Okaeri Voices is an ongoing, archival, oral history project first started in 2018. The project began with the goal of capturing the stories of pioneering Japanese American (Nikkei) LGBTQ+ individuals and allies, in recognition of the fact that many of these individuals were passing away without record of their important contributions to the community. Through their videos, these individuals share journeys of heartbreak, self-discovery, and triumph, inspiring us to believe in a more hopeful and inclusive future for our Nikkei LGBTQ+ community.
In 2025, recognizing the important discourse happening among younger LGBTQ+ Nikkei, we developed a second branch of the Voices program - "Next Gen" - to provide a forum for younger voices in conversation around current events, new directions, and underrepresented identities and perspectives.
OKAERI VOICES: 60+: Our original Voices program which features interviews with Nikkei LGBTQ+ and allies over the age of 60, and focuses on capturing an archival reflection of these individuals’ life, achievements, and perspectives. The 60+ branch currently has two seasons of videos:
Season One features Harold & Ellen Kameya, Mia Yamamoto, Desiree Thompson, Bill Tashima, George Takei, Gary Hayashi, and Dean Goishi.
Season Two features June Lagmay, Melvin Fujikawa, Roy Kawasaki, Suzie Morita & Ellen Tanouye, Roy Wesley, Robert Nakatani, Alden Hayashi, and Al Nakatani.
OKAERI VOICES: NEXT GEN: A new branch featuring individuals under age 60 with a focus on lived experiences, future hopes, diverse identities, and current events in a more conversational format.
To support this project, filmmakers, and speakers, please visit our donation page here. Your generosity allows us to continue expanding projects that highlight our amazing Nikkei LGBTQ+ community who have so many lessons and stories to share with our younger generations.
Check out our Season 1 & Season 2 videos below, or visit our YouTube to watch the full Okaeri Voices series playlist!
OKAERI VOICES SEASON 2
Al Nakatani: Honor Thy Children
After losing all 3 of his sons, two who were gay, Al Nakatani describes his journey to love and honor his children. Al and his wife, Jane used their tragedy to share their story of loss in hopes that other parents would love and accept their children no matter how they identify. The Nakatanis also became chosen parents to so many LGBTQ+ individuals who were not embraced and seen by their families as the beautiful, amazing human beings they are.
June Lagmay: A Pioneer Asian-American Lesbian Connects Communities
At age 16, activist June met the love of her life: another student who was her opposite. June chronicles her career in social activism and her work bridging communities.
Melvin Fujikawa: Thriving in Pain
What does it mean to thrive in the pain? Vocalist Melvin explains how he learned the importance of not rushing through the pain of grieving. He also shares his journey of reconciling his faith with his gay identity.
Suzie and Ellen: Our Faith, Our Love, Our Hope
Polar opposites Ellen Tanouye & Suzie Morita-Endow share their story from Ellen being Susie’s faithful priest, to becoming best friends, and eventually falling in love. As they came out to their families and friends, Suzie and Ellen stood by each other's side, while some family members took time to understand and others accepted them without hesitation. Their story will touch your heart and make you smile.
Alden Hayashi: Allowing My Life to Unfold
Alden Hayashi shares how being different and the fear of failure stopped him from enjoying the moment and trusting in the journey. He talks about the intergenerational trauma of camps that informed his parents' way of thinking, but how there has been generational progress over the years. Today he is accepting the gift of who he is. We hope this film will show others in the LGBTQ+ community, the gift of who they are.
Roy Kawasaki: Living with Gratitude
Born in Hawai’i, Roy felt that he had to leave the island to fully be himself. An artist, teacher and community member, Roy shares in this episode about the formation of A/PLG, the first Asian queer organization in Los Angeles.
Roy Wesley: The Final Freedom
Roy Wesley tells the story of his parents’ struggles, his father being a Japanese doctor in 1900’s America and his mother's battle with depression, through the books he has written. Roy comes to term with his own identity as gay man.
Robert Nakatani: A Lifetime of Impact
Robert Nakatani shares his lifelong commitment to activism as a teacher in the peace corps and an attorney for gay rights. He reflects on how important it is to find out who you are and what is important to you while having fun, developing relationships, and navigating the world around you. His journey will inspire in so many ways.
OKAERI VOICES SEASON 1
Harold and Ellen Kameya: Trailblazing Parents
When their daughter came out as a lesbian, these parents wondered what they did wrong. They transformed their heartbreak into decades of activism for LGBTQ+ rights, becoming role models for other parents to love and celebrate their LGBTQ+ children.
Mia Yamamoto: A Life Changing Decision at 60
At an age when most people are settling into the closing phases of their lives, Mia was, in many ways, just beginning her life. She explains making the momentous decision to transition so she can live authentically as her true self. She shares her personal journey and discusses her work as a civil rights attorney.
Desiree Thompson: Embracing the Unknown Supported by a Loving Community
Lesbian activist Desiree Thompson recounts growing up in Hawai’i and how she came to accept her sexuality. Filmed when she was at a pivot point, Desiree wonders what awaits her, but knows that a supportive community holds her, regardless of what develops in the next phase of her life.
Bill Tashima: Choosing Life & Love
"We didn't have the word 'gay' back then," Seattle JACL leader Bill Tashima explains, referring to growing up in the 1950s and 60s. Back then, he thought if anyone ever found out he was a homosexual, he would have to kill himself. Bill explains how he chose to live openly as a gay man.
George Takei: No More Fear
Icon George Takei shares in this episode about his childhood crushes and the challenges of navigating his gay identity in Hollywood. He eventually overcame fear and shame, met the love of his life, and came out publicly, becoming a vocal advocate for LGBTQ visibility.
Gary Hayashi: An Ex Gay Ministry Spokesperson Confronts His Truth
Gary, a former representative of an ex-gay ministry, explains how he became part of the LGBTQ+ community and returned to the Japanese American community.
Dean Goishi: Making The Community a Better Place
As AIDS was ravaging gay communities in the late 1980s, there were no prevention and treatment programs for Asian and Pacific Islanders (APIs). Dean stepped out of his comfort zone to co-found the Asian Pacific AIDS Intervention Team, which advocated for LGBTQ+ APIs in Southern California.