This week, we're joined by our favorite Derek Tran once again to chat about the state of COVID, rainbow-washing, performative allyship, and showing up authentically. In this episode we talk about: Derek's Tinder profile. Yes. Really. COVID mask mandates going down in many parts of America Rainbow-washing and performative allyship from companies Goods Unite Us revealing of where corporate sponsorship is going toward The capital reason why it's valuable to rainbow-wash and market pride Why we all still need to support pride as a protest The shift away from hiring police at pride Why everyone needs to stop eating at the evil chicken shop Showing up authentically yourself this pride season Speaking with our action vs. performance References Goods Unite Us Queer Liberation March You can find Derek at: Instagram: @findyourfearless You can follow me at: Instagram: @stevenwakabayashi YouTube: @stevenwakabayashi Weekly Newsletter: mindfulmoments.substack.com 

Yellow Glitter

#32 Rainbow-washing and performative allyship of pride

Another wonderful episode with our lovely guest Derek Tran, to talk about issues surrounding activism, current-day events, and the Asian culture. In this episode we talk about: Flashback to Xanga? Livejournal? Our COVID check-in and thoughts on the CDC directive to remove masks in the US Trump's rhetoric that catalyzed so much of the Asian hate we face Shallow activism in celebrities and gay community Becoming more conscious of the news we take in Why we need to call in vs. calling each other out The shift in younger generation and activism You can find Derek at: Instagram: @findyourfearless You can follow me at: Instagram: @stevenwakabayashi YouTube: @stevenwakabayashi Weekly Newsletter: mindfulmoments.substack.com 

#31 - Activism & Asian culture: showing up & calling in our community with Derek Tran

Derek Tran and I chat about the rising anti-Asian hate crimes and what we can do to keep ourselves safe and sane during this time.   In this episode we talk about: COVID and where we are at with vaccinations Issues with performative social media activists How allies can show up - with more actionable steps The intersection of mindfulness and activism Struggling to find our voice as Asian-Americans Standing up within our romantic relationships to microaggressions  Why addressing cultural issues in Asia, by denigrating Asian-Americans don’t work Our social media feeds full of trauma porn Why we both still hate Chick-fil-A How can keep ourselves safe from hate crimes and attacks   You can find Derek at: Instagram: @findyourfearless   You can follow me at: Instagram: @stevenwakabayashi YouTube: @stevenwakabayashi Weekly Newsletter: mindfulmoments.substack.com

#30 Stop Asian Hate and addressing rise in anti-Asian hate crimes with Derek Tran

This episode, I’m joined by Kim Thai, founder of ganeshspace, an organization dedicated to making mindfulness a more equitable space. We chat about the current politics of America, how we can show up with compassion in activism, understanding ourselves before helping others, and her journey of finding her queer identity after marriage. Enjoy! Kim Thai is a writer, Emmy-award winning producer, and the founder of ganeshspace, a community organization dedicated to pursuing equity through mindfulness. She is a proud daughter of Vietnamese refugees and is currently living in NYC with her partner and two cats.  In this episode we talk about: Advice on managing this pandemic for extroverts What politics of today say reflect what is happening deep down inside of America How to hold compassion for those we don’t agree with Why we need to first assess our own bandwidth before we give The truth behind humor when it appears during traumatic conversations Her journey coming out of a marriage to discover her queer identity How to show up for oneself to bring change to others around us Ganeshpace and creating equity and collaboration in the mindfulness space  Show notes: Roque Rodriguez You can find Kim Thai at: ganeshspace: ganeshspace.com ganeshspace Instagram: @ganeshspace Instagram: @kthai6 You can follow me at: Instagram: @stevenwakabayashi YouTube: @stevenwakabayashi Weekly Newsletter: mindfulmoments.substack.com 

#29 Leading by example: compassion and mindfulness with Kim Thai

On this episode of Yellow Glitter, I’m joined by Randy Kim, a queer, second-generation Viet-Khmer American from Chicagoland and podcast host of The Banh Mi Chronicles, highlighting uplifting important Asian voices. We chat about the Asian diaspora, how to heal the trauma of our parents, coming out, the importance of storytelling history of Asian culture, creating inclusive spaces, and why the slogan “representation matters”  needs updating. Randy Kim is a queer 2nd generation Viet-Khmer American from the Chicagoland area. Randy currently serves as a board member with the National Cambodian Heritage Museum. He is the co-producer with founder Ada Cheng for TALK Stories: An Asian American/Asian Diaspora Storytelling Show in Chicago. He is the producer and host of “The Banh Mi Chronicles” podcast which can be on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast.  Randy is currently working on his Master's in Non Profit Management at DePaul University. In this episode we talk about: How he started his podcast, The Banh Mi Chronicles His relationship with Ada Cheng and creating space for Asian diaspora The creative process of focusing on need over entertainment Importance of inclusive and diverse spaces in storytelling The issue with “representation matters” Randy’s story of his heritage, coming out, and finding a community How to help our parents heal and process their trauma Why Asian history is paramount to our growth and activism   Show notes: Sigh, Gone: A Misfit's Memoir of Great Books, Punk Rock, and the Fight to Fit In by Phuc Tran Ada Cheng National Cambodian Heritage Museum and Killing Fields Memorial Banh Mi Chronicles - MILCK Banh Mi Chronicles - D&I with Michelle Kim Banh Mi Chronicles - Kathy Park Hong   You can find Randy Kim at: Facebook: @banhmichronicles Instagram: @banhmi_chronicles   You can follow me at: Instagram: @stevenwakabayashi YouTube: @stevenwakabayashi Weekly Newsletter: mindfulmoments.substack.com

#28 Storytelling and the richness of our Asian history with Randy Kim

In this episode, we are joined by Mike Curato, a queer Asian author and illustrator, to talk about his latest graphic novel, Flamer, inspired by his own personal life story. We cover a lot of topics including, mental health, bullying, suicide, and the wave of intolerance plaguing our country, and also looking ahead at how we can all do better. Mike Curato is a gay first generation half Filipino-Irish American author and illustrator of books for youth. He has created many picture books for young children, and just released his debut queer young adult graphic novel, Flamer. In this episode we talk about: How Mike is managing quarantine life and Zoom dates Experience of growing up biracial in an intolerant world The importance of finding community Why honesty is important in writing a book and how our shared humanity connects us together Finding family in the queer community - but also facing racism within our queer circles Navigating intolerance within dating apps and within our own gaysian community Mike's experience with bullying and thoughts of suicide and how it inspired the plot of Flamer What got him through the suicidal ideations and difficult high school experiences The journey towards self-discovery and turning towards healing Why sharing our story is so critical to help us understand each other The importance of looking inward at our own internalized racism and intolerance Show notes: Kuku Hughs - Displacement Trung Le Nguyen - The Magic Fish Alison  Bechdel - Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic Alison Bechdel - The Essential Dykes to Watch Out For Ocean Vuong - On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous You can find Mike Curato at:Twitter: @MikeCuratoInstagram: @mike_curatoWebsite: mikecurato.com You can follow me at: Instagram: @stevenwakabayashi YouTube: @stevenwakabayashi Weekly Newsletter: mindfulmoments.substack.com

#27 A graphic tale of honesty, darkness, truth and love with Mike Curato

In this episode, we are joined by Jon Lee-Olsen, a professional ice-hockey player who made headlines as the first openly out player in Europe and third in the world. We talk about his experience coming out nationally, managing relationships alongside a sports career, and his experiences as a transracial adoptee. Jon (he/him) is Danish transracial adoptee from Korea who currently lives in Copenhagen Denmark. He was the first to come out as a gay man in professional ice-hockey in Europe and the third in the world. Now he is harnessing his story to help uplift LGBTQ+ and the Asian community.   In this episode we talk about: Experiences of being an Asian transracial adoptee growing up in a white community How he discovered hockey while coming to terms with his own sexuality His experience coming out on national television for the first time Combatting the fears of being the first openly out gay ice-hockey player in Europe How being open about his identity improved his hockey  Lessons in relationships balancing a professional sports career   Show notes: LGBTQ+ organizations (list on Wikipedia) Jon Lee-Olsen comes out nationally (OutSports) You can find Jon Lee-Olsen next at Copenhagen world pride 2021, Eurogames 2021, Athlete ally, Sport leaders conference 2021 (CPH), and Human rights forum 2021 (CPH).   You can find Jon Lee-Olsen at: Instagram: @jonleeolsen Twitter: @jonleeolsen Facebook: @jonleeolsen   You can follow me at: Instagram: @stevenwakabayashi YouTube: @stevenwakabayashi Weekly Newsletter: mindfulmoments.substack.com

#26 Paving ways & coming out in the world of hockey with Jon Lee-Olsen

In this episode, we are joined by Rain Valdez to talk about her journey from the Philippines and Guam to the Emmy-nominated actress and producer she is today. We talk about her Emmy-nominated show, Razor Tongue, as well as her recent work on Disclosure highlighting the impact Hollywood has had on the trans community. We have a beautiful conversation with Rain about trans talent and the importance of visibility and stories in media. Rain Valdez is an Emmy nominated actress most notably known for Razor Tongue, Transparent and Why Women Kill. She's an award-winning filmmaker and an out and proud transgender woman and activist. Rain is also the founder of ActNOW, the first and only LGBTQIA+ acting class in Los Angeles that teaches beyond the binary.   On this episode we talk about: COVID-19 check-in and finding motivation to get fit during quarantine Her story growing up in the Philippines and Guam Finding pride in her heritage and how it translates into her work Knowing her dream to become an actress early on and getting started with her career The struggles of finding work as an Asian and trans actress When she quit acting and boomeranging back What she asks herself when she questions her dreams Her response to Disclosure on Netflix and why we need to raise trans voices now more than ever What the Emmy nomination means to her, especially as the very first Filipina trans actress Giving trans talent access to more opportunity to tell different stories Why being accessible and creating a loving set is critical towards equity Rain’s inspiration behind her acting class, ACT NOW “Move mountains with the people that you love. Find people in your community that you want to move mountains … you’ll find joy in creating with those people because you’re doing it together."  Show notes: Fitness classes with Chloe Tang: chloeting.com | @chloe_t Disclosure on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/81284247 Razor Tongue (Rain’s Emmy Nominee!) https://www.noweverartists.com/razortongue Pose on FX: https://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/pose ACT NOW: https://www.noweverartists.com/act-nowever   You can find Rain Valdez at: http://www.rainvaldez.com/ Instagram, Twitter, Facebook (@RainValdez)   You can follow me at: Instagram (instagram.com/stevenwakabayashi) YouTube (youtube.com/stevenwakabayashi) Weekly Newsletter (mindfulmoments.substack.com) 

#25 Moving mountains and the importance of visibility with Rain Valdez

In this episode, we are joined by Amazin LeThi, LGBTQ+ sports ambassador, former competitive bodybuilder, entertainment executive, and fitness author to chat about current events and her life journey. We talk about trans-racial issues, equity and representation in media, and body positivity, homelessness in our queer community, and so much more. Amazin LeThi (she/her) is an Athlete Ally and Stonewall sports ambassador, former competitive bodybuilder, entertainment executive and the first Vietnamese internationally published fitness author. Through her personal journey of homelessness she founded the Amazin LeThi Foundation. Amazin has shared her story for ‘Its Gets Better’ campaign and the first White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Asian anti-bullying campaign 'Act to Change'. She has been recognized by GLAAD and NQAPIA for her LGBTQ advocacy. She was the first Asian LGBTQ Athlete in 2020 to be honoured at the Brooklyn Nets 4th Annual Pride Night, she has also been listed in the  Australian Pride Power List, Out 100 List, Go Magazine 100 Women We Love List, 2020 Global Changemakers and acknowledged in the Human Rights Campaign - Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month Honours list.   On this episode we talk about: Managing through this current pandemic and ways Amazin is finding balance of news with classical music and fitness Her story growing up in Saigon and being adopted into a trans-racial family in Australia The complexities of racism and prejudice between trans-racial adoptees and their family Getting involved with weight training as the only queer and Asian individaul as an eight year old. Going back to Vietnam and reconnecting with her Asian identity The duality of identity between East and Western culture, hypersexualized and de-sexualized Asian men and women in media Becoming open to vulnerability and accepting ourselves unconditionally Body positivity within the queer community and gender roles we are often asked to play into Queer Asian representation in our media, education and history books Homelessness and its impact to our LGBTQ+ youth, mental health, and livelihoods The power of solidarity and sharing our stories together   You can find Amazin at: amazinlethi.com Instagram, Twitter, Facebook (@AmazinLeThi)   You can follow me at: Instagram (instagram.com/stevenwakabayashi) YouTube (youtube.com/stevenwakabayashi) Weekly Newsletter (mindfulmoments.substack.com) 

#24 Discovering our voice & living our unapologetic truth with Amazin Lêthi

I am joined by none other than Ian Alexander (Buck Vu of The OA) and Vivien Ngô (Trinh Phan of Queen Sugar) to talk about what it’s like being gaysian in the entertainment industry, their humble beginnings as children of Asian immigrants, and their latest thriller, Daughter. They share some mindful advice on how to create a more equitable workspace for queer actors and having more diverse representation for cast and crew.   IAN ALEXANDER Ian (he/him) is an actor best known for his role as Buck Vu in the Netflix sci-fi series The OA. He will be making his video game debut as "Lev" in the highly anticipated The Last of Us Part II for Naughty Dog. Ian is a passionate advocate for transgender and racial justice, and he hopes to see more representation of transgender youth in media. When he's not on set, Ian loves taking naps and walking his dog Max.   VIVIEN NGÔ  Vivien (she/her) is most known for her role as Trinh Phan on Ava Duvernay's Queen Sugar, and roles on NCIS: New Orleans, Shameless, and films that have played at Slamdance, SXSW, Fantastic Fest, and Cannes. Other career highlights include being drowned on primetime tv, eating nước mắm on cable tv, and talking to an imaginary dagger on Shakespeare's Globe. In her free time, she enjoys browsing the web for Vietnamese memes… and dogs!   On this episode, we talk about: What it was like navigating their queer identity with Asian immigrant families  Growing up Asian and discovering Asian pride Experience working on The OA as one of the first trans Asian roles in media How was it like being transformed into a video game character Working with Ava DuVernay and learning how she casts for roles Fundraising and leading a POC-led film, Daughter Advice on how to casting more diverse crew and talent Creating a more equitable work environment, especially for trans and POC Why representation is so important in media and entertainment   GLAAD trans resources: https://www.glaad.org/transgender/resources Daughter’s Seed & Spark campaign: https://www.seedandspark.com/fund/daughter#story   You can find Ian at @ianaiexander You can find Vivien at @vivientngo   You can follow me at: Instagram (instagram.com/stevenwakabayashi) YouTube (youtube.com/stevenwakabayashi) Weekly Newsletter (mindfulmoments.substack.com) 

#23 Representation and equity in media with Ian Alexander & Vivien Ngô

In this powerful episode, I’m joined by Kalaya’an Mendoza, a nonviolent direct action trainer and disaster preparedness expert, to talk about the current climate and advice for those who headed out to protest in the streets. We chat about how we can show solidarity with Black folx and addressing racism within our Asian community. Kalaya’an Mendoza (he/him) is a nonviolent direct action trainer, Disaster Preparedness expert recognized by TIME Magazine and has spent the last twenty years of his life fighting for social justice on Turtle Island and around the world alongside Human Rights Defenders in the Global South.  In this episode we talk about: The current social situation and what is happening all around the US Why Black lives matter How he discovered activism in high school The importance of activism on the streets and behind the keyboard Tips on how to prepare for going out into the streets Using OODA (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) loops Doing the work in our communities and in our Asian families What are some common issues affecting first-time protesters? Taking care of yourself to take care of the community Never showing up empty-handed His experience protesting in Beijing and facing possible death What does it mean to be in solidarity with Black folx Addressing racism in the Asian community How to connect with our friends and family to have these tough conversations       People we mentioned on the show: Mia Mingus (disability activist) Alice Wong (disability activist) Alicia Garza (Black Lives Matter) Patrisse Cullors (Black Lives Matter) You can find Kalaya’an on Instagram (@kalamendoza) and Twitter (@kalamendoza) and his email kala@acrossfrontlines.org Check out his nonprofit Across Front Lines at acrossfrontlines.org. You can follow me at: Instagram (instagram.com/stevenwakabayashi) YouTube (youtube.com/stevenwakabayashi) Weekly Newsletter (mindfulmoments.substack.com) 

#22 Activism, direct action, and expressing solidarity with Kalaya’an Mendoza

With the novel coronavirus spreading all around the world, so has intolerant attitudes towards Asians. Hate crimes have increased to unsettling amounts and it seems to get worse with each passing day. I am joined in this conversation with our returning guest Derek Tran to unpack the racism towards Asians and offer some advice on how to navigate it. This episode, we talk about: The current climate of COVID-19 and racism  Why is this racism different from many others? Addressing the op-ed by Andrew Yang Derek’s personal experience with recent racism Why we struggle to call-out and stand up for ourselves as Asians Why is this even harder for gaysians? Defining what a hate crime is Why we love Cardi B What is the difference between calling in and calling out Some resources to stop AAPI hate   Things form our show: Stop AAPI Hate: http://www.asianpacificpolicyandplanningcouncil.org/stop-aapi-hate/ Our favorite activism socials: @Next Shark, @JackFroot, @AsianswithAttitudes   Our guest on this podcast:   Derek Tran (he/him/his) is a gay, second-generation Vietnamese-American entrepreneur residing in Los Angeles.  His interests include mindfulness, fitness, environmental sustainability and has been an integral part of the LA Gaysian scene for more than 20+ years.   You can find him on instagram @FindYourFearless   You can reach out to me on: Instagram @StevenWakabayashi Facebook @wakuu and Twitter @wakuu   And if you want to subscribe to my weekly email newsletter, you can find my writings at mindfulmoments.substack.com

#21 Combating racism towards Asians amidst COVID-19 with Derek Tran

We are living in an unprecedented era with many of us confined in our own homes, facing uncertainty around COVID-19, and experiencing sudden changes in employment. Join us for a session as we have a chat on staying physically and mentally healthy amidst COVID-19, establishing mindfulness to stay present and peaceful, understanding trauma responses during difficult times, and managing sudden shifts in employment. This episode, we talk about: Establishing mindfulness to stay present and peaceful Managing physical health with COVID-19 and what are recommendations on staying safe from this virus Maintaining mental health with balance and routine during shelter-in-place Establishing boundaries to prioritize ourselves Staying connected and navigating social media and news during a pandemic Understanding trauma response during turbulent times What are some opportunities we have during these difficult times Managing sudden shifts at work Resources to help those that are facing unemployment   Our guests on this podcast are:   Ning Jo (he/him) is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. He specializes in gender, sexuality, and cultural influences on mental health.   Marti G Cummings (they/them) is a candidate for NYC Council District 7, drag artist, comedian, activist, and spouse. They currently sit on community board 9, serving the people of Upper Manhattan and are an advisory on the Mayor's nightlife council.    Instagram @MartiGCummings Twitter @MartiGCummings Facebook @MartiGCummings   You can follow me at: Instagram (instagram.com/stevenwakabayashi) YouTube (youtube.com/stevenwakabayashi) Weekly Newsletter (mindfulmoments.substack.com) 

#20 Managing Change During Turbulent Times with Ning Zhou and Marti G Cummings

This episode, we talk about the continued struggles with COVID-19 here in NYC. But in light of this, there is also opportunity to connect with friends, family, our finances, emotions, feelings, and the planet. We also touch on some of the discriminatory laws that were recently passed against trans folks in Idaho. This episode, we talk about: The current state of COVID-19 in NYC Finding opportunity in our living situation right now, amidst everyone staying at home Taking time to deepen our relationship with those we are living with Practicing unconditional love and kindness for those we struggle with How to become more present with our feelings and emotions Clamping down on our finances How might we improve our relationship with this planet The recent discriminatory bill passed by Gov. Brad Little hurting our trans community in Idaho   You can follow me at: Instagram (instagram.com/stevenwakabayashi) YouTube (youtube.com/stevenwakabayashi) Weekly Newsletter (mindfulmoments.substack.com)

#19 Finding Opportunity During COVID-19 and Celebrating Trans Day of Visibility

This episode, I talk about the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. I share how our privilege and ignorance has led us where we are today, why we may be past the point of containment, why getting rid of wet markets is not the solution, addressing xenophobia, and advice on how to cope with emotions during this time. This episode, we’re going to chat about the coronavirus. I talk about: - The clear warnings that were left ignored by Asia and Italy. - How our American privilege has led us to where we are today. - Why focusing on the numbers should not be our main priority - Why getting rid of wet markets is not the solution. - Global xenophobia spurred by this pandemic. - How to deal with racism and prejudice during this time. - Some advice on how to cope and manage emotions.   Resources: Google Hangouts Apple Facetime Uber Conference Zoom Video Conferencing Report anti-Asian harassment or hate-crime to New York City civil.rights@ag.ny.gov 1-800-771-7755 Nonprofit Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council (A3PCON) anti-Asian hate-crime online reporting center   You can follow me at: Instagram (instagram.com/stevenwakabayashi) YouTube (youtube.com/stevenwakabayashi) Weekly Newsletter (mindfulmoments.substack.com)

#18 Lessons from the Coronavirus on privilege, xenophobia, and mindfulness

Welcome to Yellow Glitter! Mindfulness through the eyes & soul of a gay Asian. Every episode, I share with you what’s on my mind, things I'm be struggling with and how I'm working through it to help you live a more mindful, fabulous life!

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Yellow Glitter

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