celebrities, will be in San Francisco Saturday, April 12 to emcee the Asian Pacific Islander Queer Women and Transgender Community's Lunar New Year Banquet.

Shimizu, perhaps best known for appearing in a CK One ad campaign in the 1990s that featured same-sex couples, continues to work as an actress – she's starting her second season in the Here! TV hit Dante's Cove – and lends her support to LGBT causes.

"I do a lot of work involving gay rights. Especially Asian gay rights," Shimizu said, speaking with the Bay Area Reporter by phone just before returning to Los Angeles to begin work on her television series.

Shimizu said that she is especially enthusiastic about appearing at APIQWTC's event. "It's great because they are honoring all of these different organizations," Shimizu said. "I'm excited about meeting all of these great people."

APIQWTC hosts several events throughout the year that allow local activist groups to connect and network. Honorees at this year's 21st annual Lunar New Year Banquet include two leaders of the APIQWTC community, the Reverend Trinity Ordona and Desiree Thompson, both of whom will receive the organization's Phoenix Award.

According to Deb Jue, the co-chair of this year's event, "The annual APIQWTC banquet is a way to gather hundreds of API lesbian and transgender women together – including pioneers like Jenny Shimizu – so we can celebrate with one another."

Shimizu hopes that her work encourages public involvement with local activism. "There's just so many organizations that people can get involved in," Shimizu said. "It's such an easy thing to do to donate one day a month to talk with people and meet with people."

Shimizu fits her activism and public appearances into a hectic work schedule. Shooting Dante's Cove takes "six or seven intensive days of work a week as long as the show is in production," she said.

"I love it," she said. "I like always being busy and I always keep on moving."

Shimizu, who recently turned 40, is also developing a reality TV show about her work as a mechanic. She said that working on cars is "my true love and my passion," and added that she loves to restore classic, high-end cars like Jaguars as well as motorcycles.

Shimizu describes her work for organizations like APIQWTC as a touchstone in her busy life. "It keeps you grounded," she said. "I always seem to get so much back in return."

The APIQWTC event takes place at the House of Banquet, 939 Clement Street in San Francisco, from 5 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $38 if postmarked by April 4; $45 afterwards. There are discounts for students, seniors, and children. For more information, visit http://www.apiqwtc.org.