The Banyan Tree is a program in Portland designed to support Pacific Islander youth, young adults, and elders, with a special focus on queer and trans-Pacific Islanders (QTPIs). It aims to build intergenerational connections, promote healing, and address mental health and social well-being within the community. The initiative targets four key groups: elders (65+), youth (12-18), young adults (18-30), and QTPIs. It addresses important community needs by providing: 1) social connection for the elderly, 2) safe spaces for QTPIs who may have faced religious trauma, and 3) a sense of cultural belonging for youth. By creating a supportive environment that bridges generational and cultural gaps, the program seeks to heal trauma related to Western impositions on gender and sexuality.

Studies show that intergenerational programs can strengthen community ties, reduce social isolation, and build trust when activities are meaningful and participants engage with one another. The Banyan Tree aims to enhance mental health in the Pacific Islander community by offering a space where participants can share experiences, feel valued, and connect deeply. Each session will focus on traditional knowledge and personal stories, fostering relationships and mutual understanding while embracing Portland's diasporic community and new technologies.