WASHINGTON -- May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, during which we celebrate the traditions and history of Asian Americans. California Representative Mark Takano said he values his Asian ancestry and credits his entire family history and journey for his success in Congress.

Representative Takano remembers how his grandfather overcame all odds to come to the United States as a teen.

“He was not alive to see this,” said Takano. “He died in 1977. The American dream didn’t become completely true for him."

Takano respects how his grandfather, and thousands of other Asian immigrants, laid the groundwork for the rest of the family, even after being forced into internment caps during the Second World War. 

He says that history led Asian Americans to inherit their own struggles.

“In my case, if you are Japanese American,” said Takano, “and have had members of your family interned in internment camps in World War II and know what it is to have a community and a nation regard you as an enemy alien, even if you were born here in this country.”

Years later, Takano decided to run for office to open up minds and make a difference. 

He was defeated in his first two congressional runs, but won resoundingly in 2012 after districts were redrawn in Southern California.

With that victory, Takano became the first openly gay person of color in Congress. 

“I remember being overcome with tears,” said Takano. “Thinking about my paternal grandfather arriving here as an immigrant. The suffering that he went through.”

Since then, Takano has been a leader in the Asian American community, advocating for immigration reform, better education, and for his district, which is home to the largest Philippine immigrant community in the U.S. 

“When I speak out about my history, my family history, my experience of being both gay and Asian and specifically, Japanese American, that other people relate to that in the community, and that they are empowered by that and that they feel represented,” said Takano.

Takano just introduced a bill that would prohibit the internment of Americans in the United States based on their race or religion.

“You see history repeating itself, immigrants and refugees seeking asylum, and you try to draw upon that experience,” said Takano. “And you try to tell your experience to other members of Congress so that they understand.”

Takano said he’s doing his best to serve the people while making his family proud. 

“I think he would be enormously proud today to see that his grandson is a United States congressman,” said Takano. “And he would say that all the toil and suffering was worth it.”

There is a growing number of Asian Americans elected into Congress. This year, there are three senators and 14 House members.