On Saturday, October 9, 2021, the Salt Lake Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League (SL JACL) hosted Okaeri’s Coming Out, Coming Home event. Held in conjunction with National Coming Out month, this event was put together with direct assistance from Okaeri and support by National JACL, OCA Utah, Plan-B Theatre, and the Utah Pride Center to help raise awareness and facilitate a discussion on Nikkei LGBTQ+ issues. The event consisted of showing the Coming Out, Coming Home video that was put together by Okaeri that highlighted Nikkei LGBTQ+ individuals over the age of 60, featuring their coming out stories and experiences. After the video, we had a facilitated discussion with the participants. There were a lot of wonderful perspectives that were represented in this group discussion, with participants ranging in ages from late teens to mid-60s. There were about 12 participants, which made for a very intimate and open discussion on topics related to each other’s coming out stories, the cultural/generational differences we each experienced, who supported us, etc. The youngest participant was also one of the most inspirational. He recently had been working through his coming out process while also going through some other personal health struggles, and after listening to everyone, he spoke up to voice how grateful he was for everyone’s stories of courage and support. He stated, with overwhelming compassion and sincerity, that we “literally saved his life.” This statement brought some of us to tears, and it really ended the event on a positive note! This young person’s experience directly demonstrates the importance of telling our stories, and it also highlights the importance of continuing to support the mission of Okaeri, SL JACL, and all other similar community organizations. We are all united in a common goal of loving and supporting minority groups, and we truly are stronger when we work together. Thank you so much, Okaeri, for putting this event together and for all you do for the community!
By Michael Iwasaki, SL JACL Vice President