Simon Tam in the media

Profile of a Musician, Author, & Activist

Simon Tam is an internationally recognized thought leader on free speech, Asian American identity, diversity and inclusion, and social justice. As the founder of The Slants and victor in the landmark Supreme Court case Matal v. Tam, his insights on civil liberties, cultural identity, and systemic change have been featured in thousands of media outlets across 150+ countries.

Major media coverage includes:

Featured on the front page of over 200 newspapers and magazines.
International and national broadcast interviews on television channels around the world.
Interviews on over 1200 radio programs across multiple continents

Simon’s story and work has been featured in over 300 published books and academic journals in multiple languages. His memoir was named “One of the Best Books on the Constitution of All Time” by BookAuthority.

Large audience seated in a concert hall or conference auditorium, with multiple balconies, watching a presentation or performance.

A man standing on stage with a large screen behind him displaying 'THE SLANTS.' The stage has decorative yellow and purple geometric patterns on the curtains, and there are microphones, a guitar, a laptop, and speakers on stage.

“It’s a win for all marginalized groups…The First Amendment protects speech even that we disagree with.”

— The New York Times feature & interview

Four young men in suits standing together, posing for a photo, in a modern indoor setting.

“I see it as more of a social justice, ethical case...What are the impacts on marginalized communities?”

— Rolling Stone magazine: Inside Asian-American Group The Slants’ Supreme Court Free-Speech Win

Screenshot of a Rolling Stone article webpage titled "Inside Asian-American Group the Slants' Supreme Court Free-Speech Win" with a photo of four Asian-American men dressed in suits and overcoats, standing outdoors at night with city lights in the background.

Screen Shot 2020-05-23 at 10.02.35 PM.png — "If you show up on a regular basis and you work hard at it, over time you'll start seeing positive changes being made."

— NBC News review of *Slanted: How an Asian American Troublemaker Took on the Supreme Court*

Screen Shot 2020-05-23 at 10.06.28 PM.png — “What could have been a relatively obscure rock band that dissolved, like so many others, into humdrum middle age, has become the vehicle for a lifelong mission.”

— South China Morning Post profile

VICE News Tonight

Feature broadcast story

Screen Shot 2020-05-23 at 10.14.48 PM.png — “
But even as the case grabbed headlines and led to Tam rubbing elbows with President Obama and Killer Mike, The Slants didn't stop writing recording, and touring.”

— Pittsburgh City Paper feature and book review

Simon Tam in the media

Profile of a Musician, Author, & Activist

“It’s a win for all marginalized groups…The First Amendment protects speech even that we disagree with.”

“I see it as more of a social justice, ethical case...What are the impacts on marginalized communities?”

"If you show up on a regular basis and you work hard at it, over time you'll start seeing positive changes being made."

“What could have been a relatively obscure rock band that dis­solved, like so many others, into humdrum middle age, has become the vehicle for a lifelong mission.”

VICE News Tonight

“

But even as the case grabbed headlines and led to Tam rubbing elbows with President Obama and Killer Mike, The Slants didn't stop writing recording, and touring.”

“What could have been a relatively obscure rock band that dissolved, like so many others, into humdrum middle age, has become the vehicle for a lifelong mission.”