Okaeri Voices Season Two
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.