Coming from around the country, 14 Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese parents gathered to lean on and learn from each other at the National Queer Asian Pacific Islander (NQAPIA) conference in Chicago.
These incredible moms and dads are out and proud parents of LGBTQ children.
We were lucky to witness their beautiful energy and love.
THE PARENTS
We asked these parents:
How would you describe your relationship with your daughter or son in one word?
“Miraculous”
My child is my heart. From the moment he came into my life, he was precious to me. Now that he’s a young adult, I continue to be inspired and touched by witnessing his journey and getting to know the wise, thoughtful, fun, strong, powerful and creative person he is.
Laurin Mayeno
Japanese/Jewish mother to a gay son
“Open and forgiving”
We learn that we’re coming from a good heart and even if we make mistake and hurt others’ feelings, we can continue conversation with openness and give ourselves permission to forgive ourselves and others.
Clara Yoon
Korean mother to a transgender son
“Unconditional” & “Love”
We love and support our sons unconditonally. Love allows us to be open in dialogue about where we all are in this process and journey.
Karen and Glenn Murakami
Japanese parents to gay sons
“Understanding”
My son and I are no longer questioning his gender identity, I am proud that I was able to support him to be who he wants to be.
Ha Nguyen
Vietnamese mother to a transgender son
“Proud”
I have an overwhelming feeling of love towards my daughter who believes in herself and is courageous enough to chart her own path in life. My daughter is my beacon of hope and freedom.
Manjula Balakrishnan
Indian mother to a transgender daughter
How would you describe your son or daughter in one word?
“Courageous”
[Tina] is an advocate for social justice. She is kind and patient and is willing to work with the family to help us take one baby step at a time. We are close, honest (try to be!) and loving.
Tejan Oza
Indian mother to a queer/lesbian daughter
“Perfect”
I need say no more. She is strong, well-focused – an inspiration for me.
Aya Yabe
Japanese mother to a lesbian daughter
“We love you”
We love you the way you are, and are proud of you.
Kate Shim & H.K. Suh
Korean parents with a gay son
How do you feel after meeting other parents like yourself?
“Hope”
Meeting all these supportive parents gives me hope that that the world will be more gentle to all human beings.
Cathy Lam
Vietnamese-American mother to a gay son
“Inspired”
I am filled with hope that more parents will be visible and be inspirations to other parents and LGBTQ children.
Marsha Aizumi
Japanese-American mother to a transgender son